Waters for the Weary, Life for the Lowly
Divine Whispers | by Viju Jeremiah Traven
Before the dawn of creation, the Spirit of God hovered over the formless void to craft the cosmos and prepare a Sanctuary to dwell with Humanity. When Adam fell, the altar of worship at Eden was broken (Genesis 1:2; Isaiah 45:18; 59:2; Exodus 25:8). The Triune God grieved, yet His longing to abide within our hearts remained glowing (Genesis 1:2; 6:6; Isaiah 66:1–2; 2 Corinthians 6:16).
Now, in these final days, the Spirit of Christ whispers: Return to Me, O Bride, I will return to you (Zechariah 1:3; Jeremiah 3:1). Yeshua is not returning for the unfaithful or lukewarm Church. The Biblical narrative speaks of a Bride, rebuilding the spiritual altar of worship to present her body as a pure and holy living sacrifice to please God daily (Revelation 3:15-16; Matthew 25:1-13; Ephesians 5:25-27; Titus 2:13-14; 1 John 3:2-3; Romans 12:1-2).
The Holy Spirit is the Matchmaker, acquainted with the Father’s heart, actively preparing the Bride to unite with Christ (Romans 8:26–27; Matthew 3:11). Every sigh, tremor, and whisper of our soul saying “yes” to Him is woven as a majestic wedding garment, clothing us for CHRIST the KING OF KINGS and the LORD OF LORDS (Revelation 19:7-8; 16; Matthew 22:11-14; Isaiah 61:10; Psalm 45:13-14).
His voice rings out with piercing clarity: “Trim your lamps; let your oil overflow; the midnight cry is near” (Matthew 25:6–7). In a world enslaved by corrupt noises, the Spirit liberates us to dwell in the secret chamber of the King, an invitation for consecration and oneness. If we surrender daily, the Author and Finisher of faith will perfect us as spotless (Romans 8:2; 21; Galatians 1:4; 2 Timothy 2:26; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Philippians 1:6; Jude 1:24).
The Spirit’s sanctifying work on us will not cease until we reflect the radiance of our King until the Bride celebrates His Majesty perpetually (Galatians 4:19). Yeshua has purchased every nation, tribe, tongue, and people of all generations with His holy Blood. He will reign in justice, and His name will be embraced as the hope of all nations (Matthew 12:17–21; Revelation 5:9). Thus, a cry in harmony from Heaven and Earth resounds what Yeshua, the Bridegroom, said earlier: ‘Come!’ says the Spirit and the Bride. Come, all who thirst, drink from the River of Life” (Matthew 11:28; Revelation 22:17).
Until that day of victory, yield, love, watch, and burn with hope. This ache within, to radiate Christ again, the longing for Eden’s restored beauty reminds us of what was lost and ignites our longing for what is to come as the Bridegroom returns (1 Corinthians 15:54-57; Romans 6:13; 12:11-12; 8:19; 22-23; 1 Corinthians 13:13; Matthew 24:42; Revelation 21:1-5). May the Spirit breathe on the Bride again, regenerating her to unveil Christ, the Hope of Glory (Titus 3:5; Isaiah 60:1; Colossians 1:27).
Prayer: Holy Spirit, the All Consuming Fire, burn away all that makes me cold. Let every fiber of my being cry, “Come, Lord Yeshua, reign within me eternally!” Amen.
Reflection: Have I made room for the Spirit’s bridal preparation for the wedding of the Lamb? Am I aligning my heart with God to reflect my Savior’s face before the dark and dying world?
The Cross: The Price He Paid For His Bride
Divine Whispers | by Viju Jeremiah Traven
As Adam, the Father of Humanity, chose ignorance and rebellion over complete obedience, Eden’s splendor vanished into shadow. Creation wailed in primal anguish as sin’s poison infected death in every living thing (Romans 5:12, 8:22). We became cosmic orphans, exiles wandering in dark terrains, separated from the Father’s glory (Isaiah 59:2). Yet in our desolation, the Firstborn Son of God rose like a Warrior-King, the promised Seed Who would crush the old cunning serpent beneath His heel (Genesis 3:15).
Son of Glory, the Almighty appeared in vulnerable flesh (John 1:14). More than a Divine mandate, it is the Bridegroom’s burning pursuit, His heart bleeding with holy longing, resolved to reclaim His beloved forever (Hosea 2:19-20).
