Being Like Him - a 40 Day Lenten Devotionalනියැදිය

Incarnation

‘Incarnation’ is a very familiar word in a polytheistic country like India. The word is often reserved solely for the gods to incarnate and not for human beings. But what is interesting about the Christian faith is that God burdens His people to go to unfamiliar territories, to live as one of them, incarnating Christ in love and service.

In a youth camp I was invited to speak at, there was another lady speaker by the name Mercy Mathew. She was also called ‘Daya Bhai’. Her distinctive appearance startled me. She wore an attire of the Indian Tribal women. Her skin, her communication, her food, and even her shelter was just like that of the people of the village she chose to live in. She possessed a degree in nursing, law and social work yet none of it had any semblance in the way she lived to defend the women who were exploited in that village.

She shared an incident that took place when she returned to her home in Kerala once. Her dad who could not recognise her as she stood at the door finally said, “Isn’t this a little too much?”. From the door, she could see a crucifix hanging in the living room. Directly pointing at that crucifix, she responded to her dad saying, “Wasn’t that also a little too much?” She reliably found her chief inspiration from her incarnate Lord who voluntarily left the divine glory of heaven to redeem humankind.

To become like Him in incarnation is challenging, but not impossible. How often do we want to settle down and live undisturbed? Not many of us would be able to undertake what Mercy Mathew did unless we are inspired by Jesus’ incarnation. Yet, how do each of us in our own places choose to identify with the needs of people around us and become an answer to some of their prayers? Many of us know Jesus today because somebody willingly chose to move out of their comfort zone.

Prayer

Lord, as we earnestly desire to become like you, help us to be willing to move out of our comfort zones to make you known by your love and truth. Help us not live a contented selfish life, unconcerned and unmoved, but to be your eyes, heart and ears to those around us. In Jesus name, Amen.