“YESHU BHAKTI DIVAS” – INDIAN CHRISTIAN DAY

Today, the 3rd July is celebrated as “YESHU BHAKTI DIVAS” or the INDIAN CHRISTIAN DAY in India. This is a very significant date in the Church history of India. It is celebrated to  commemorate the arrival of apostle Thomas in India, in 52 AD, highlighting almost 2,000-year legacy of indigenous Christian faith in India. Wish you all a happy “INDIAN CHRISTIAN DAY” dear brothers and sisters.

The first disciples, heeding to the call of the LORD Jesus Christ, travelled wherever the Holy Spirit of God led them, bringing the good news of the gospel to the people of that land.
– “8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” – Acts 1:8
– “18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.” – Matthew 28:18-20

The above two passages from the Bible, the command from the LORD Jesus, is the reason for the disciples of our LORD and Master to travel far and wide, disregarding the risks and dangers involved. All the disciples of the LORD Jesus died as martyrs, except John. It speaks about their commitment to the LORD Jesus, and their willingness to walk the Narrow Path, despite the dangers and the death. This is being a true Christian disciple. Not that we seek and search for dangers and  death, but if ever they cross our way as we walk with our LORD, then we should be willing to walk through all dangers, including death. This is being a true Christian disciple of the LORD Jesus Christ, walking faithfully in the rich and illustrious tradition laid out by the first disciples, and the early Christians.
– “23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” – Luke 9:23-24

The apostle Thomas did arrive in 52 AD, on the south western coast of India, which is the presented day state of Kerala. He lived the gospel and preached the LORD Jesus Christ through his words and his life. In 72 AD he was speared to his death, at a place called Mylapore, which is the present-day city of Chennai, because of his faith and his witness to the LORD Jesus Christ. He died a martyrs death.

The disciples of the LORD Jesus left us a very fine example to follow. We are called out from darkness into His marvellous light, so that we shine brightly for the LORD Jesus, and declare His praises in the world.
– “9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:” – 1 Peter 2:9
– “16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16

How are we faring as the disciple of the LORD Jesus Christ? Do others notice that we are Christians? Are we living our lives for the LORD Jesus who gifted us life, when we actually deserved death? – Romans 3:23; 6;23. Let us always remember that this life that we have, is a gift from God, because of the precious and priceless sacrifice which the LORD Jesus had made for our sins, and for our redemption on the Cross of Calvary. But for the blood of the LORD Jesus Christ, shed for us on the cross, we had no chance whatsoever to be redeemed from our sis and our certain and eternal death. God, out of His grace and mercy had redeemed us. May we always walk worthy of His name, and bring Him glory and honour all the days of our lives. Even so, the LORD help us.