EmmDev 2025-11-07 [Moments with Mark] Eternal Perspective

Eternal Perspective

The Sadducees didn't believe in eternal life and the resurrection - that's why they were so "sad you see"...

They were materialistic - living in the moment and ridiculing the reality that we are eternal souls. Jesus uses the Scriptures, that they weren't reading properly, to refute them.

Then the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Him with a question. "Teacher," they said, "Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man must marry the widow and have children for his brother. Now there were seven brothers. The first one married and died without leaving any children. The second one married the widow, but he also died, leaving no child. It was the same with the third. In fact, none of the seven left any children. Last of all, the woman died too. At the resurrection whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?" Jesus replied, "Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God? When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. Now about the dead rising -- have you not read in the book of Moses, in the account of the bush, how God said to him, 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob' ? He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You are badly mistaken!" (Mark 12:18-27)

The question of the Sadducees was designed to make Jesus look foolish and to promote their materialistic worldview. They pose their question as a theological conundrum, drawing on the Old Testament tradition of Levirate marriage where a man had to marry his brother's widow to preserve the family line. They use an extreme example of seven brothers and one wife.

Jesus makes two points:

• In heaven we won't be marrying. (More than that, you're using a finite argument in an infinite reality.)
• You don't know your Scriptures well enough.

Then He gives an example of Eternal Life in the Torah: God doesn't say "I was the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob", but "I am." This makes two important points: It alludes to the covenant name of God "I AM WHO I AM", but also indicates that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and are not past tense, but eternal souls who still know the LORD as their God.

There are a couple of takeaway points here:

1. We should be sure to know the Scriptures well.
2. If we opt for materialism and settle for only this life we are badly mistaken! We are eternal beings and so we should heed the famous advice of the missionary and martyr, Jim Elliot, who said "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."
3. There are lots of "I am the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob" passages that Jesus could have quoted. But He quotes Moses at the burning bush. I think this is because later in that same passage God tells Moses: "I have seen, I have heard and I am concerned and so I have Come Down."
   I think Jesus is hinting about His Mission.
   He has seen, heard and is concerned and has Come Down.

What an amazing God who creates us with eternity in our hearts (Ecc.3:11) and comes to save us when we have lost our way!

---

EmmDev 2025-11-05 [Moments with Mark] Funny Money

Funny Money

Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch Him in his words. They came to Him and said, "Teacher, we know you are a man of integrity. You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?Should we pay or shouldn't we?" But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. "Why are you trying to trap me?" He asked. "Bring me a denarius and let me look at it." They brought the coin, and He asked them, "Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?" "Caesar's," they replied. Then Jesus said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." And they were amazed at Him. (Mark12:13-17)

This is one of my favourite accounts of Jesus dealing with those who tried to trap Him.

The irony is thick even before the debate starts because Herodians and Pharisees didn't usually get on with each other. The Herodians supported supported King Herod and Roman rule and they supported taxation which kept the stability of Roman rule. They were not religious but aligned with the ruling elite. The Pharisees were very religious and promoted strict adherence to the Jewish Law (Torah) and oral traditions. They opposed Roman rule but tolerated it for practical reasons but were not in favour of taxes. But they have put aside their differences because they feel so threatened by Jesus.

Their question is a nasty trap. "Should we pay taxes or not?"
This test was to get Jesus into trouble.
It was a lose-lose religious-political test.

• Say "yes" and the crowd will be disappointed that Jesus is siding with the oppressors
• Say "no" and He can be reported to the Romans for treason and sedition.

Jesus' response is brilliant.

• Show me a coin - Jesus has none
• Who's head is on it - The coin had a graven image (an image of Caesar on it.) It would make the carrier unclean. That's why the temple had money changers who swapped Roman Denarius for Tyrian shekels. The coin represented Caesar's dominion and reign. (I kind of hope it was a Pharisee and not a Herodian who pulled it out of his pocket! That would make the irony even thicker...)
• "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." This is such an elegant solution. It cuts through the false dichotomy the Heroidian-Pharisees had created. (It's also a clear example of the separation of Church and State.)

There are three takeaways here:

1. The incredible wisdom of Jesus and how He cuts to the heart of issues.
2. The duplicity of evil and the unholy alliances and false dichotomies that often lie at the heart of it's strategies.
3. The importance of being faithful to God, but also to do what is required of the state. We see the same thing in Paul's letter to the Romans where he urges obedience to the state in matters of state that do not conflict with the Gospel.

