EmmDev 2024-12-19 [Advent 2024] Donkey

Donkey

Rejoice greatly O Daughter of Zion! Shout, daughter of Jerusalem! See, Your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (Zechariah9:9)

It would not be wrong for us to say that Jesus was an unexpected Messiah to the Jews. They had expected a political figure who would chase the Romans into the sea and establish an earthly throne in Jerusalem and set up a political kingdom that the likes of David would only have dreamed about. When Jesus came and established a heavenly kingdom - a kingdom of the heart - many expectations were disappointed.

But this was not a completely unexpected development... There are Old Testament prophecies that portray this aspect of Jesus coming. We have already looked at Isaiah's images of the suffering servant and here in Zechariah we have another example...

What animal would one expect a coming Messiah to ride? Our imaginations swing to a great white stallion - a symbol of power, strength, and victory. What connotations come from riding a donkey's foal? The foal of the donkey was the mode of transport for the elderly or children. It would be the mount chosen by a soothsaying prophet or a wise hermit.

Riding a donkey is not the declaration of war, but a statement of the intent of peace. This was Jesus' mode of transport on Palm Sunday as He entered Jerusalem. It was a week before Passover, Jerusalem was full of pilgrims, they were remembering the miraculous Exodus from Egypt and so nationalistic fervour ran high. Jesus sent a crystal clear message on that day: His kingdom was not an earthly kingdom. He was not willing to go to war to obtain peace. He came not as a Victor, but a Victim, and He would grant salvation by giving Himself.

Usually we consider this prophecy at Easter, but it is appropriate for Christmas too as one of the favourite titles for Jesus at Christmas time is "Prince of Peace".

Jesus was born into a world where a petty regional governor (Herod) wouldn't hesitate to commit (horrific) infanticide to protect his power-base. Jesus was born into a world where his parents could only afford to offer pigeons as a thanksgiving for His birth. He was born into a world of oppression, uncertainty and danger - and He was called "Prince of Peace".

These risks and pains continued to be part of His life and when He rode into Jerusalem 33 years later, facing betrayal, trumped up charges, mistreatment and death, He rode the predicted but unexpected donkey-foal because He is able to bring peace to you and me.

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EmmDev 2024-12-18 [Advent 2024] Pierced

Pierced

And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son. (Zechariah12:10)

The prophet Zechariah foresaw the tragedy of Jesus' death on the cross. It was John (19:37) who recognised that this prophecy had been fulfilled in the crucifixion of Jesus.

It's a difficult prophecy: On the one hand, there was a response to Jesus' message and people's lives were changed and there were those who stood at the cross and grieved His death. On the other hand, we were the ones who "pierced" Him.

Let's consider the "piercing":

• The crowds cried out Crucify Him!
• Herod washed his hands of Jesus
• The Roman soldiers were only interested in what they would gain from Him and gambled for His clothes.
• The High Priests and the Sadducees and Pharisees mocked Him
• On the whole the crowds simply observed His agony.
• The disciples rand away because they were afraid that they might be next and so it was really only John and Mary and the women who were there.

The One who truly mourned for an only child and grieved for a firstborn son was God the Father. The sky turned black and the earth grew still. Then, in the midst of bitter grief, God the Father turned His face from His sin-bearing Son, whose cry "Why have You forsaken me?" went unheard and unanswered.

This grief describes the cost of John 3:16 ("for God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son....")
Christmas must lead to Easter.

In Advent we are very aware that this child was born to die. We recognise that it cost Jesus. Christmas is followed by Easter. Some of our beautiful Easter hymns like "O Sacred head once wounded" and "When I survey" recognise His pain and agony and we mourn that it 'was our sin that bruised and wounded Him'. More than that though, we recognise that it 'was for us He hung and suffered there'. It is with a mixture of awe and sorrow that we realise that 'we were there' when they crucified our Lord.