On that splintered tree, He hung stripped, ravaged, forsaken. The hands that formed us wonderfully and fearfully were nailed by evil men (Psalm 22:16). The face that outshines the sun was marred beyond recognition (Isaiah 52:14). He was mocked and rejected so that the fallen world might believe Him and be adopted by God as His children born in the Bloodline of Christ (Isaiah 53:3; Luke 18:31-32; John 1:11; Romans 5:8; Ephesians 1:5-6; 2:13).
His Blood, each drop a universe of mercy, poured out as the supreme sacrifice (Hebrews 9:12). The Temple veil was torn asunder by the unseen hands of the Almighty (Matthew 27:51). The ancient barrier between God and man collapsed. The Mercy Seat, once hidden, is now wide open for every broken soul seeking God (Hebrews 4:16). Emerging from the tomb, He carried our names engraved upon His palms into Heaven (Isaiah 49:16).
This Good News is not a mere religious concept but a burning new covenant written in Yeshua’s Blood to rescue us eternally from the penalty of our sin. Now He stands before us asking, “Will you love Me as I have loved you?” (Romans 1:16; Hebrews 8:6-7, 13; Hebrews 5:9; Revelation 3:20; John 13:34; John 21:15). How dare we respond with a lukewarm response when He calls us to inseparable union with His Spirit? Cling to Yeshua, the Bridegroom, Who waits for us to prepare ourselves as His Bride for the wedding feast in Heaven (2 Corinthians 11:2; Revelation 3:15-16; John 15:4-5; 1 Corinthians 6:17; Romans 8:38-39; Ephesians 5:31-32).
Beloved, let us cast aside our filthy garments and consecrate ourselves! The One Who loved us vehemently now knocks on our door, His voice trembling with pure desire, drawing us into the holy chambers of intimacy (Song of Solomon 1:4; Revelation 3:20).
Salvation was never about escaping hell but forever celebrating Christ, the King of Glory (Psalm 24:3-4; 7-10; 1 Corinthians 2:8; Revelation 20:14-15). He endured the Cross not to draw multitudes of undevoted religious converts but to awaken His chosen Bride adorned spotless for Him alone (Ephesians 5:27). The Judge above all has arrived not to condemn the world, but as our Advocate and Bridegroom eager to kiss the Bride (Isaiah 56:5-6; Zephaniah 3:17).
Prayer: Yeshua, the Lover of my soul, let Your passion consume me anew to remain co-crucified with You. Pierce me with the beauty of Your sacrifice until all lesser loves fade. I surrender to Your warm embrace. Claim me again as Your own. Amen.
Reflection: Have I seen the Cross of Christ as our marriage altar? Have I abandoned everything that competes with my devotion to Him? So I give my life as a living sacrifice for One Who bled the Cross to redeem my soul (Romans 12:1-2; Mark 12:30).
The Lament Of The Bridegroom
Divine Whispers | by Viju Jeremiah Traven
Exploring the celestial archives of bygone eras, we behold a soul-aching truth: the sacred flame once ablaze in the Church of the Living God worldwide is flickering. The fragrance of our extravagant first love is fading (Revelation 2:4). Altars once ablaze with living sacrifice now lie buried beneath ruins of cold ritual, hollow tradition, and ecclesiastical apathy. The heart of the Bridegroom laments: Ichabod, the glory has departed (Romans 12:1-2; 1 Samuel 4:21).
We stopped following the cloud of glory and took pride in ephemeral substitutes for intimacy (Exodus 40:36-38; Romans 8:14; Galatians 5:18). Yet, the Jealous King now stands with eyes burning with pure passion, voice thundering like many waters, the Sword flashing from His holy mouth (John 2:17; Exodus 34:14; Revelation 1:14-16). The Crucified Lord calls us back to complete maturity, abiding loyalty, and inseparable oneness (Ephesians 4:13; Romans 8:38-39; Revelation 2:10).
I wandered from nation to nation, longing to celebrate Christ with the remnant who press on to finish well with fire in their bones (Philippians 3:14; 2 Timothy 4:7-8). Yet among the multitudes, I met only a few who bore the fruit of the Spirit in all seasons of life (Galatians 5:22-23).
