EmmDev 2021-12-03 [Navigating Uncertainty] Suffering time

Suffering time

One of the novel innovations of a movie that was on circuit a few years ago was a filming technique called "bullet-time." The movie slowed the action down so that you could see the bullets going along at a snails pace as they flew through the air, allowing the hero to literally duck bullets.

In this Psalm David wrestles with the reality of "Suffering Time." For him it feels as though the test he is going through is lasting forever and that no end is in sight. This is a classic private lament psalm, briefly, but thoroughly exploring the terrible reality of pain and sorrow and the depression one can go through in the midst of tragedy and sadness.

Let's see how David experiences it...

1. It feels like it has been going on forever.
2. It feels as though God is intentionally hiding from him.
3. His mind is endlessly running around in circles leaving him exhausted.
4. His enemy (whether a physical enemy or his depression) keeps getting the upper hand.
5. He fears that he may get lost and succumb to the way he is feeling.
6. He doesn't want the enemy to triumph and gloat. He realises that he will be humiliated.

Have you felt like this at some point?

David makes some important choices to see him through this difficult depressive time.

1. He chooses to trust. He lights a candle of hope. He dares to believe that this suffering time is a distortion of reality and there will be a time that he gets through it.
2. He makes a heart decision to focus on God's saving acts. He focuses on God's character from what he knows rather than from what he feels.
3. He chooses to sing. Singing is something we do with our hearts and not with our heads. The wonder about singing is that the words of the songs become imprinted on our souls at a level that even our cynical thought patterns cannot erase or erode. David chooses to sing about God's goodness and provision. Singing is something we can do in the valley even when we find it hard to pray. It is the ultimate act of faith and trust.

Lord thank You that David's psalm relates so closely to the blues we can go through. Thank you that even our "down" times do not catch You by surprise and that You have made provision for them. Help us to trust-fully turn our hearts to You and sing of Your goodness. Amen

1 How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? 2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? 3 Look on me and answer, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death; 4 my enemy will say, I have overcome him, and my foes will rejoice when I fall. 5 But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. 6 I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me. (Psalms13:1-6)

[This brings us to the end of this series - I hope it has been helpful to you. I'm going to take a break from EmmDevs for a while - I may do a short series just before Christmas, otherwise I'll see you in January! God bless and Love, Theo ]

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EmmDev 2021-12-02 [Navigating Uncertainty] Elephants...

Elephants...

Have you ever heard the illustration of the "elephant in the sitting room"? Imagine a group of people in the sitting room trying to ignore the elephant in their midst, talking about the weather or the cricket all the time twisting or bending to talk around or under the elephant!

For many Christians suffering is the "elephant in the sitting room". They are afraid to talk about it or face it, because their picture of Christ and faith is a "fair weather Christianity."

Not so with Paul. He is not afraid to talk about suffering. He is clear in his own mind that suffering does not negate or disprove the gospel. In fact, suffering highlights the strength of the Christian message!

When we are NOT surprised by suffering or fearful that its presence implies Christ's absence, then suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope. And this is not a linear process, but a circular upward spiral as hope takes us to new levels of perseverance and character.

More than that! We are not left alone in our suffering - God has poured (the Greek implies "lavished") His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit whom He has given us.

Christianity doesn't try to ignore or explain away suffering. Suffering does not threaten the validity of faith. In the midst of pain and loss we can know a love that is completely independent of our circumstances!

...but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit whom He has given us. (Romans5:3-5)

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EmmDev 2021-12-01 [Navigating Uncertainty] Expensive...

Expensive...

"Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?"  But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it.  I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside.  (Revelation5:2-7)

Revelation 4,5,6 deals with the suffering of the church over the ages. This is particularly symbolised by John's vision of a scroll with seven seals on it. The seals represent aspects of the suffering church: The white, red, black and pale horses of conquest, conflict, famine and plague; the cries of the persecuted and earthquakes.

Here in the opening of the seals we are offered a breath-taking and beautiful picture:

John is weeping because no-one can open the scroll...
Suffering is not something we can afford to be glib about.
One doesn't want to stick cheap plaster on serious wounds.
Whoever opens the seals can't be a lightweight.

Suffering is something we struggle with and whomsoever deigns to open the seals of suffering needs to have the necessary integrity, authority and comprehension of our struggle with the pain, violation and anguish that suffering causes us.

So who is capable enough to open the seals and the scroll??

Who has the credibility and integrity to open these tough seals of suffering in a worthy way?

John gets his answer: "'Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.' Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the centre of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne."

Jesus is worthy to open the painful seals of suffering!

- He is the Lion of Judah who has taken on suffering and overcome

- He is the Lamb who was slain - He has tasted the worst of suffering

- He has sent the Holy Spirit ("seven spirits") into our hearts to comfort us.

Suffering is a theological, philosophical, and emotional heavyweight.
We dare not risk cheap answers.

The good and beautiful news of Revelation is that Jesus our Champion takes on the heavyweight of suffering and, at great cost, overcomes and comforts you and me.

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EmmDev 2021-11-30 [Navigating Uncertainty] Privilege

Privilege

The early church had a unique perspective on suffering. When they went to the lions or the gladiators, when they had to hide in the catacombs, when they were blamed for the burning of Rome and when they were executed for not bowing down to Caesar's statue they considered it a privilege to share in Jesus' suffering.

This is a unique perspective on suffering. Usually when suffering comes our way we say: "Why me Lord?" or "I don't deserve this!" We see suffering as an intruder and we do whatever we can to avoid it.

The early church recognised that Jesus suffered ultimately - both in the sacrifices He made in the incarnation and also in the agony of His death. They believed that their suffering was just a drop in the bucket of the suffering of humankind that He had already been through.