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EmmDev 2024-12-17 [Advent 2024] The Star that points to the King

The Star that points to the King

"I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel." (Numbers24:17)

Long before shepherds heard angels sing or magi followed the star, the promise of a King was declared. In the wilderness of Moab, the unlikely prophet Balaam brings a glimpse of future glory.

Balaam was a pagan soothsayer who had been hired by the Moabite king, Balak, to curse Moses and the Israelites as they travelled through Moab. His mission was redefined by the angel of the Lord and a talking donkey and so Balaam blessed Israel and spoke of a star and a scepter: a vision of a distant and glorious King who would rise from Jacob.

This was no ordinary king. The star that Balaam saw was a glimmer of hope in the darkness, signpost to the One who would bring salvation. The scepter, a sign of rule and authority, would rest firmly in the hands of Jesus Christ, the true King of kings.

In the "fullness of time," the star appears again, this time in the night sky over Bethlehem, guiding wise men to bow before the child who would fulfill every promise. Jesus, born in humility, came not with earthly power but with heavenly purpose: to seek and to save, to rule and to restore.

This Christmas, as we celebrate His birth, may we see more than a baby in a manger. May we see the King who reigns, the Light who shines in the darkness, and the Star that leads us to eternal hope. He is near. He has come. And He will come again.

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EmmDev 2024-12-13 [Advent 2024] In one single day

In one single day

This Advent Promise is in a symbol rich chapter. Zechariah has had a vision of the high priest Joshua (The name "Joshua" is a variant "Jesus") who appeared before the throne in scruffy dirty clothes. Satan was there to accuse him for his sin, but God re-clothed him in clean clothes, taking care of sin and the accuser.

As you read the prophecy below, you will note the following features:

The vision continues with the promise that the Branch is coming. This is the same word as the word we translated "shoot" yesterday. Then the imagery changes to another Messianic image - The stone. (The Old Testament also describes the Messiah as a stone in Psalm 118:22 and Isaiah 28:16). Peter also declared that Christ is both cornerstone (the stone that is the orientation and foundation of the building) and He is the capstone (the purpose and glory of the building.)

The seven eyes on the stone are in all likelihood symbolic of God's omniscience - that He sees all our sin and brokenness. It means that God sees us as we are and doesn't give up on us.

We don't know what the inscription on the stone is, but the result is forgiveness in one single day! It is a breathtakingly accurate and to-the-point Advent Promise: It comes right down to why He came and what it means for us.

The image of the stone takes us straight to the rocky outcrop of Golgotha. I have often thought that the inscription on the stone will be "It is finished!"

Thank you Lord that you were so passionate about us!

Listen o high priest Joshua and your associates seated before you who are symbolic of things to come: I am going to bring my servant, the Branch. See the stone I have set in front of Joshua! There are seven eyes on that stone, and I will engrave an inscription on it,and I will remove the sin of this land in one single day. (Zechariah3:8-9)

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EmmDev 2024-12-12 [Advent 2024] A Righteous Branch

A Righteous Branch

The days are coming declares the Lord When I will raise up to David a righteous Branch A King who will reign wisely and do what is right and just in the land In His days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety This is the name by which the Branch will be called: The LORD our Righteousness. (Jeremiah23:5-6)

The scene is Jerusalem - just two years before the Babylonians carry away the first group of exiles. In this chapter Jeremiah is concerned about the leadership in Jerusalem: They are shepherds who have neglected the sheep. In the midst of his frustration, Jeremiah looks forward to the coming of the ultimate Shepherd-King. This is the prophecy of the Righteous Branch.

What is fascinating is that this prophecy also has a double fulfillment: Two years after this prophecy was uttered, the Babylonians occupied Jerusalem for the first time and carried King Jehoiachin into exile. Nebuchadnezzar appointed Jehoiachin's uncle Mattaniah as king and changed his name to Zedekiah which means "The Lord is my Righteousness"!!!