---

EmmDev 2025-11-04 [Moments with Mark] A Chilling Story

A Chilling Story

Welcome back to EmmDevs and our series, "Moments with Mark," after the Month of Mission. I think you will agree with me that our Month of Mission theme "Partners in Mission," was really inspiring and stimulating, and we give thanks for the variety of writers and perspectives. Now we return to "Moments in Mark."

The devotion comes before the reading today...

Recap: It's Holy Week and we're at Tuesday, after Jesus overturned the tables in the temple courts on Monday. The Pharisees, Sadducees, Priests and Teachers of the Law have been opposing Jesus and trying to trap Him.

Jesus knows that their opposition will escalate, and so He tells a parable...

It is a very gripping parable that explains in a practical sense what the religious leaders have been doing and will do. In the parable, we see that Jesus is looking backward and forward. He's looking back at how the prophets were abused and mistreated in the past and He's looking ahead to what will happen to Him.

As such, this is a powerful example of speaking truth to power.
He is not making a flat-out accusation that could be dismissed on the basis of a tiny technicality, instead He tells it in the form of a parable where the dots can be joined but no slander or libel can be claimed. It's a case of "Well, if the shoe fits..."

It's also powerful because it is evocative. The story draws us in and we feel a sense of outrage at their bad behaviour. We also get a sense of the significant patience of the vineyard owner.

It's even more chilling because we know that this is what happened in the end... and so having Jesus "predict" this so graphically and poetically is quite profound!

It reminds us that we are indeed much loved...

He then began to speak to them in parables: "A man planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a pit for the winepress and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and went away on a journey. At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants to collect from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. But they seized him, beat him and sent him away empty-handed. Then he sent another servant to them; they struck this man on the head and treated him shamefully. He sent still another, and that one they killed. He sent many others; some of them they beat, others they killed. "He had one left to send, a son, whom he loved. He sent him last of all, saying, 'They will respect my son.' "But the tenants said to one another, 'This is the heir. Come, let's kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.' So they took him and killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. "What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others. Haven't you read this scripture: "The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes ?" Then they looked for a way to arrest Him because they knew He had spoken the parable against them. But they were afraid of the crowd; so they left Him and went away. (Mark12:1-12)

---

EmmDev 2025-10-31 [Partners in Mission (Month of Mission 2025)] Partners forgive Hurt

Partners forgive Hurt

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew6:14-15)

These words of Jesus are part of a body of teaching called the Sermon on the Mount. It is a set of teachings on how followers of Jesus should live. These two verses come after the so called Lord's Prayer which include the words "forgive us our trespassers as we forgive those who trespass against us". God's forgiveness of us is conditional on us forgiving others.

The Apostle Paul writes these words - "therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Eph 4:1-3). Humility, gentleness, patience, tolerance, love, unity, peace. These are the ways which we as partners in mission need to live. We have this calling from God, our mission, and in order for this partnership to work we need to live with these virtues forming the substance of all our relationships. Paul ends Chapter 4 (v32) in Ephesians with this simple instruction echoing the teaching of Jesus -- "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you".

The Apostle Peter in his second letter speaks of the virtues of Christian living. He then underpins them saying -- "For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins." (2 Peter 1:8-9). If we are to be effective and fruitful partners in mission forgiveness has to be part of our relationships. And the place which reminds us of the forgiveness of our sins is The Cross. Kneeling at the foot of The Cross keeps us humble as we recognise that we are forgiven sinners. And the first thing we do as we step out in the shadow of The Cross is to forgive others. We then complete the circle. God forgives us and we then forgive others. There is power in this -- Holy Spirit power. Without this power our mission is doomed to failure and our partnerships with each other in achieving this mission will be broken.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father help us to forgive others as you have forgiven us that you may work powerfully in our lives and so equip us for your mission in this world. In Jesus' name. Amen.

