Day5: Akkarekke Yatra Cheyium
(The journey to eternity)
Would you believe me if I told you that a pearl is formed from the layer of muck within an oyster? And the process takes several months. So pearls aren’t just beautiful, but precious in value coz of their nature. You can’t manufacture it, can’t ‘create’ a real one when you wish. It has it’s process. And anything that comes out of a ‘process’ is not just beautiful but of high value and worth. Now, how does all this tie into the meaning of the song?
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Let me take you back to the story in the bible where the disciples are on a boat with a sleeping rabbi, stranded and freaking out at a raging storm that’s about to take them under. Screaming and wailing, they wake up Jesus and plead with him to save them. Jesus, unimpressed by their faith, simply speaks to the storm – Calm down! And?
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And… the sea. Calms. Down.
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The disciples are open-mouthed! Their beloved Rabbi wasn’t just a teacher… they realized. He was (IS) GOD!
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The first few lines of the song translate as “Oh Zion pilgrim who travels to the other side of the shore, don’t be afraid when you see the wind and the waves – The One who controls them is on the boat with you.”
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This beautiful song talks about the One who stands by you – He is on the boat. As you move through life, there are some storms where you panic and call out to Jesus. He hears you, speaks a word, and the situation turns around! Just like that! And you overflow with testimonies!
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But then there are other storms – where you call out to Jesus, but nothing happens. It feels like you are stuck inside an oyster with muck all over. And you wonder why doesn’t He hear you? Those are times when you remember that YOU are the pearl being formed and are going through the ‘process.’ Some storms, He lifts His hand and calms it. And some others, He takes your hand and just sits next to you. In your process. Through it all. Not only does He knows what it’s doing to you, but He is also with you in your boat.
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Prayer:
Father, I am grateful for the storms in my life that always remind me that I’m in the process of becoming something precious just like that of a pearl. Help me to remember that you are always with me, not only in the healing but also in the pain and suffering. Even when I don’t see the miracle, teach me to put my trust in you and know that you will see me through. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
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Scriptures:
Isaiah 43:1-2 (NLT)
“…Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you…”
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Mark 4:35-41 (NLT)
As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!”