After a few years of peace, Zedekiah failed to heed Jeremiah's advice, and against God's will he rebelled against the Babylonians. This disobedience resulted in the destruction of Jerusalem. Zedekiah turned out to be another bad shepherd...

The Hebrew word for Branch can also be translated as shoot. The image then is of a tree that is cut down, but a shoot emerges from the stump and re-establishes the tree. Five hundred years later, the stump of God's people was still in the ground, but under Roman rule. In a stable in Bethlehem, the stump of David sprouted a shoot.

Jesus is everything that Zedekiah was not. He reigns with wisdom and righteousness. Surrounded by our brokeness and our "Zedekiah legacies" (our insistence on doing things our way) the righteous King went to the cross where He submitted to the Father's will and became our righteousness and we are saved.

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EmmDev 2024-12-11 [Advent 2024] House of Bread

House of Bread

But you Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah Out of you will come for me One who will be ruler over Israel. Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor gives birth and the rest of His brothers return to join the Israelites. He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they will live securely, for then His greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And He will be their peace. (Micah5:2-5)

Today's Messianic prophecy is the one that alerted Herod to the fact that the child the wise men from the East were visiting could pose a real threat. He had not taken Bethlehem seriously even though the bright star had settled above it. The prophecy clinched the issue. Fortunately Joseph had been warned in a dream before Herod acted on his fears in the most horrific way - the slaughter of the babies in Bethlehem.

Bethlehem means "House of Bread." It is the city where Rachel was buried, where Ruth gleaned in Boaz's field and where David was anointed as King. It is also called the city of David and it is very appropriate that the Messiah who is the seed of David would be born here.

The story of Ruth is ironic because the story begins with a famine which forced Naomi and her family to leave Bethlehem. There was no bread in the house of bread. The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem is significant too: The house of bread would be the birthplace of the One who fed the 5000 with fish and bread, who called Himself the Bread of Life, and offered His body as the bread of the new covenant and the bread of heaven.

Jesus is the Lord of a kingdom that is not an earthly kingdom. Eugene Peterson calls it a subversive kingdom: Jesus was the King of a kingdom He described as the yeast that spreads throughout the whole batch of dough.

The prophecy ends with the promise that He will be their shepherd and their peace.

Naomi and her family left Bethlehem because there was no bread. Bread was the staple food they needed to survive. More than a 1000 years later came a king who would be the endless source of spiritual sustenance and provision. Our relationship with Christ is the bread we need.

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EmmDev 2024-12-10 [Advent 2024] Zealous God

Zealous God

Today's Advent Promise always gives me goosebumps. It's not a classic "Christmassy" prophecy of Christ, but describes the Incarnation in John's Terms - "Light shining into darkness"

Isaiah 59 starts with a description of our human sinfulness:
"For your hands are stained with blood,
your fingers with guilt.
Your lips have spoken lies,
and your tongue mutters wicked things."

Our sins separate us from God, justice is driven back, truth is nowhere to be found and those who strive for righteousness are victimised.

But Isaiah reveals a glimpse into God's heart.
When God saw our predicament He was profoundly moved:
- He was appalled at our predicament.
- He set out to work salvation for us.
- His righteousness became the sacrifice that paid for us
- Our salvation was the reason for which He went to the cross.
- He was determined to break Satan's power
- And He wrapped Himself in zeal.

Jesus wasn't resigned to the Incarnation in a "Oh-well-I-suppose-I-had-better-save-these-people" kind of way. No! He was appalled at where our brokenness takes us, and He rolled up His sleeves to get stuck into saving us. He passionately and zealously offered up His very best - even His righteousness (He carried the guilt of our sin) - so that we might be saved.

The writer of the letter to the Hebrews says: "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame."

Take a few moments to read this 400 year promise from a God who was determined to rescue us....

