DCLM Daily Manna Tuesday June 23rd 2026 Loyalty to The Master

Chuken Hachiko, the loyal dog, became famous for waiting at Shibuya Station (the same spot where he greets his master) in Tokyo every day for nearly 10 years after his master ’s death. In the evening, Hachiko stood on four legs at the ticket gate, gazing at each passenger as if searching for someone. His story symbolises loyalty and devotion, and a statue was erected in his honour at the station. Hachiko’s tale has touched many hearts worldwide, inspiring movies and books. Japanese school children are taught the story of Hachiko, also known as the loyal dog Hachiko, as an example of devotion and fidelity.

Our passage is an eloquent testament to Joseph of Arimathaea’s love for Christ, even at his death. His act exemplified the height of passion, commitment, dedication and consecration to Christ and all He stood for. While Joseph may be considered a secret disciple because he was not known among the twelve, and the women in the text, regarded as weaker vessels, they still displayed heart-warming heroism of faith in Christ. Apart from John the Beloved, one of the twelve disciples, all the other disciples abandoned Jesus at his most trying time and eventual crucifixion. Joseph and the women were different. They risked their lives and ensured the Lord of glory was honoured at burial. Boldly, Joseph requested and got the body of Christ from Pilate and decently laid Him in his new ‘tomb.

The opportunity to serve the body of Christ is always there for us all. The head of the church, Jesus Christ, is in heaven, but his body (the Church) is here, awaiting His return. We can show our love and devotion to Him by loving, caring for, and compassionately relating with our fellow brethren. Needy members and even ministers are all around us. Are we touching them? Seeing sick, diseased, infirmed, afflicted, homeless, imprisoned, hungry and naked brethren around us, how much love have we shown?

On the other hand, have we abandoned the bereaved – widows, widowers and orphans? Just how can we prove that we love Jesus? Have we forgotten what He said? Deeds of kindness to any member of the body of Christ are deeds unto Christ, and shall be rewarded. “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:37- 40). We demonstrate our love for Jesus by loving and caring for His body, the Church. What about the other sheep and lamb outside? The time to start is now