They believed that the pain of martyrdom, the strain of persecution, and the loneliness of rejection that they were going through had ultimately been embraced by Jesus on the cross.

They counted it a privilege to suffer knowing that Jesus had walked this road ahead of them. They were comforted in knowing that their suffering was a subset of His.

But the early church weren't masochists. They didn't get a kick out of pain. They weren't suffering seekers - they were just comforted by the fact that Jesus had been there. As they viewed it suffering wasn't an unwelcome intruder ("something strange") but rather a reality that Jesus had addressed.

Their eyes were on the victory He obtained.
Suffering had been defeated on the cross and when Jesus returns, the suffering that we shared in small parts with Him will be completely overshadowed by His glory.

There's a lot that we can learn from the early church!

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. (1Peter4:12-13)

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EmmDev 2021-11-26 [Navigating Uncertainty] Longing

Longing

Just as creation is longing for God's Kingdom to come, I believe that God is itching for the day when He will say "No more!"

No more sickness

No more crying

No dying

No more pain.

That is God's intention: - suffering (although we inflicted it on ourselves) will not last forever. Its days are numbered and God is counting down!

The sea was the symbol of all that was scary and unknown for the Jewish people and for many of the early Christians. The sea represented evil, suffering and fear for most of the people who first believed. The new heaven and earth is missing all of the fearsome things that the sea represented to the Jew.

God holds evil on a leash and one day He will lead it away for good.
And then He will personally wipe away the tears from the eyes of those who have suffered.

He will make everything new - this is our hope...

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Now the dwelling of God is with humankind, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.' (Revelation21:1-4)

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EmmDev 2021-11-25 [Navigating Uncertainty] Groaning

Groaning

Paul talks about three kinds of groaning:

1. Creation Groans. If humankind's rebellion against God was the nuclear explosion then the brokenness in our world is the fallout. Natural disasters, disease, drought, famine, earthquakes, floods - these are all the after-effects of the sin of humankind. Creation was created good and while it is now subject to the wages of our sin, there will come a time when creation will be restored.
   
   
2. We Groans. When we see the effects of our brokenness - when we suffer or we see others suffer, we groan. Instinctively we rebel at the incongruity of death and suffering, somehow knowing that there is more to it than this. Somehow we know that there is something greater coming, but it is not here yet! So we groan...
   
   
3. The Spirit Groans. Did you know that you are a prayed in, prayed for, prayed through person? The Holy Spirit who lives in us is praying 24/7x365.25 for us lifting us to God. Especially when we suffer. It is He who asks the Father to strengthen, renew, and restore us in the midst of our struggles. And the Spirit's prayers are gut-felt, compassionate and earnest. He groans with us and for us!

None of this groaning is in vain: Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.  Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.  For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has?  But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.  And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. (Romans8:18-27)

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EmmDev 2021-11-24 [Navigating Uncertainty] Wisdom needed

Wisdom needed

Today we need to begin talking about how to actually survive a trial. 

We've covered the theory: That God is not the author of evil, that trials can make us stronger, that trials are a way for God's light to shine in us, and that God is always with us. But how do we actually get through a trial? How do we get through this? If it were easy it would not be a trial. A trial, by definition, is hard.

James tells us that we can ask for wisdom. His implication is that wisdom is what we need to come through our trials. But what is wisdom? Is it knowledge, common sense, or a mature outlook on life? Maybe all three and something more. Throughout the Old Testament wisdom is connected with the worship and love of God. There is a sense in which wisdom is the 'God perspective' on life.

Life is like a tapestry - when we look at a tapestry from the back, it is a mess - a tangle of knots and colours in apparent chaos and uncertainty. Wisdom is learning to allow God to give us glimpses of the picture as He sees it - from the right perspective.

A trial is, at the end of the day, a battle in the mind. The cause of the trial can be physical, emotional, or spiritual but the battlefield is in our hearts and minds. Wisdom is a balanced view that looks beyond the chaos of the here and now. 

Wisdom looks BACK to God's faithfulness in the past and 

it looks FORWARD to the future where God wipes away our tears. 

Wisdom looks UP to God in faith, 

it looks AROUND to those who can help us, 

and it looks DOWN on our problems.

We need wisdom.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. (James1:2-8)

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EmmDev 2021-11-23 [Navigating Uncertainty] Clay Pots

Clay Pots

Human beings are like a row of hand-made clay pots. Each one unique, each one fragile, each one with its own beauty and its own imperfections.

God chooses to fill each of us with his Spirit. It is His working in us that enables us to do over and above what a clay pot can do. It is His strength that is made perfect in our weakness. It is His fullness that overcomes our emptiness. This does not mean that the pot will not be tested - but it will overcome. The pot does not need to be perfect - it just needs to be full of Grace.

Our survival in difficult times does not depend on our ability or talent or even our tenacity, although these things play a part. We come through our trials when we hold on to the One who fills us.

We should not be frustrated at our weaknesses - these are God's opportunities. Robin Jacobson once said 'Sometimes the cracks in the pot let the light inside shine through.'

For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.  (2Corinthians4:6-9)

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EmmDev 2021-11-19 [Navigating Uncertainty] Getting perspective

Getting perspective

When I tried to understand all this,  it was oppressive to me  Until I entered the sanctuary of God;  then I understood their final destiny.   (Psalms73:16-17)

This psalm is written by a man named Asaph. We don't know very much about him, but what we do learn from the Psalm is that he maintained his personal integrity and blamelessness at great cost. While his efforts to be righteous seemed futile in the light of his personal circumstances, he also had a battle raging in his heart when he saw how carefree and trouble-free the wicked people around him seemed to be. 

One can almost feel the anger building up inside him and he admits at the beginning of the Psalm that he almost lost his grip: 

But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;  I had nearly lost my foothold. 