He saw that there was no-one; He was appalled that there was no one to intervene So His own arm worked salvation for Him And His own righteousness sustained Him He put on righteousness as His breastplace And the helmet of salvation on His head He put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak. (Isaiah59:16-17)

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EmmDev 2024-12-06 [Advent 2024] Bruised

Bruised

Throughout chapters 40-55 of Isaiah there are references to the suffering servant of the Lord who will bring light and hope to all people even through his suffering. Scholars debate the identity of this servant: Is it Isaiah, Israel, or Someone Else?" In the time of Isaiah this prophecy was indeed meant to be fulfilled by the Jewish nation who were meant to be a light to nations even as they suffered at the hands of the Babylonians.

Unfortunately Israel did not turn out to be the light to the nations and the hope for the world. Those who returned from exile became inward-looking and self-centered to the extent that they did not become the light to the nations. The true light of the world would come 400 years later.

During Advent, the "Servant Songs" of Isaiah (which are found in 42:1-4; 49:1-6; 50:4-7 and culminate in 52:13-53:12) shine very brightly even though they are a very sobering account of the substitutionary suffering of the Servant of the Lord. The song in chapter 53 is a sensory-overloading foresight of the way in which Jesus would suffer to pay for our sin-debt and transgression-brokenness.

Chapter 53 is brimming with beautiful Hebrew poetry, marked by clever repetition, parallel lines, powerful images, and an economy of words that is breath-taking. It is hard to imagine that a reader cannot be gripped by the accuracy and appropriateness of the prophecies in the light of Jesus' suffering on the cross.

Look at the reasons for the suffering:
- He took up our infirmities
- carried our sorrows
- He was pierced for our transgressions
- crushed for our iniquities
- Our punishment to obtain peace was upon Him
- He carried the wounds that obtained our healing.
- Our iniquity (which leads us astray and turns us away) was upon Him.

It is quite easy for me to dwell on my own brokenness and get stuck there:
- I am infirm: Deficient in direction, purpose, and value
- I am filled with sorrow: I struggle with my brokenness and sin
- I am aware of my guilt and the consequences of my sin are obvious to me
- I know that I really deserve punishment for my selfish self-centeredness
- I am lost and confused

But God is concerned with my healing!!
What is amazing is that Jesus was so committed to healing me of this brokenness that He had Isaiah detail it 400 years in advance! With breath-taking accuracy Isaiah details the reality of what it would take to make us new. Is God eager to heal my brokenness?
Absolutely!
Just read the promise He made...

Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? 2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. 3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows Yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by Him and afflicted. 5 But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities The punishment that brought us peace was upon Him and by His wounds we are healed 6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned his own way And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. 8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken. 9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth. 10 Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand. 11 After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. (Isaiah53:1-12)

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EmmDev 2024-12-05 [Advent 2024] A Four-Titled King

A Four-Titled King

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. On those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned ... For to us a child is born, to us a son is given And the government will be on his shoulders And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. (Isaiah9:2-7) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it... He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.' " From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known. (John1:1-18) (Isaiah9:2-7)

Today's Advent Promise is one of the most well-known and well-loved.

I want to look at it from the perspective of its fulfilment in John's Gospel:

First we look at Isaiah's idea that "the people walking in darkness have seen a great light..."
In his prologue to the the fourth gospel John identifies Jesus as the light that shines into the darkness:

• In Jesus was life and that life was the light of humankind.
• The light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it or fully understand it.
• Jesus is the true light that gives light to everyone and He came into the world
• We have seen the light of His glory which is full of grace and truth

We often forget that Jesus came to establish a Kingdom. It is not an earthly kingdom and He is not an earthly king. This is a point that Pontius Pilate found hard to understand.