Denying Christ’s commandment to love one another, we disowned accountability and obstructed transparency (John 13:34-35; Ephesians 5:21; Galatians 5:15). Thus, we failed to co-build the fallen tent of David in union with the Supreme Head (Colossians 1:18;2:10; Ephesians 1:22–23; Acts 15:16-17; Matthew 16:18; John 15:5; 1 Corinthians 3:9). For selfish gain, we abandoned the Cornerstone and aborted the revivals birthed by the Holy Spirit. Thus, we raised the towers of Babel on the sands of manipulation and betrayal (Genesis 11:4-9).
We have dishonored Apostles, muted Prophets, choked Shepherds, belittled Teachers, and forsook Evangelists (Ephesians 4:11-13). Quieting the anointed and qualified fivefold trumpets, we feasted on the whispers of half-truths and Jewish myths (2 Corinthians 3:5-6; Acts 1:8, Luke 4:18; 1 Timothy 1:4; 4:1; 2 Timothy 4:4; Titus 1:14). Enforcing merciless protocols, we blocked the Savior’s face from the desperate, lost, and dying (Luke 11:52; Matthew 15:1-9; 9:13; 23:13).
Nevertheless, the flame of hope still ignites the remnant (Isaiah 1:9; 1 Kings 19:18; Job 14:7-9; Colossians 1:27; Romans 4:18; Lamentations 3:21-23; Jeremiah 29:11). God awakens a dying world to redeem and betroth it to Christ, through their surrender to the life-giving power of the Scripture (2 Corinthians 11:2; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:16; Matthew 22:29; Corinthians 1:18; Isaiah 55:11; Ephesians 5:27). The reformation initiated by the Gospel is not the flicker of a passing revival; it is Heaven’s violent invasion until Christ is fully formed within the spirit of His Bride (Galatians 4:19). So, like King David, I pleaded to the Almighty: “Abba, create in me a pure heart to fulfill my destiny to glorify you (Psalm 51:10).”
O, the redeemed souls of God, may the boundless love of the Father draw us still to kiss the Son of Glory (John 6:44; Psalm 2:12). For the Bridegroom calls: “Return to Me; arise, My darling, My beautiful one, come with Me” (Psalm 2:12; Isaiah 44:22; Song of Songs 1:1; 2:10).
All creation groans for the revelation of the true sons of God. Hence, the Abba Father, through His beloved children, will reveal Yeshua, the only Savior to the ends of the Earth (Psalm 22:27; 45:13; Romans 6:22; Acts 1:8; Galatians 1:16; 4:12; 14:3; Matthew 10:8; 24:14; 28:19-20; Luke 9:2). And the King of Eternity shall descend riding upon the clouds to claim His Bride adorned in His majesty (Revelation 1:7; 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). Empowered by the Spirit of Glory, she shall rise transfigured to reign with Him through endless ages (2 Corinthians 4:8–10; 1 Peter 4:14; Romans 6:4).
O, beloved and highly favored of Elohim, consecrate yourself to embrace the One Who hung the Cross and bled to pour His eternal life into your dying core (Luke 1:28; 2 Corinthians 7:1; John 3:16; 10:10). Soon, He will appear in the clouds with His angels (Acts 1:11). The King of Glory comes to claim His radiant Bride, who bears His brand marks with burning passion (Psalm 45:13-15; Revelation 21:2; Galatians 6:17; 2:20; Romans 12:11). Amen.
Prayer: O beloved Lord and Bridegroom, kiss me with the kisses of Your mouth; may I breathe the fragrance of Your presence eternally (Song of Solomon 1:1-3). Lord, forge my whole being in the furnace of Your unquenchable love. Refine me spotless like transparent gold, forever reflecting the purity unveiling Your transcendent glory (Psalm 96:9. Revelation 21:21). Amen.
Dedication: The Lamb of God, Who calls you His own, loved you with a love stronger than death. Hence, these devotions are a series written as letters from Abba and Yeshua to the Church. One day, beholding the Bride of Christ, the Heavens shall cry: Let us rejoice, be glad, and give Him glory! For the Wedding of the Lamb has come, and His Bride has made herself ready (Revelation 19:7). To the King eternal, immortal, and invisible, the only wise God, be glory, honor, and dominion forever. Amen.
Until He comes,
Viju Jeremiah Traven
Yeshua – The Savior Of Fallen Humanity
Divine whispers | by Viju Jeremiah Traven
In the fullness of time, the Father of Glory, Whose wisdom transcends the ages, sent forth His only begotten Son to declare Heaven’s favor over a race marred by sin (Galatians 4:4-5; John 3:16; Romans 8:3). Though co-equal with God, the Son did not cling to His Divine primacy but emptied Himself, veiling immortal majesty in mortal flesh, that mercy might stoop to embrace the dust of man (Philippians 2:6; John 3:16).