For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

You can almost hear him shouting: "It's not fair. It's not FAIR! IT'S NOT FAIR!!!!"

But something arrested his slide down the slippery slope of discontent. Something prevented him from plunging into the abyss of self-pity and the mire of comparisons.  What was that something?
Asaph went to WORSHIP.
That's what going to the sanctuary was all about: Being reminded that God is Greater, Stronger and Longer than our circumstances. 

• We see the here and now - God sees it all. 
• We think it will never end - God knows when it will 
• We think the wicked are invincible - God knows about their downfall 
• We think we are all alone - in worship we experience God's presence and concern 
• We think that we have to cope on our own - in worship God empowers us. 

I find it tragic that one of the first things people who are having a hard time do is to stop attending church. This is a big mistake - it is precisely when we have doubts and when we are being swamped that we should go to worship! When we don't understand, when the reality of evil seems overwhelming and when we feel like we are out of strength, then let us turn to worship. 

Steve Wiggins says: "Take the biggest thing that's got you down and stand it upright next to God - anyone can see who's bigger now!"

And so Asaph finishes the Psalm: 

My flesh and my heart may fail, 

but God is the strength of my heart 

and my portion forever. 

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EmmDev 2021-11-18 [Navigating Uncertainty] Gold

Gold

Peter has just been talking about the mercy God revealed through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. This is the basis for our rejoicing. 

The Resurrection is the ultimate demonstration of God's ability to turn tragedy into new hope. But Peter has another transformation he wants us to consider...

To be purified gold has to be melted. Being a heavy metal, gold sinks to the bottom and the impurities (dross) float to the top. Although God is not the author of our trials, He does allow them to come and then uses them to transform our suffering and to bring about our growth and development as people and as believers.

This is not easy - the smelting of our faith - reducing it to the fragile liquid form - is traumatic for us. We fear the process, even though the results, if we remain in the hands of the Master Craftsman, are beautiful.

The good news is that Jesus went before us and so we are not alone - not even in death!

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. (1Peter1:6-7)

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EmmDev 2021-11-17 [Navigating Uncertainty] He turns suffering around

He turns suffering around

Not only is God NOT the the author of suffering, but He intervenes when we suffer. If we allow Him to, He will turn our suffering into something good: either we will grow stronger, or we will learn to appreciate those who help us through, or we will learn to trust Him, or there will be some other benefit.

This is not an easy truth to accept. Sometimes it feels as though the suffering will never end and that nothing good will come of it! But at the heart of our faith is the cross - an instrument of execution and extreme suffering. But the cross is empty - Christ has risen! He knows how to turn the most devastating events (Good Friday) into the most incredible victories (Easter Sunday). 

Our inspiration should be the oyster. The oyster experiences suffering when a sharp grain of sand wedges itself into the soft fleshy folds of the oyster's inner flesh. The oyster patiently coats the sand with layer upon layer of milky translucent material and from the problem produces a pearl. The heart of every pearl is a problem that has been turned into something good. God can help us coat our problems with His grace and love to produce something wonderful in us.

Next time you face a difficult situation remember Tony Campolo's words: "It may be Friday, but Sunday's coming!''

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans8:28)

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EmmDev 2021-11-16 [Navigating Uncertainty] Is God the author of suffering?

Is God the author of suffering?

"Is God the author of suffering?"

This question is way bigger than a few paragraphs in a daily devotional can answer! 

But here are the essential points...

1. God is Sovereign - this means that nothing happens without His permission.
   
   
2. God has given us freedom - which means that He has made space for us to do things that He may not like. Freedom also means that we can experience its consequences.
   
   
3. Our own sinfulness is the source of temptation and our succumbing to temptation (which is what sin is) is the author of suffering.
   
   
4. This must be understood in general and specific terms: If I choose to sin by drinking too much - I may destroy my liver. But I may also kill someone else if I chose to drive 'under the influence.' Sometimes the sin of humankind in general affects us too: Our pollution of the environment means holes in the ozone layer and may mean that I suffer from skin cancer. Suffering is caused by sin: sometimes my own sin, sometimes the sin of others, and sometimes the sin of humankind. 
   
   
5. God does not send suffering. It is a consequence of our abuse of the freedom He gave us - but He does limit it. He will, as we saw two days ago, prevent us from being over-stretched, and He will intervene to help us when we are overwhelmed.

God is not the author of suffering. He allows it, limits it, turns it around and brings good out of it, He bore the brunt of our suffering on the cross, and one day, when Jesus returns He is going to bring an end to it.

When tempted, no one should say, 'God is tempting me.' For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don't be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (James1:13-17)

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EmmDev 2021-11-12 [Navigating Uncertainty] James the Masochist

James the Masochist

When we read today's passage, we would be quite justified in saying that James sounds like a masochist! Who in their right minds enjoys pain??? James urges his readers to consider trials with pure joy! How do you do that???

From the historical background information we have, scholars surmise that James' readers suffered from poverty, persecution, and even division. How on earth can James tell them to consider a trial to be something to be joyful about?

To make matters worse, James goes on to affirm something we have feared all along: that trials are not optional - they are an unavoidable reality. He does not say "Consider it pure joy if you face trials of many kinds..." - He says "whenever" ! Trials are not a matter of "if" but "when."

So how can James be so positive? He has his focus, not on the trial itself but on one of the possible outcomes of a trial. Depending on how we face the trial it can either weaken us or strengthen us.

As far as James is concerned, a trial can be a trail to a new destination. The testing of our faith is an opportunity to stick it out and to develop spiritual toughness. We don't develop muscles and fitness without sweating. When hardship crosses our path, it is an opportunity to grow in perseverance, maturity, and faith.

Learning to see the difference between an attitude that turns a hardship into a trial and the attitude that turns a hardship into a trail is not easy. This is why we need God's help to give us wisdom and insight. This is always a leap of faith! We can't sit on the the fence!