--------------------------------------
Reverend Michael Craig is a minister in the Egoli Presbytery appointed to the shared ministry of St Giles, Norwood and St Ninians, Parktown North. His roots are in the rural Eastern Cape. He has three adult children Christie Anne, Ashleigh and Zanda,

And so that brings us to the end of the Month of Mission. We express grateful thanks to our writers who have served us through their inspirational writing: (All titles omitted) "Amon Kasambala, Richard Mkandawire, Wayne van Heerden, Anna Banda, Edward Chirwa, Lentikile Mashoko, Mthokozisi Hlela, Khanyiswa Mphuthi, Norest Ajapa, Sonye Banda, Allan Paskwababiri, Zwai Mtyhobile, Christel Erasmus, Olivia Mutandare, Chala Habasila, Melanie Cook, Nelson Mokone, Bukela Hans, Biggie Msusa, Judith Mkandawire, Graham Fryer and Mike Craig. We also thank the Mission and Discipleship Committee's Month of Mission Team: Wayne van Heerden, Richard Mkandawire, Matshidiso Piroe, Brian Mazanhi, Stewart Gordon and Theo Groeneveld. Finally, this whole effort is dedicated to the initiator of the Missio Dei, the One who first loved us and then came to rescue us. To Father, Son and Holy Spirit: SOLI DEO GLORIA!

EmmDev 2025-10-30 [Partners in Mission (Month of Mission 2025)] How Partners deal with unbelief and doubt

How Partners deal with unbelief and doubt

But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. (2Corinthians12:9)

In our walk with Christ, we as believers, will often face many trials and see the suffering of humanity with lenses that zoom in on lost hope and lost joy. Unfortunately, this may often lead, not only to doubt, but also to unbelief. However, as we examine Paul's second letter to the Corinthian Church, focusing on chapter 12 verse 9, we are reminded of the sufficiency of God's grace and Christ's power as we navigate this fallen world.

In this letter we have a beautiful example of the tenderness of a spiritual shepherd who is sensitive to the needs of his flock. One of the clear needs was to address the meaning of Christian suffering; a topic many believers have struggled and wrestled with over the years, especially those in the ministry. This is where our knowledge and understanding of Who God is becomes vital, for it is in our knowledge and understanding of God that we come to know His grace through faith, which produces in us a sense of hope that goes against all odds. Charles Spurgeon once said, "Men will never become great in divinity until they become great in suffering."

For it is in our suffering, our weaknesses, that God's grace is made evident in our lives, for it is by the grace of God that we can proclaim boldly that this too shall pass. A boast not in our own strength, but in the power of Christ alone. And we would do well to remember God's word to the Ephesian Church, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith --- and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God --- not by works, so that no one can boast."

Whether you are in ministry, out in the mission field, or simply navigating this world in your walk with Christ -- suffering, trials, and weakness is inevitable. But... it is in these times that we need to hold fast to the promise that God's grace is sufficient to see us through these times, we need to trust that Christ's power is far reaching, making even the weakest amongst us bold and fearless. So, my brother and sisters in Christ , I encourage you to run your race with endurance, trusting in the Lord and in His ways, knowing that His grace is sufficient and that in weakness Christs power rests on each of us. As Nelson Mandela said, "It always seems impossible until it's done."
---------------------------------------------
Graham Fryer, happily married to Joslyn, father of Caleb (with a little girl on the way). I am currently called to serve at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Lynnwood, Pretoria. Happy Missions and Reformation month. May God be with you.

---

EmmDev 2025-10-30 [Partners in Mission (Month of Mission 2025)] How Partners deal with unbelief and doubt

How Partners deal with unbelief and doubt

But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." (2Corinthians12:9)

In our walk with Christ, we as believers, will often face many trials and see the suffering of humanity with lenses that zoom in on lost hope and lost joy. Unfortunately, this may often lead, not only to doubt, but also to unbelief. However, as we examine Paul's second letter to the Corinthian Church, focusing on chapter 12 verse 9, we are reminded of the sufficiency of God's grace and Christ's power as we navigate this fallen world.

In this letter we have a beautiful example of the tenderness of a spiritual shepherd who is sensitive to the needs of his flock. One of the clear needs was to address the meaning of Christian suffering; a topic many believers have struggled and wrestled with over the years, especially those in the ministry. This is where our knowledge and understanding of Who God is becomes vital, for it is in our knowledge and understanding of God that we come to know His grace through faith, which produces in us a sense of hope that goes against all odds. Charles Spurgeon once said, "Men will never become great in divinity until they become great in suffering."

For it is in our suffering, our weaknesses, that God's grace is made evident in our lives, for it is by the grace of God that we can proclaim boldly that this too shall pass. A boast not in our own strength, but in the power of Christ alone. And we would do well to remember God's word to the Ephesian Church, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith --- and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God --- not by works, so that no one can boast."