Secondly we look at how Jesus carries four titles as the founder and ruler of God's kingdom (John also picks these points up in his prologue:)

• He is our Wonderful Counsellor: When other people left because Jesus' teaching was too hard, the disciples decided to stay because they recognised that Jesus had the words of life. But Jesus is also the one who sends the Holy Spirit who is our Counsellor and Comforter. (John: "No one has ever seen God, but the only begotten who is at the Father's side has made Him known.")
• Jesus is our Mighty God, who through His miracles and especially His resurrection has revealed Himself as the One who will come again in glory and before whom every knee will bow. (John, quoting John the Baptist: "He who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me." In the prologue he also says "We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only who came from the Father full of grace and truth.")
• Because He is one with the Everlasting Father, Jesus gives us the privilege of becoming God's children. John says: "To all who received Him and believed in His name He gave the right to become children of God."
• Because of His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus is our Prince of Peace. John says: "From the fullness of His grace we have received one blessing after another.")

  What a stunning picture of Jesus as our coming King and Saviour!

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EmmDev 2024-12-03 [Advent 2024] A son named Emmanuel

A son named Emmanuel

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son and will call him Emmanuel. (Isaiah7:14)

The historical background to this passage is about 730BC when the Assyrians were starting to move in on Palestine. King Ahab of Judah (the Southern Kingdom) was fearful of an alliance of Rezin and Aram, two local kings in Palestine. Isaiah goes to assure the king that these kings are but smouldering firewood, but Ahab is doubtful.

God then promises Ahab a sign: A child - a son - will be born and before the child is two years old, these two kings will have been destroyed.

The Hebrew word for "virgin" can also mean "a young woman about to be married." The first fulfillment of the prophecy takes place in the next chapter: Isaiah takes a young wife and she gives birth to a son, who is given the name "Quick-to-the-plunder" and is a foreshadowing of the invasion of the Assyrians who overthrow all the nations in Palestine except Jerusalem and, as prophesied, Rezin and Aram are thwarted. As Isaiah describes the power of the Assyrian attack he still affirms that God is with His people (Isaiah 8:8) and so the birth of the child is associated to the presence of the Lord in the midst of trouble.

But New Testament also recognises this as a prophecy of the coming of Jesus. So it is a double prophecy: Isaiah, Ahab, Rezin, and Aram were long gone by the time Christ was born, but He came to deliver us from a far greater enemy...

700 years later (after it had had its "dress-rehearsal" in the form of Isaiah's son) the prophecy was ultimately and finally fulfilled in the birth of Jesus who was more than just a sign of God's presence with His people, but was truly God with us. Christ was also born in the midst of the threat of a foreign power (Rome) and so we discover that even when we are in trouble and experiencing hardship God is with us.

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EmmDev 2024-11-29 [Advent 2024] A shoot from a Stump

A shoot from a Stump

A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him-- the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD-- and he will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist. (Isaiah11:1-5)

Imagine a forest of trees that has been hacked down to the ground...
Once it was a quiet and serene haven: cool and calm with magnificent trees, beautiful greenery highlighted by mottled sunlight, the sound of birds and the wind rustling through the foliage - a place to sooth the soul.

Now it is a hot dry graveyard of stumps.
As one stands in the midst of the destruction, one feels alone, helpless, exposed and defeated.

The time is about 700BC, the place is Palestine and the author-poet-singer, the prophet Isaiah, contemplates the chaos and destruction wrought by Assyria which is the current dominant world power. They have destroyed the Northern Kingdom of Israel and repeatedly besieged the Southern Kingdom. Nations have struggled against them. There have been alliances, betrayals and intrigue. This war of attrition has meant that trust, faith and hope have been destroyed.

Isaiah has prophesied that even mighty Assyria will fall.
He imagines a mighty forest cut down to the ground.
The felled forest is the ultimate image of the legacy of war and violence.
It represents the human condition.

But there is hope!
Out of the pain and destruction, a shoot will grow out of one of stumps.
A mighty tree will grow - the Messiah will come.