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.(James1:2-8)

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EmmDev 2021-11-11 [Navigating Uncertainty] The straw that breaks...

The straw that breaks...

Have you ever thought "This is it! I'm going to crack! I'm going to explode! I'm not going to make it!" and then you make it through? 

Although God is not the author of trials and temptations, He does have the final say over the chaos in this broken world and His promise is that we will never be pushed beyond what we can bear. He will not allow the straw that breaks the camel's back!

Sometimes it feels different. Sometimes it feels like we won't make it. Then we find reserves that we didn't know were there, or we get help, or the problem diminishes. God is faithful. Not only does He know our limits, but He also helps us to stand when the limits are being pushed.

So why do some people have breakdowns and why do some give up? God does not promise that we will never break. His promise is that the test is never too big. The reality of this is that those who do crack have buckled under something that should not have broken them. The problem is that we will need God's help to stand underneath the pressures that surround us. If we rely on ourselves, our money, or our friends then our potential is not the same as when we rely on God. 

"Dependence is another word for strength!" (Bruce Wilkinson)

No temptation has seized you except what is common to humankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it  (1Corinthians10:13)

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EmmDev 2021-11-10 [Navigating Uncertainty] Comfort

Comfort

The presence of Christ in our lives is not a guarantee for the absence of heartache.
Trouble will cross our paths from time to time...
Paul describes two kinds of people and their God.

God the Father is compassionate and ready to comfort.
His comfort is real and revitalising.
It enables us to pick ourselves up and not only keep going,
but help those who are in turn in need of comfort.
He sends comfort to people through other people.

Why is He able to do this?
Because He is the Father of our Lord Jesus!
He sent His Son into our midst to share in our sufferings to experience our humanity. Just as Jesus comforted Mary and Martha at the tomb of Lazarus and just as He wept with them, so He comforts us and weeps with us. The Father's sacrifice of his Son is the extent of His desire to be near us and to comfort us. The Son experienced separation from the Father so that we never have to.

As people we can be in need of comfort - in which case we need to draw near to a strong gracious Father who will help us through our trouble and help us to keep going - be humble enough to accept that God may send another person to help us through!!! 

We can also be people who have received comfort - if this is the case let's be caring, sensitive, and God-revealing...

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. (2Corinthians1:3-5)

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EmmDev 2021-11-09 [Navigating Uncertainty] Not Alone

Navigating Uncertainty...

Isn't this picture such an apt description of how we've felt about the events of the last 21 months? Our boat doesn't feel secure, the waves are big, and the tools we thought we could rely on to anticipate the future didn't help us realise how close the trouble was!

Over the next three weeks I'm going to offer short simple devotions on all the passages that speak to us when we're navigating uncertainty. You've heard and thought of many of these verses over the last two years, but as we draw to the end of the year - and everyone is tired and worn out - I think it's appropriate and necessary to revisit these truths in a concentrated fashion.

I hope it will be really helpful to you!
God bless and Love,
Theo

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Not Alone

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were in big trouble. They had refused to worship the statue of King Nebuchadnezzar. They were therefore cast into the furnace! The furnace was so hot that even the soldiers who threw them into the furnace were burnt up!

To Nebuchadnezzar's amazement the three men were not burnt up, but instead they were joined by a fourth person who looked to Nebuchadnezzar like 'a son of the gods' and the three emerged unscathed.

He was only half wrong - the fourth person wasn't 'a son of the gods' but I believe that the person Nebuchadnezzar saw was a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus - the Son of God.

When trouble and hardship come, we often find ourselves thinking that God has abandoned us and that this is why the trouble has come. We tend to think that God's presence should guarantee the absence of trouble and therefore trouble signifies God's absence. The Bible teaches us something different:
When trouble comes into our lives: 

- God is not on the sidelines watching, 

- He is not stoking up the furnace, 

- He's not standing in judgement on us like Nebuchadnezzar arguing that we deserve what we get. 

---- No! He's there with us - in the fire - bringing us through.

Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, 'Weren't there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?' They replied, 'Certainly, O king.' He said, 'Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.' (Daniel3:24-25)

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EmmDev 2021-10-31 [UPCSA Month of Mission 2021] GOD'S MISSION -- OUR MISSION

GOD'S MISSION -- OUR MISSION

The last Sunday in October is celebrated by Reformed and Protestant churches as Reformation Sunday.  On 30th October 1517 Martin Luther issued his 95 Thesis in which he challenged certain theological beliefs and practices in the Roman Catholic Church.  The concepts of sola Gratia (by grace alone), sola fide (faith alone), sola Christus (Christ alone) and sola scriptura (scripture alone) became the key principles of the Reformation. Among these teachings was the Reformers focus on the materially poor and needy. It is thus not surprising that John Calvin and Martin Luther's reformation within the church brought about socio-economic and political reforms as well.

The parable of the Great Banquet tells us about the invitation extended by a host to people to come to dinner - a sign of grace, hospitality and kindness. However, the socially elite found excuses and not valid reasons as to why they could not attend. We are told in verse 21 that "the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and lame." Now, this verse would be problematic if it stood on its own since it would give the impression that the poor and needy are an afterthought when the wealthy and privileged refused the invitation. It is therefore important to read it in the context of verse 12 earlier where Jesus points out to the host that he should not just invite friends, family and rich neighbours who can pay you back instead they should invite the poor, crippled, lame and the blind. This, incidentally, is God's mission as expressed by Jesus in Luke 4:18, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, and the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free..."