Whether you are in ministry, out in the mission field, or simply navigating this world in your walk with Christ -- suffering, trials, and weakness is inevitable. But... it is in these times that we need to hold fast to the promise that God's grace is sufficient to see us through these times, we need to trust that Christ's power is far reaching, making even the weakest amongst us bold and fearless. So, my brother and sisters in Christ , I encourage you to run your race with endurance, trusting in the Lord and in His ways, knowing that His grace is sufficient and that in weakness Christs power rests on each of us. As Nelson Mandela said, "It always seems impossible until it's done."
---------------------------------------------
Graham Fryer, happily married to Joslyn, father of Caleb (with a little girl on the way). I am currently called to serve at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Lynnwood, Pretoria. Happy Missions and Reformation month. May God be with you.

---

EmmDev 2025-10-29 [Partners in Mission (Month of Mission 2025)] How a Partner deals with the World

How a Partner deals with the World

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John16:33)

Christ's words, recorded here, are among the most precious in the gospel of John. This statement combines teaching, remembrance, warning, and encouragement. Becoming a Christian does not guarantee an easy life. In fact, Jesus has made it clear that following Him can lead to persecution (John 16:1--4). The joy held by born-again believers comes from knowing that Christ has already obtained ultimate victory, and nothing in this world can undo that (Romans 8:38--39). That Christ made it clear, in advance, that hard times will come (John 15:20--21) should reassure believers: these situations do not take God by surprise.

Several times during the Last Supper, Jesus has pointed out that He is purposely giving advance warning. His explicit purpose for this is encouragement; rather than reacting in fear or confusion, Christians should be aware that those experiences are part of God's greater plan. The book of Hebrews, especially chapter 11, celebrates heroes of the faith who chose to "hold fast" and trust in God. That trust, Scripture shows, was well-placed, even if fulfillment of God's promises didn't come until after those believers had passed into eternity.

The "peace" Jesus speaks of is not worldly comfort, or even happiness. This is the confident "rest" (Matthew 11:28--30) believers experience when they set aside anxiety (Matthew 6:25--34), and trust God to work out His will.

As is common in both ancient literature and biblical prophecy, Jesus speaks of something guaranteed by God as if it has already happened. Prior to this Last Supper, Christ overcame the temptations of a human life (Hebrews 4:15) and the direct lures of Satan (Matthew 4:1--11). The greater victory, however, will come after His arrest (John 18:1--3) and crucifixion (John 19:18), when He is raised from the dead (John 20:19).

Finally, my friends, this is how a partner in mission deals with the world!

---

EmmDev 2025-10-28 [Partners in Mission (Month of Mission 2025)] Partners don't fear

Partners don't fear

But now thus says the Lord, He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel, "I have called you by name. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you: when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you." (Isaiah43:1-2)

The mission which God has called us to partner with Him is one with many challenges and dangers. These may include spiritual opposition, persecutions, internal doubts, external pressures, loneliness and many other issues. These challenges can easily lead one to be afraid of involving themselves in God's mission. Today's scripture is encouraging us as partners not to fear.

Isaiah 43:1, 2 is God's message of hope, redemption and His unwavering presence to comfort and assure the nation of Israel during their exile in Babylon, a time of judgement for their backsliding. God promised to protect them through their difficulties and reminded them of their identity, as a chosen people. He guaranteed them His personal care and presence through the hardship that they faced.

The imagery of waters and rivers symbolizes the emotional and physical challenges that threaten our peace and stability. These may include health and financial burdens. The reference to walking through fire and not being scorched indicates intense adversities that tests one's faith, resilience and spirituality. Fire often symbolizes purification and divine presence. To walk through and not be burned is to emerge from trials not only intact but refined: purified by challenges, David wrote in Psalm 23:4 "even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me." Even in the most frightening and darkest times of life, a person need not be afraid because God is with them, offering both protection and comfort.

Isaiah 43:1, 2 does not dismiss the reality of the hardships nor does it suggest that believers are spared from suffering. Instead it assures the believer that he is not alone in the hardship hence he must not be afraid. There is an affirmation that, Gods sustaining power does not only carry us through our trials, but fortifies us within them. Therefore dear partner do not fear or give up because God is with you and in His presence there is infinite strength to help you overcome, instead of being afraid, endure and emerge stronger. It is a call to be strong and courageous as we carry out Gods mission. (Joshua 1:5)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Rev Judy C Mkandawire: Wife to Rev Thomson Mkandawire, mother to Tapiwa, Tionge, Themba and Mtende. Serving at Kanyama Congregation: Munali Presbytery: Lusaka, Zambia

---

EmmDev 2025-10-27 [Partners in Mission (Month of Mission 2025)] Partners' Persecution

Partners' Persecution

We're entering our final week in our Month of Mission Series: "Partners in Mission." This week we look at the challenges and dangers of Partnering with God and each other in the Missio Dei....