This Divine mission unfolded in Nazareth, a quiet village in Israel. The archangel Gabriel descended with Heaven’s decree to a virgin named Mary, betrothed to Joseph, a descendant of Abraham. “Rejoice, highly favored one,” he proclaimed. “You shall conceive and bear the Son of the Most High.” Thus, the eternal Logos would be made flesh to redeem a world bound in darkness (Luke 1:26-27-32; John 1:5-17; 3:17).
The humble and unknown Virgin Mary received the Word with unwavering faith. No man touched her. Overshadowed by the Holy Spirit, she conceived the Seed of Heaven, Yeshua, the promised Messiah (Matthew 1:23). Faith took root where fear might have reigned. Born in Bethlehem’s simplicity, wrapped in swaddling cloths, the Infinite lay within the arms of the finite. The virgin became Mother Mary, the blessed woman among all women (Luke 1:42).
Far in the East, magi beheld a radiant star piercing the night. Interpreting the celestial sign, they journeyed toward the newborn King of the Jews. Guided by Divine light, they found the Child, bowed in reverence, and laid before Him gifts of Gold for His kingship, frankincense for His Divinity, and myrrh for His sacrificial identity (Matthew 2:1-12; 9-11). Heaven’s Bright Morning Star had arisen, full of grace and truth, to shatter sin’s yoke and the dominion of death (John 1:17; Revelation 22:16).
Without any human force from outside, now God’s Word blazes in believing hearts like holy fire. We are summoned to co-labor in building His Kingdom, a realm of righteousness, peace, and Spirit-born joy. Though we bear Adam’s fractured image, the Spirit of the Lamb, Who was slain before time began, restores His followers to Divine likeness (Genesis 1:27; Revelation 13:8; Jeremiah 23:29; Luke 24:32; 1 Corinthians 3:9; Romans 5:12; Revelation 13:8; Colossians 3:10).
He came not for the righteous but for the ruined, not for the proud but for the powerless. His incarnation was Heaven’s rescue mission. To all who confess Yeshua and receive Him as Lord and Savior, salvation flows freely from God (Mark 2:17; 1 Timothy 1:15; Luke 19:10; Romans 10:9-10; Ephesians 2:8-9). Scripture declares: “None is righteous,” and “No other name under Heaven has been given by which we must be saved” (Romans 3:10; Acts 4:12).
Therefore, every knee shall bow, and every tongue confesses: Yeshua the Messiah is Lord—to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10). This is the Gospel of Hope, which unfolds the dawn of redemption for fallen Humankind.
Prayer: Yeshua, let the wonder of Your incarnation awaken my soul. Wipe my tears, silence my fears, and fill my heart with inexplicable joy. I yield to You, my King, my Savior, my Lord. Amen.
Reflection: Have I surrendered to the King Who humbled Himself to reach me? Is there room in my heart for the Word made flesh—today?
The Story Behind the Cross
Source: The Story Behind the Cross
The Story Behind the Cross
The Story Of A Valiant Conqueror
Chikku Kuriakose the son of Pastor. K.P Kuriakose was called by God as a disciple of Christ to spread the Good News of Great Joy to the ends of the earth. In a legalistic Pentecostal culture which doesn’t recognize or honor Musicians and Singers unlike the time of King David or Solomon, Chikku was a God raised voice in this generation. Voices get silenced after souls depart, but Chikku’s voice still reverberates in our hearts by the extensive work of grace. His albums will continue to minister through the songs of praise he rendered with a heart of worship.
His voice: This young Royal Priest was gifted with a God breathed voice bringing glory to Christ Jesus our Lord and King. In Choral music the range of musical notes he sung falls in the category ‘Baritone’. His masculine voice overflowing with compassion portrays the Father heart of God. His voice was unique and soothing with textures pleasing to the ears. The choice of Christian songs he sang, the time and style of its delivery edified the audience. Every time he lifted Christ above all names, the Spirit of the Lord manifested to solace broken lives. If you want to console someone in sorrow, I highly recommend Chikku’s songs for that purpose.