God's mission is to save the world. God invites us to repent and believe so that we may enter into God's Kingdom (reign). The Kingdom is not only spiritual but promises health, healing, wholeness, and peace for all creation. God invites us to join with God in the mission to save, heal and transform the world to mirror God's justice and peace, as the Reformers taught us. The concept of the priesthood of all believers tell us that we each have the responsibility to respond to God's invitation and to also go out and invite others into God's loving, saving and forgiving presence. This is our God-given invitation and mission! What's your excuse?

At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, `Come, for everything is now ready.' "But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, `I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.' "Another said, `I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.' "Still another said, `I just got married, so I can't come.' "The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, `Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.' (Luke14:17-21)

Jerry Pillay is married to Sandra and they have three fabulous children.

This brings us to the end of the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa's "Month of Mission" as arranged by the Mission and Discipleship Committee of General Assembly. Grateful Thanks are expressed to: Ruth Armstrong, Richard M'kandawire, Hein Barnard, Brian Mazanhi, Wayne van Heerden and Theo Groeneveld who arranged, collected, edited and disseminated the devotions. Special Gratitude goes to Sipho Mtwetwa (our Moderator), Peter Langerman (our Past moderator), Lydia Neshangwe (our Moderator designate), Lungile Mpetsheni (our General Secretary), Anna Banda, Melanie Cook, Christopher Mkandawire, Hein Barnard, Paul Neshangwe, Jane Nyirongo, Judith Mkandawire, Tatenda Garande, Lihai Bercovich, Patricia Phiri, Faresi Sakala, Lazarus Chirwa, Thompson Nota, Natalie Barnard, James Lungu, Susan Mumba, Gavin Vaaltyn, Amos Nyirenda, Willingmore Mhlanga, Mautji Pataki, Allan Mchulu, Dephine Murove, Bukelwa Hans, Chala Habisela, Sam Ruzivo, and Jerry Pillay who wrote the devotions.

This mailing list will now revert to the "EmmDevs" written by Theo Groeneveld of Emmanuel Presbyterian from Tue-Fri.

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EmmDev 2021-10-30 [UPCSA Month of Mission 2021] Israel was meant to be a light to the nations.

Israel was meant to be a light to the nations.

In science they describe one of the characteristic of light as something that initiates growth and sustains the life of plants in the process called photosynthesis. From the beginning of germination, light plays a crucial role to commence and give new life to the new plant, to make it grow and sustain it. 

Israel, as the light to other nations, was to initiate life, growth and sustain it. This is the situation the Prophet Isaiah was envisioning about the Israel who were the chosen mountain to be light to the other mountains that surrounded it. A mountain chosen by God to be the bearer of light. Their life came from God and they grew and were sustained by it. 

The Prophet Isaiah explained it in two ways: they were to grow internally and then to grow externally. The internal part was that God would first establish Israel as God's Temple to be a spiritual institution which was rooted in the Word of God and his ways. We see the same characteristic in the Early Church as represented in the book of Acts of Apostles whereby it was established by initial internal (or local) growth and then went out to grow externally as it reached the Gentiles.

The Prophet Isaiah went on to remind Israel that all the far-away nations would flow to to them and many people would come. He foresaw the physical growth of the God's chosen people expanding in an extraordinary way as it reached those who were not Israelite. He dreamed that they would be a powerful attracting force bringing many to God.

Another way to describe these two movements are the concepts of centripetal and centrifugal movement. Centripetal is the movement towards the centre, that is our internal growth, where we grow towards God and in his grace. Centrifugal being the movement away from the centre, where the external movement happens in a way that our light attracts those outside in the world to come to God and the Church makes use of the light in them to reach out the world. 

Like John the Baptist, we the church are to bear witness to Christ Jesus by burning and shining like a lamp as we show light so that the world can be witnessed to. It is the light that we shine that gives life of Christ Jesus to the world. It grows and sustains it, just like the sun to the plants in the process of photosynthesis.

In the last days the mountain of the LORD's temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. Many peoples will come and say:   "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD,     to the house of the God of Jacob.   He will teach us his ways,     so that we may walk in his paths."   The law will go out from Zion,     the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He will judge between the nations     and will settle disputes for many peoples.   They will beat their swords into plowshares     and their spears into pruning hooks.   Nation will not take up sword against nation,     nor will they train for war anymore. Come, O house of Jacob,     let us walk in the light of the LORD." (Isaiah2:2-5)

Rev Sam Ruzivo is married to Charity. Blessed with two kids Makanakaishe and Kudakwashe. Serving at Sakubva Presbyterian Church, Mutare within Presbytery of Zimbabwe. Enjoys doing mechanics and rebuilding cars.

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EmmDev 2021-10-29 [UPCSA Month of Mission 2021] More than Words

More than Words

In today's passage, James is describing a person who says has faith, but there is nothing about this person's life that indicates it. James proceeds to illustrate the futility (a total lack of purpose or usefulness) of words without deeds in the following verses.

We are introduced to two people. One lacks daily food and clothing. The other has both, but is unwilling to share with his needy brother. When presented with an opportunity to help his poor brother, the latter is not ready to lift a finger. Instead he only professes words of generosity, saying to his poor brother, "God bless you! Keep warm and eat well!". But does nothing to make this possible. What good are such words? They are worthless! They do not change the condition of his poor brother.

This text does not only pose a challenge to Jame's audience, but it is also challenging the church today to examine the nature of the faith we are exhibiting. It is very possible for the church today to be caught up in a faith that is characterised by mere words.

True faith must always transcend into deeds because faith and good works are inseparable. In this mission month; specifically in today's devotion, let's pray that our faith shall be more than words. That the Holy Spirit will cause us to respond to the concrete struggles being faced by people in the church and community.

The devotion for  today is not saying that we are saved by faith plus works. To hold such a view would be to dishonour the finished work of our Lord Jesus Christ. If we were saved by faith plus works, then there would be two saviours - Jesus and ourselves. The Bible is very clear that Christ is the one and only Saviour. What James is emphasising in our devotion for today is that we must NOT live by a faith of words but by that kind of faith which bears good works for the glory God.

Grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. (James2:14-17)

Rev. Chala Habasila | Husband to Patricia | Father to Steven, David and Daniel | Serving at St. Columba's Presbyterian Church, Lusaka. Zambia.

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EmmDev 2021-10-28 [UPCSA Month of Mission 2021] A Life Transformed

A Life Transformed

Philip was preaching in Samaria when God directed him to a wilderness road, where he encountered an Ethiopian eunuch who asked Philip a very pertinent question because he could not understand what he was reading. Philip explained to him the gospel of Jesus which is the centre of the message of salvation.

Nothing of Jesus fitted into human categories. It surprised humanity in everything and that is understandable because He is a root from dry ground (Isaiah 53:2). Jesus had no beauty that we should desire. The final straw was his death upon the cross which was a scandal to the Pharisees. They mocked him and for them this was proof of being an impostor. For the Greeks it was shame and utter foolishness because for them a saving act must be taught. For them a Saviour dying in weakness was foolishness hence the Apostle Paul confirmed to the Corinthians "For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified." (1Cor2:2)

Jesus Christ came into the world to bear the full force of the problem of human sin against a holy God. His entire life, from boyhood to the cross, was characterised by the anguish of facing and dealing with sin and death so that His people could be forgiven.

This story reminds us that the good news will not travel to the ends of the earth primarily because of focus groups, strategic plans, and demographic analyses. It will do so because individuals will gladly carry it there, because they recognise that it speaks to them no matter who they are or how others measure them. Those individuals recognise that the good news acknowledges their worth and dignity. The good news thwarts the prejudices that religions and societies keep falling into.

Once the man was baptised, he went away rejoicing. In Jesus, situations change. Boundaries evaporate. Walls disappear. He was declared worthy. He had a new identity and was a new creature. 

The most important lesson we can learn from Philip's life is that the Gospel is for everyone: The Gospel of Jesus Christ is for anyone willing to receive it. Ask God to create opportunities for you to share the faith and lead people to Christ

The Ethiopian eunuch was changed from being a miserable and an unhappy man to filled with the spirit of rejoicing and went on his way rejoicing. The man was changed completely. Let us all rejoice because Jesus is our Lord and Saviour

Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Go south to the road--the desert road--that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza."  So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship,  and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet.  The Spirit told Philip, "Go to that chariot and stay near it."  Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked.  "How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.  The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture:   "He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,     and as a lamb before the shearer is silent,     so he did not open his mouth.    In his humiliation he was deprived of justice.     Who can speak of his descendants?     For his life was taken from the earth."  The eunuch asked Philip, "Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?"  Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they travelled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptised?"  And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptised him.  When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. (Acts8:26-39)

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Bukelwa Hans married to Howard , ministering in Gqeberha Central Cape Presbytery

EmmDev 2021-10-27 [UPCSA Month of Mission 2021] The Gospel is for the Underdogs.

The Gospel is for the Underdogs.

The month of October is the Month of Mission where we are looking at "Going for growth: Sowing, Growing, Reaping." Going for growth demands that we become disciples who live in such a way that we in turn will make other disciples: to lead our lives the way Christ desires us to.

The Sermon on the Mount opens with the beatitudes, a carefully thought out message of purpose and will.

Beatitudes: The Latin beatus means "blessed" and affirms an existing state of blessedness. It does not pray for a blessing but affirms that it already exists. Jesus here is teaching that, this state of blessedness is not for everyone but it results from the cultivation of certain attributes that are approved by God: These are attribute of being: "the poor in spirit (in need of God), mourning (recognizing a need for forgiveness), merciful (extending mercy to others), pure in heart (choosing to avoid sin), meekness (humility), those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (recognition of one's own unrighteousness), peacemaking (seeking harmony and unity), being persecuted and being falsely accused for His sake. 

Jesus is teaching this during a time when those regarded as the have-nots were often treated with undisguised contempt, while the exalted were truly exalted - the rich, the emperors, the royal, Sadducees and Pharisees, the tax collectors. But Christ is saying, it is not them that will enjoy this state of blessedness but rather it is those common people, the ones whom earthly success has largely passed by. Why so? Because though they may have never experienced worldly success what cannot be taken away from them is their potential to live rightly by one another.

This today, should give us all the strength even in the face of challenges. Yes, there are times when you look into your life and all you can see is criticism, obstacles and it seems as if all odds are against you but remember, you need to respond to them in a way that qualifies you for the affirmed blessedness, for the kingdom of heaven and for the advancement of his message in this world: the way of adherence to Christ. 

Whatever challenge you face must not take away the potential to live rightly with the other. Each Beatitude does not only give the attribute of who is blessed, but also declares what is in store for such people. The high standards of living Jesus preached here are not meant to discourage us, but let's bear in mind that, it is the unexalted that will enjoy the blessings of God, therefore, let us put our complete dependence on the Spirit of God.

Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them, saying: "Blessed are the poor in spirit,     for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn,     for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek,     for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,     for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful,     for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart,     for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers,     for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,     for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew5:1-11)

Rev Dephine Murove married to Caesar and am serving at Eiffel Flats Kadoma POZ.

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EmmDev 2021-10-26 [UPCSA Month of Mission 2021] Before we witness...

Before we witness...

Standing as a witness of God involves both who we are and what we do. In order to be a witness of the Saviour Jesus Christ, we must strive to be like Him. This means setting a Christ's example for others through the clothes we wear, the words we speak, the music we listen to, the service we give and the friends we make. So, what is a witness?