Jesus fulfills this prophecy:

• He is a descendant of David, the son of Jesse.
• He was specifically filled with the Spirit at His baptism
• In His earthly ministry He manifested the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, counsel, power, knowledge and the fear of the LORD.
• He saw beyond externals and right down to the heart
• He demonstrated His understanding of God and of humanity
• He even demonstrated moments of righteous judgement and power

As you read this prophecy made 700 years before Christ and contemplate its beautiful fulfilment, I invite you to let your heart be set on fire with hope - for Advent isn't only about the first coming of Christ, but also how He comes into our world through His Spirit in us, and also that He will come again.

Are you surrounded by stumps?
Jesus is the shoot who springs from the stump.
We can put our trust in Him!

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EmmDev 2024-11-28 [Advent 2024] The Lion

The Lion

"Judah, your brothers will praise you; your hand will be on the neck of your enemies; your father's sons will bow down to you. 9 You are a lion's cub, O Judah; you return from the prey, my son. Like a lion he crouches and lies down, like a lioness--who dares to rouse him? 10 The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs and the obedience of the nations is his. 11 He will tether his donkey to a vine, his colt to the choicest branch; he will wash his garments in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes. 12 His eyes will be darker than wine, his teeth whiter than milk. (Genesis49:8-12)

Yesterday our Advent Promise portrayed Jesus as the Lamb.

Today's promise portrays Him as a Lion.

The scene is Jacob (now called Israel - the Father of nations) blessing his twelve sons. Each blessing is connected with the character and nature of the son he is blessing, but at a much deeper level the blessing has prophetic implications for the tribes emerging from each of the sons. There is, in the blessing of Judah, a very distinct messianic aspect which is highlighted in today's passage...

In the earlier part of the blessing on Judah, he is described as a lion and a conqueror. From history we know that the Kings of Israel came from the tribe of Judah and that the line of monarchy narrowed down even more to the line of David who was from the tribe of Judah. The tribe of Judah was the dominant ruling tribe in Israel's history.

The sceptre mentioned in the passage can also be translated as the commander's staff and the promise was that Judah's tribe would be supreme and the commander's staff will "remain in the family" until it came to whom it belongs. Although Jesus came as a lowly king and as the Lamb of God, He is also the Lion of Judah. Through His obedience to the Father (even unto death) and through His resounding victory over the grave, He is victorious and is enthroned at the right hand of the Father as Lord of the Church. Paul says:
"Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place.
And gave Him the name that is above every name." (Philippians 2:9)

When He comes again, it will be as Lord of all, and then what Paul wrote will be fulfilled:
"that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow
in heaven and on earth and under the earth
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord" (Philippians 2:10-11)

And in Revelation John portrays Him as a Lion: "Then one of the elders said to me, '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.'"

We make a serious mistake if we see Him only as the Lamb!

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EmmDev 2024-11-27 [Advent 2024] The Lamb

The Lamb

Abraham answered, "God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." ... 12 "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." 13 Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided."... 17 [The Lord declared] "I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore... and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed because you have obeyed me." (Genesis22:8018)

Today's fulfilled advent promise comes from the account of Abraham sacrificing Isaac. Many people struggle with this passage. Why would God ask Abraham to do such a difficult thing? I think there are two significant reasons:

1. The surrounding nations practised child-sacrifice. This is evident in the fact that Abraham was not surprised by the request and goes through all the steps to carry out the command. The incredible outcome of the story is that Abraham, knife in hand, discovers that the God of Israel does not require this.
2. Abraham's journey prefigures what God would do for us. Abraham and Isaac found a ram caught by its horns but centuries later God would provide a Lamb. John identifies Jesus as the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." (John1:29)
   Paul reminds us that "He did not spare His only Son, but gave Him up for us all - how will He not also along with Him, graciously give us all things?" (Rom8:32)

In verses 17 and 18 God talks about Abraham's descendants (plural) then He speaks about Abraham's seed or offspring (singular) Through the coming of the Lamb all nations are blessed.

Some would argue that God is then guilty of child-sacrifice, but the Scriptures are clear: Jesus chose to do the Father's will. He was not a helpless victim but a willing sacrifice.