His preparation as a warrior of faith: Before this young man visited the nations God blessed him with skills and anointing for ministry. I thank God for the love and support he received from the Firewings team of ministers and Raison Thomas, his mentor, who stood with him until the very end. Without true covering of elders no young man can come up to the national and international pulpits where Chikku stood. But from his teenage days God helped him grow mature through the hard terrains of life with financial scarcity, rejection from spiritual people and desperation caused by Cancer. However God healed him miraculously and established Chikku as a noble minister before the belittling persecutors. Years later suddenly when cancer reappeared, by faith he retaliated like a triumphant warrior singing songs of hope and victory. I remember what the Apostle Paul said: “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death works in us, but life in you.”– 2 Corinthians 4:8-12
The Challenges in the Ministry of a Royal Priest: The life and development of a performing singer born anywhere in the world is not so easy. And to rise up to a professional performing stage or studio circuit in India is even harder, especially in the highly opinionated and critical Christian traditions of Kerala. The chemistry of great singing is the synergy of a God given voice; breathe control, sense of rhythm and melody, selection and range of notes, microphone technique, tonality, largeness of heart and brilliance of intellect to bring out the emotion and the essence of any song alive. A good singer should be daring and adaptable to sing his unique style to compliment the sound of music. Chikku had the trademarks of a class singer. A strong lower back for a good posture is mandatory for any voice worker, but Chikku had major issues with his back and hip. A singer needs good lung power and stamina to do long performing sessions. However fragility failed to deactivate the violent inner vigour God put inside of him. In his weakness rendering a song well was a great miracle of grace.
A worship minister’s mission is to liberate worshippers from distractions by helping them focus on Christ the King of Glory. First he should make sure he himself is not a distraction nor an object of worship in front of people. With reverence and awe when the worship minister accesses the Throne of Grace to see the Lord’s face, his intercession and praise unveils his soul before God and people. If this results in a deeper communion with God, he and his listeners may receive the mercy of Christ from the Holy of Holies. Chikku did this ministry of a Priest with no sign of defeat or despair; no one knew his personal agony. Ministry was his passion and he paid a cost to do it well. He never sounded like a victim, because he did minister as a victor. Yes, in Chikku’s live stage and studio performances cancer was utterly defeated. He never gave up his hope in Christ until the last breath. To my knowledge he withdrew from singing on stage only twice because he was too tired. This is a phenomenal victory of an artist challenged by a life threatening disease. So I remember Chikku as a valiant conqueror of faith through Christ the Lord Who strengthened him.
The Historic Home coming service: His home coming service evidenced how people loved this young worshipper more than those with power, position, seniority or authority. We can make a wedding, a graduation or an ordination service look grand by inviting special guests and making stunning arrangements. Though no one is individually invited, a farewell service is where we see how God honours His beloved through what He did for the remembrance of that day. All of us will face such a day where God will expose who we are and how we have impacted lives by following Christ faithfully. Here the whole world saw how God and His Saints honoured Chikku the young warrior of faith. But insecure leaders like King Saul humiliate and abandon anointed artists like David the man after God’s own heart. Spiritual pride mixed with jealousy give rise to fault-finding experts with a spirit of Cain. Their wickedness condemns and oppresses those who are appointed to reflect the Majesty of Christ. Unfortunately in Kerala, artistic excellence and spiritual relevance of the great artists are recognized only at clichéd funeral speeches. This culture refuses to give an individual his intrinsic value as he lives but pays tribute after he is dead. Nevertheless Chikku’s farewell created a historic awakening over this sheer ignorance existing today.
Many thousands gathered wherever his body was kept even for few minutes starting from the hospital in Kochi to the place of burial in Chingavanam. Everywhere people paid their last respects and got inspired beyond words to live or die for the cause of Christ. I personally thank God for Pastor. Babu Cherian of IPC for the brilliant message he spoke in the funeral; Pastor. V A Thambi and the New India Church of God and Firewings for their involvement in his farewell. Like never before in a funeral, believers welcomed the move of the Holy Spirit shifting the atmosphere of mourning into a celebration of thanksgiving and praise. The popular figures in the Malayalam Christian Worship Ministry stood united with a flame of passion to boldly sing praises to God for Chikku their Blood brother. People from the entire Malayalam body of Christ worldwide joined live on-line with tears in their eyes. True worshippers globally experienced the presence of God sweeping them like a tidal wave during that unified adoration. Thousands heard pure Gospel and saw the power of the Message of the Cross setting souls free from the fear of death. Many people accepted Christ and received inner healing and hope, many returned to their first love for the Lord. The video presentation which showed Chikku singing caused a heart pouring Congregational worship. The funerals of the true Disciples of Christ will never be the same; it will be filled with awesome praise and worship. However I am sorry for the regular musicians of Chikku. Keyboard players like Jince, Blemin, Joemon, Bass player Saji, Drummers like Abe and Kochu Roy accompanied him day and night for the ministry. But in the funeral service no one invited them to share their hearts about their beloved friend. Such mistakes should never happen again in a musician’s funeral.