What do you think of when you hear the word ''witness''? Most people probably think of someone in a courtroom. The witness is someone that has seen something take place and is there to tell of all that they saw, heard and experienced. Likewise, as Christians, we are called to be witnesses for Christ who present a testimony about the truth that we have experienced and heard. 

1. We need to be born again before we can witness to any other person (John 3:1-14; 1 Peter 2:9-10).
   
2. We need to be prayerful (1 Samuel 12:23; 1 Thessalonians 5:17).
   
3. We need to be disciples of Jesus Christ before we can become witnesses of Jesus Christ (Matthew 4:19; Acts 4:20).
   
4. We need to be reconciled to Christ because it is Christ who gives us the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).
5. We need God the Holy Spirit who gives us power and consequently enables us to witness (Acts 1:8; Luke 4:18-19; Ephesians 5:18).
6. We need to be filled with the Word of God and know how to correctly apply it in our lives (Romans 10:17).
7. We need to know how to relate with none believers. In the Bible, we see that Andrew brought Simon Peter to the Lord (John 1:40-42).
8. We need to understand our most important mission before we can be involved in witnessing (Romans 10:13-15).
9. We need to love God and love the people who God has created (1 Thessalonians 2:8; 1 John 1:1-4; 1 John 4:20-22; Ephesians 2:1-10).

So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"  He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.   But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts1:6-8)

Devotion written by the Rev Allan Mchulu, minister at Kabwata Uniting Presbyterian Church- Munali Presbytery Lusaka Zambia. I am married to Jessy Mwanda and together we have two beautiful daughters Deborah and Natasha aged 21 and 18 respectively.

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EmmDev 2021-10-25 [UPCSA Month of Mission 2021] (Take Two) Our Approach to Personal Evangelism

Mautji Pataki sent a devotion for today, but it was delayed in arrival...
Here's another valuable perspective on today's really important passage.

Our Approach to Personal Evangelism

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defence to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you with meekness and fear. (1Peter3:15)

Through this text and within the context of doing Christ's mission in the world, we are reminded of the prerequisites of faith that are required to equip those who go out to evangelise and to pronounce the works of Christ to the world.

Because pilgrims will certainly be confronted with a hostile world that believes in anything but Christ, those who serve the same must be faithful and knowledgeable -- faithful to Christ and knowledgeable with the Scriptures whilst fortified with the resilience to defend their belief in the Gospel.

Sanctification of the Lord in our hearts is the primary requirement for the success of those who are ready to serve his course. Our hearts must be open to Christ and be turned into his home so that whatever we say and do in the world must be for his sake. We are called to preach to the world "Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (1Corinthians 2:2) and "the stone which was rejected by builders" (Psalm 118:22) and yet the One who defeated sin and death so that "those who belief may not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16). 

Within the context of the Mission Month, this teaching constitutes the base of the message to which Peter calls us. It is a teaching that would require of the believers of Christ to pronounce in faith and hope which the world would still question. Yet we are invited to defend that hope in meekness and fear  of the Lord so as to disarm "those who will defame you as evildoers" (1Peter 3:16).

Through this text believers of Jesus Christ are left with a high sense of duty and service to the world that is antagonistic to Him and yet the good is found in the tools that are made available to confront such kind of hostility. For believers to present themselves as meek and fearful of the Lord breeds shame on those who resist the Lord. 

Finally, let us take cue from Apostle Paul who says, "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distress for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2Corinthians 12:10)

Amen.

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Rev. Mautji Pataki is an ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament serving the charge of William Mpamba Memorial Congregation in and around Solomondale Mission within the bounds of the Presbytery of Limpopo.

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EmmDev 2021-10-25 [UPCSA Month of Mission 2021] Our Approach to Personal Evangelism

Our Approach to Personal Evangelism

We've seen how Jesus, Paul and Philip spoke to others. But what about us? What should our approach to personal evangelism be? Peter gives us some guidelines...

If we're going to tell others then there are some basic issues to get into place:

1. Christ must be Lord in our own hearts. We can't give away what we don't have. I can't share my father's faith with someone else. The Gospel can't be secondhand. Sharing our faith comes from the warm and vibrant reality of our personal relationship with Jesus. But Peter says more... His language is very specific: We must set apart Christ as LORD. Jesus is not just our Saviour and God on a when-we-need-Him basis, but our whole lives need to be oriented around Him. Our proclamation is most effective when we are willing to place our lives at His command and at His service. If we're willing to do this, then He'll prompt us when to speak and when to be quiet. A lot of bad evangelism happens when we run ahead of God motivated by guilt or pride. If we listen to Him, the moment will be right.

2. We need to live lives that model hope - so much so that people will ask us about it. Now this does not mean that we put on a false veneer of 'positive thinking.' The world is tired of that. Our hope needs to come from a deep conviction of God's love for us and His plan for our lives.

3. Then we need to be ready and willing to give answers. Sometimes being ready will require knowledge and sometimes it will require thoughtfulness. Sometimes we will need to take time and journey with people and sometimes we will need to be able to communicate the basics of faith briefly and succinctly. We don't need theological degrees, but we do need to grasp the basics of the faith. But good answers also need careful listening, we should not trot out trite answers to deep pain.

4. We need to be gentle and respectful. The arrogance of Christians has been one of the biggest stumbling blocks in the spread of the Gospel. Just because we believe that we are right doesn't give us the right to drive steam-rollers.

5. Our example is paramount. We are wasting our time and damaging the gospel's reputation if we live badly.

But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess. Yet do it with courtesy and respect, keeping a good conscience, so that those who slander your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame when they accuse you (1Peter3:15-16)

Theo Groeneveld serves at Emmanuel Presbyterian in Pretoria. He's married to and adores Brenda and is proud of his son Caleb. He enjoys cycling, music and tech and as a family they love serving the church and also work with an animal rescue organisation fostering stray kittens and finding homes for them. 