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew5:11-12)

Throughout His ministry, Jesus had prepared His disciples and would-be disciples for the persecution that might come as they witness Christ to the world.

Out of His grace, God has invited us to join him in his mission. In the Matthian account, we are reminded in the Beatitudes passage that persecution is inevitable for those who pursue righteousness. This means partners in God's mission can be persecuted. But if we hold on to our faith, unwavering, then there is a blessed assurance for us that our reward is great in Heaven.

Throughout all generations, believers have faced challenges and dangers. Prophets were persecuted for being the mouthpiece of God. Apostles were persecuted and killed, but the mission of God did not stop.

Even today, as partners in mission, we still face challenges and dangers. Lack of resources, infiltration of false teachings, leadership crisis etc. But in the midst of all difficult circumstances, we are not alone. We have God who affirms on Matthew 5:12 that "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in Heaven."

In His divine power, our sovereign God has perfect knowledge of the heavens, and that which He has prepared for those who serve him faithfully in his mission. It is not our work. It is missio-Dei- the mission of God. Like our logo, His church may burn but will never be consumed by the fire. The Holy Spirit will continue to empower us. As the old Hymn says, "Courage brother, do not stumble".

In conclusion brethren in Christ, we are saved by God's grace. He is calling us to be partners in mission even in the midst of challenges and dangers. Let us take heed of God's calling. Its not about us but him alone. Let's serve him in obedience and love. Let us not forget what Jehovah has done to humanity through Christ whom he did not spare, but gave to the world to be redeemed. Let us rejoice and be glad for our reward is great in heaven. AMEN!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Biggie Mususa, married to Tsitsi. We have 2 sons, Charisma and Kelvin. Serving at David Livingstone Memorial Schools and Ntabazinduna Congregation, Zimbabwe.

---

EmmDev 2025-10-24 [Partners in Mission (Month of Mission 2025)] Nurturing One's Relationship with God

Nurturing One's Relationship with God

Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbour as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matthew22:37-40)

As we continue reflecting on the question "How do we engage?", we are reminded that all meaningful engagement begins with our relationship with God. Before we can engage with our communities, our neighbours, or the challenges of our time, we must first be rooted in love --- the love that flows from knowing and walking with God. Jesus teaches us that the foundation of all engagement is love for God and love for others.

Our relationship with God is the heartbeat of our faith. When Jesus summarized the commandments as loving God and loving others, He revealed that genuine engagement with the world flows from a vibrant relationship with Him. To love God "with all your heart, soul, and mind" is to place Him at the centre of our lives --- to allow His love to shape our emotions, our identity, and our thoughts.

Nurturing this relationship takes time, intention, and care. Just as we cannot maintain a close friendship without communication, we cannot grow close to God without prayer, reflection, and obedience.

• Through prayer, we share our hearts with Him and listen for His guidance.
• Through Scripture, we come to know His character and promises.
• Through worship, we express our gratitude and devotion.
• Through obedience, we demonstrate that our love is genuine.

When our love for God deepens, it transforms how we see and treat others. The second commandment --- to love our neighbour as ourselves --- becomes the natural expression of the first. Our compassion, forgiveness, and acts of justice are not performed out of duty, but flow from a heart that has been touched by divine love.

In a world filled with noise and distractions, nurturing one's relationship with God requires a conscious choice. It means setting aside time to be still before Him, to listen, to reflect, and to grow. The more we nurture our relationship with God, the more we are equipped to engage with the world around us in truth, grace, and love. Deepening our relationship with Him is not a once-off event, but a daily journey of surrender, love, and growth. When we give God our heart, soul, and mind, we find strength to love others genuinely and to engage the world with compassion and purpose. A heart that is nurtured by God's presence becomes a heart that transforms the spaces it touches

Prayer: Loving God, draw me closer to You each day. Teach me to love You with all my heart, soul, and mind. Help me to nurture my relationship with You through prayer, worship, and obedience. May my engagement with others reflect Your love and truth. Let my life be a witness of Your grace in the world. In Jesus' name, Amen.
--------------------------------------------
Bukelwa Hans married to Howard and blessed with 4 children and 10 grandchildren. She is a Retired minister in the Central Cape Presbytery.

---