His testimony and family: Chikku witnessed how the Divine Power of Christ ended his suffering from Cancer when it appeared first. God’s grace enabled Him to fulfil the purpose of the extension of his life for partaking in the Great Commission of Christ. A few years after his healing I visited Chikku at Calicut as he went for the hip replacement surgery. Orthopaedic Surgeons of Baby Memorial Hospital meticulously studied his case and found no threat of cancer; they made sure he is healthy enough to go through a complex surgery. In the operation theater young Chikku was singing praises softly. When doctors heard it they turned off the ambient music inside the theater to hear him sing. They experienced a divine peace in the atmosphere and it complimented the success of his surgery. Yes, our God appears on the praises of His people.
Chikku really wanted to take care of his entire family and he did his best for them. He took real good care of his sister and mother. The previous day of his demise he laid hands and blessed his younger brother Ruphose to go for a ministry at Tamilnadu. And later on the funeral service itself the elders laid hands and blessed Ruphose once again to continue in the Ministry of Reconciliation. Chikku’s success was also from the godly counsel he received time to time from his humble father Pastor. K P Kuriakose.
The reflections from the life of this young hero of faith: In 2013 after seeing him losing weight in a frightening pace, I sincerely prayed for him. I asked him several times about this, but he never disclosed anything. His close mentors advised him for a check up. Gifted ministers like Sajith Kannur received revelations from God about his physical condition, yet he rejected those warnings. He firmly believed Cancer cannot take his life away until the appointed hour. Regardless of what may come he knew God is mighty to heal him a second time. Chikku had every right to believe this because Christ holds the key of death and Hades. He was unafraid; nevertheless he wanted to prevent lies spreading against him. He was right; gossipers in the spiritual world are merciless murderers. Nearly seven hours before his demise, fake news showed up saying: Chikku is no more.
Sin alienated mankind from God the Creator of life. Without His glory our flesh became subjective to decay. To regain immortality we have to believe and submit to Christ the Savior. We should inherit His eternal Kingdom by faith as we dwell in this perishable world. To fulfil our earthly responsibilities God will amply supply all our needs. But our union with Him is our supreme need. Before seeking prophets and healing ministers, we must cling on to Christ Himself first. Bond with Yeshua and believe the Word He speaks to us directly. Then we will see His glory much before our body and soul getting weak through a crisis. Because repentance is not possible in coma; we need to gain wisdom from our daily walk with God. At Gethsemane Christ confessed His faith in the power of His Father Who can do a miracle to save Him from dying. Son of God became a Man of sorrows and sweats His blood in agony, but the Father was silent. Father gave no hope for a miracle. Because Christ came to give us hope for the everlasting life through our faith in His death and resurrection. At last His sacrificial love for us destroyed the works of the spirit of fear. Christ gave Himself to die in our place to gain the forgiveness of our sins that separated us from God. For this purpose the Lamb of God was slain for all on the cross. The perfect love brings perfect submission to accept and do the perfect will of God.