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EmmDev 2021-10-24 [UPCSA Month of Mission 2021] How does Paul approach King Agrippa?

How does Paul approach King Agrippa?

In the passage, Paul is in chains as a prisoner of the state after some Jews laid charges against him because they were unhappy with his mission to the Gentiles. When Paul is allowed to speak in vs.1, there is no sign of timidity. Instead, he takes the stage with boldness as one who is in control of the situation. Whilst Paul works on showing his innocence, he uses the opportunity to give his life's testimony on how he was once against Christians. However, the power of Jesus Christ transformed him after his personal experience with the resurrected Christ. Even when bound in chains, Paul is unapologetic about his task as Christ's apostle -- one sent to proclaim the message of salvation to the lost.

King Agrippa (and all other listeners) hear about Christ's ability to save people's lives as He did with Paul. In what should be Paul's defence, he uses the chance to proclaim the message of salvation. Paul's message is that, for both Jews and Gentiles, they could become members of God's people if they repented from their sinful ways and turned to God. One sign of true repentance is "do[ing] deeds to match their repentance." In vs.28, Agrippa tactfully avoids Paul's initial question and statement, "I know that you believe." However, Paul clearly proclaims the message of salvation, that is, everyone who is listening to him is invited to become a Christian. 

As we learn from the Apostle Paul what it means to follow Jesus and that the task at hand is to ensure that, "... all who hear me this day might become such as I am...." We cannot use or allow our circumstances, sometimes challenging, as an excuse not to proclaim the message of salvation. Could it be that each individual that we meet and talk to, regardless of their social status, must hear about what Christ can do for them? 

Christ enables those who come to Him to gain a new perspective about life. Christ's salvation ensures a life free from the power of the enemy, the penalty of sin is broken, and divine renewal is ushered into one's life. Lest we forget - the mission is God's; Jesus Christ is the message; the Holy Spirit is the enabling power of the mission; individually (and corporately) we are the medium of God's mission; and the world is the target of God's mission. In the words of our Lord, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations... (Matthew 28:19)." That is our task -- to proclaim the message of salvation.

Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You have permission to speak for yourself." So Paul motioned with his hand and began his defence: "King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today as I make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews, and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently. "The Jews all know the way I have lived ever since I was a child, from the beginning of my life in my own country, and also in Jerusalem. They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that according to the strictest sect of our religion, I lived as a Pharisee. And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our fathers that I am on trial today. This is the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. O king, it is because of this hope that the Jews are accusing me. Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead? "I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. In my obsession against them, I even went to foreign cities to persecute them. "On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. About noon, O king, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, `Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' "Then I asked, `Who are you, Lord?' " `I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' the Lord replied. `Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you. I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.' "So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds. That is why the Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. But I have had God's help to this very day, and so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen-- that the Christ would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles." At this point Festus interrupted Paul's defense. "You are out of your mind, Paul!" he shouted. "Your great learning is driving you insane." "I am not insane, most excellent Festus," Paul replied. "What I am saying is true and reasonable. The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do." Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?" Paul replied, "Short time or long--I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains." (Acts26:1-31)

Rev Willingmore Mhlanga is married to Senzokuhle and with two sons, Dumolwakhe and Njabulo. Serving in a shared ministry -- Makokoba Presbyterian Church, Bulawayo and The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (National Ecumenical Liaison Officer). 

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EmmDev 2021-10-23 [UPCSA Month of Mission 2021] How does Paul reach the Jailer?

How does Paul reach the Jailer?

Imprisoned people have no option but to obey those in charge of them. Paul and Silas, being among those imprisoned, obeyed the Philippian jailer as he was employed to look after prisoners. But spiritually they looked to God Almighty who could help them out of their predicament. Their devotion to prayer, praise and sharing the gospel was not chained and silenced by the walls of the prison and the fastening bonds.

 

As they prayed to God in prison, they expressed dependence on God. They could only get strength from God through prayer instead of complaining to the jailer and the magistrates who locked them in Prison. Often, we spend much time complaining to people who do not even know the God who called us and we expect to be helped. We forget that God is the owner of the ministry. We should talk to God in time of injustice and He will come through for us.

As they sang hymns of praise to God who had the power to free them from their bonds. Praise activated the power of God to work upon their lives. This was seen in the earthquake that shook the strong foundations of the prison and threw the bonds open.  There is liberating power in praising God in all situations. No spiritual wall can stand the power of God at work in praise.

When the jailer woke up, he found out that the doors were open and wanted to kill himself because he was convinced thought Paul and Silas had escaped. But Paul cried out, "Do not harm yourself, we are all here." He rushed in the prison and knelt before Paul trembling in fear. He brought them out and asked Paul, "What shall I do to be saved?"  Paul guided the jailer to believer in God and be saved.

Paul directed the jailer to the God of the power that worked in prison through prayer and praise. The jailer surrendered his life to God. God's authority and power is greater than any other power that can enslave people. The humility that Paul and Silas showed in waiting for the jailer to take them out and not running away, enabled the jailer to see God's grace in saving his life.

Prayer: God help me to pray and praise you in difficulty situations, to direct people who want to be saved to you, not to the miracle or fellowship place. God give me the grace to be humble as your vessel, not amassing glory to myself for the miracles you are doing, but letting glory be given unto you, God Almighty. Amen! 

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them,  and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened.  When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped.  But Paul cried with a loud voice, "Do not harm yourself, for we are all here."  And the jailer  called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas.  Then he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"  And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household."  And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house.  And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family.  Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God. (ESV)  (Acts16:25-34)

Rev Masauso Nyirenda, a minister at Chimwemwe Congregation in the Copperbelt Presbytery, Zambia. He is married to Margaret Band and together they are blessed with three children; Chimwemwe, Walusungu and Wezi. 

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