CHRISTEN SECTION

A LESSON IN CHARCOAL BASKET

An old man lived with his young grandson on a beautifully landscaped farmhouse. From his childhood days, he would see his grandpa regularly wake up at dawn for morning prayers and regularly read his old worn out Holy Bible. The grandson admired his grandpa and would always imitate this. One fine morning during breakfast, the child asked him, “Grandpa, I try my best to read the Holy Bible, just like you, but I fail to understand it. Not only that it so happens that I forgot what I read as soon as I close the book. What then, is the use of reading it? Neither do I understand it nor do I remember it!”

Grandfather thought for some time. He then moved towards the stove and emptied the coal basket, saying, “My dear, would you mind taking this basket to the river and return with a basket of water.” “Sure, dada anything for you.” Saying this he ran off to the river. Grandpa waited at the courtyard, waiting and watching for him. By the time his grandson reached home, the water leaked off. The old man encouraged him saying, “Don’t worry, you have to move a bit more faster. You can do it! Come on! Rush now.”This time the child ran faster, as faster as his legs could take him; but the result was the same with the tiredness and breathlessness increasing. After trying repeatedly he told his grandpa, “Dada, it is impossible to bring water in a basket; let me get it in a bucket.” “But dear, basket of water is what I need; not a bucket of it. Try a bit harder. I know my boy can do it.”

By this though the boy knew it was impossible yet did not want to hurt grandpa and tried to prove his mettle. He tried harder; his heart saying it was impossible began to beat faster; yet he tried to cover the voice of his heart by the swiftness of his legs. However determination overcame tiredness, and as he sat near his grandpa with his wet empty basket saying, “O grandpa! Its useless!”

“Do you really think it’s useless? Look at the basket, my child!” He looked at the basket and was astonished. The coal basket had been spotlessly clean as new! The wise grandpa now took his grandson in his lap as he continued saying, “This is exactly what happens when you regularly read the Holy Bible. You might not understand a word; there would be days when you would not remember anything; yet when you regularly read the Holy Book; it will change you inside out.  That is God’s work in our lives that changes us and slowly transforms us into the image of His beloved Son.”

How wondrous is the deeds a Word of God can do in your life! It always delights us; so it is never a matter of boredom or feeling of waste of time. God’s Word can protect you from sinning; also clean your present sinful human nature. Presenting you with a new and fresh understanding about the love of God; it will reveal His awesome plans for your life. The more you read His Word, you will discover the wonderful things He has stored up for your life. How would you get to know a person thoroughly unless you take an effort to meet or communicate with that person? So is it with God! Many people know about God, but dear children, only few know God. More than a religion ‘Christianity’ is about a relation with God. To meet up a friend would you not take the effort to go and convene them personally? Similarly if you desire to be God’s friend-you need to work on your friendship; the bond will be stronger and tighter as per your effort in it. The time you dedicate with Him will be greatly rewarded. So shall we make Lord Jesus, our friend by reading a small portion of the Word of God daily? With your parent’s permission allot some time during this summer vacation to read the Holy Bible with your friends and yes, do share the Holy Book if any of friend requests you for it.

May the Lord bless you and take care of you. May He be kind and gracious to you. May the Lord look on you with favour and give you peace.

With love filled blessings,

Your Sister in Christ