Psalms 90:3 says: You turn man back into dust And say, “Return, O children of men”. In my experience when God called souls to return home, those who hoped in Christ to finish well yielded to the Lord’s voice adoringly. Such saints saw the Lord on the receiving end and blissfully vanished like a vapour in the wind. For them death was a peaceful passage to enter the Glory of Christ. Nevertheless the other believers who never responded to the upward pull from God rebelled against Him. Without seeking the Kingdom of God and its Supreme objective their souls were locked up with the unworthy things of this momentary world. And they fell into deep emotional mess and drowned in all kinds of adversity. Without dwelling with Christ the Hope of Glory, death became a terror for them. Paul is exhorting all of us to gain the immortal hope which never turns into a misery. 1Corinthians 15:19 says: “If we who are [abiding] in Christ have hope only in this life and that is all, then we are of all people most miserable and to be pitied”. In a corporate fellowship we may experience the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in a mighty way. But if our personal dilemma remains, we must individually bond more with Christ and get our answers directly from our intimate conversations with Him. When we share our private sorrows with the saints who really care, a united intercession or a healing ministry glorifying Christ may cause a miracle. But a gift of miracle is the work of God’s mercy for the praise of His glory. More than the miracle we wait for, God may have a superior purpose to accomplish. Romans 9:16 says: So then [God’s gift] is not a question of human will and human effort, but of God’s mercy. [It depends not on one’s own willingness nor on his strenuous exertion as in running a race, but on God’s having mercy on him]. So unquestionably surrender our freewill to Christ as we believe to witness the greater glory of His Lordship over us. His Grace is sufficient in our weakness. It will empower us to die daily to walk by faith in the power of His Resurrection. The true Gospel liberates us from the fear of death. Christ said: “I am the Resurrection and Life, he who believes in Me will live even if he dies and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this” – John 11:25-26
The lessons I learned from my dad who faced cancer: My dad [Kattachayan] was a man of faith; he survived a Cancer surgery in 1978. But cancer reappeared after six months. We had no money to go for another surgery. He quit medicines believing what the Bible said “My righteous one shall live by faith” – Hebrews 10:38. By faith in Christ he lived twenty two years with no medical treatments done until Cancer reappeared again in his body. I asked my dad three days before he departed, Papa tell me what is going on? And he said, if this is a test of faith, I will overcome now, but if this is the call to return home, I will fly! True saints have a sense of urgency in their soul to return home when God calls. When our eyes met the last time, we both knew we will not see again on earth. Someone said, “Children walk to school, they run back home”. We must acknowledge and confess that we are strangers and temporary residents and exiles upon the earth. Paul the Citizen of Heaven once wrote, “For me to live is Christ and die is gain” –Philippians 1:21. God never did a second miracle to heal my dad, but He changed our lives miraculously. My dad’s absence exposed the lack of God’s presence in our family. And that spiritual barrenness shattered me. From fifteen years of backsliding, I returned to the Lord with full-time commitment in ministry. My mother decided to follow Christ and got baptised in water.
More than miracles embrace the Divine purpose of the God of Wonders. Our faith should rest in God’s purpose, or else our faith may cause unrest. Many have faith in faith, but true faith in Christ the Author and Finisher of faith make us gain immortality. Christ is the Alpha and the Omega; life extension is possible by faith in Him. Therefore if it is not the God appointed hour to go home, believe He will enable you to overcome now. And if this is the day to return, then joyfully surrender our spirit to Christ and be ready to fly home. But to know the hour clearly, abide in Christ inseparably. Whatever is the hour, remember, Christ is the God of eternity. He created the planets and the galaxies. He sustains them all until today. God remains faithful even when we are not; He cares for us and all our loved ones.
My last visit to Chikku and his sweet goodbye: Two weeks before Chikku left us all, he openly confessed to his friends about his change of heart regarding his spiritual life and attitude. He honestly mentioned the need for spending time alone with God more than becoming too busy in the ministry. He explained how he renewed his mind according to the life changing realizations Christ gave him personally before he passed away. Now to the rest of us on earth the Lord has a question deep from His heart. “Do you love me more than these”. Let the unquenchable passion of Christ burning in us help us show complete obedience of faith in our journey. He is able to make us stand blameless before His Majesty.
In October 2014 at Wellcare Hospital Kochi, near his bed I sang thanksgiving and praise to God for his life and ministry. I felt, that was my final fellowship moments with him unless God does a miracle again. At last I saw him less than a minute in his brand new house. We spoke nothing but I remember his blissful eyes saying goodbye to my soul. Later one week before he passed away I saw a dream. In that with an electrifying smile he said, “Vijucha, I am going home”. During his last days Chikku had a vision from Christ the Owner of his soul. From what I gathered, I feel the Lord graciously said, “Come up here my beloved”. As I conclude his great story here, his body is resting on earth. And his spirit has returned to Christ Who has bought him with His Blood to crown his head with the life eternal. I hope to see my Blood brother someday when the Lord says, “Come up here” to me. Until then may I humbly follow the Spirit of Christ in every breath I take and every step I make. May the Grace of the soon coming Messiah prosper our souls without a spot. Let His Spirit cause us to conquer this world and celebrate eternity in the Kingdom of Light. Amen! –www.vjtraven.com
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