Abraham's story plunges us directly into the reality of human brokenness - we think that our guilt can be cancelled by our sacrifices. Other religious systems demanded child sacrifices. Child sacrifice was a macabre cycle of darkness and violence that cheapened life and those who participated in it were sucked into a spiral of cheapened life and devalued humanity.

God's emphatic answer is: "No more killing! I will pay the price" and in the gift of His one and only Son, God the Father pays the price that we were not required to pay. What the story of Abraham illustrates is just how much it cost the Father and what the obedience of Abraham and the Lamb achieved.

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Watch Michael Card's beautiful song: "God will provide a Lamb"

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EmmDev 2024-11-26 [Advent 2024] Protoevangelium

Protoevangelium

I apologise for a longer than expected gap in devotions. We had a wonderful camping trip stopping at Potch, Christiana, Kuruman, Augrabies, Riemvasmaak, Barkly West and RietspruitDam (near Ventersdorp). Things were very hectic when we came back and so it has taken me a bit longer to get going on EmmDevs.

For the next three weeks I'm hoping (D.V.) to revisit some of the Advent Prophecies. We'll explore some of the iconic prophecies and pictures of the coming Messiah and fill our hearts with hope and worship as we consider that God came to us in Jesus.
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And I will put enmity between you and the woman and between your offspring and hers; He will crush your head and you will strike His heel. (Genesis3:15)

In the movie, the Passion of the Christ, Mel Gibson portrays Jesus praying in the Garden - and Satan, in the form of a serpent, is trying to talk Him out of going to the cross. The scene culminates in Jesus praying "Not my will, but Yours be done." As Jesus gets up to meet Judas and the soldiers coming to arrest Him, He stomps His heel on the head of the serpent who is tempting Him.

This scene points back to another garden, the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve were tempted by the serpent, they ate the fruit, and they hid from God when He came to fellowship with them in the Garden. Having ascertained that the serpent was the instigator of the trouble, God pronounces the start of a war and the final outcome. The prophecy speaks of a battle and an outcome.

Human beings are generally revolted by snakes. This is symbolic of the struggle between human beings and the powers of darkness. One should not read too much into the symbolism because in reality snakes do not dislike people as much as what the Satan is opposed to humanity. There is a struggle between good and evil that has begun in the garden and it is a struggle in which evil often catches us by surprise just as a snake in the grass catches us by surprise.

Scholars see this passage as a "protoevangelium" (a first gospel) because it points to the crucifixion (strike at the heel) of Jesus, and His resurrection, ascension, and second coming (the crushing of the serpent's head.)

The exciting thing about this first prophecy of Jesus is that it is not simply pious hopefulness. It is starkly rooted in the reality of the struggle of life. There is a battle on the go and it is a battle in which humankind faces a bitter enemy. With New Testament eyes we know that there is a certain Offspring of Eve who was struck by the serpent but who crushed its head.

This victory will be passed on to us and so Romans 16:20 says "And the God of peace will soon crush Satan underneath your feet."

What is also significant is that this prophecy comes in the midst of God's discovery of their sin. God is not caught by surprise. There is no sense of Him saying: "Oh dear! What do I do now?" He knew what the implications of their disobedience would be - and He had a plan.

This Protoevangelium is our hope and peace.
Christmas reminds us that Eve's Offspring, Mary's Son, is our Serpent Defeater.

And I will put enmity between you and the woman and between your offspring and hers; He will crush your head and you will strike His heel. (Genesis3:15)

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EmmDev 2024-10-31 [Stronger Together] Together we overcome Obstacles

Together we overcome Obstacles

When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up - one on one side, one on the other - so that his hands remained steady till sunset. (Exodus17:12)

The UPCSA community, for the past one and a half years, has been exploring the theme "Stronger Together." Indeed, the scriptures are very clear in Ecclesiastes 4:9, which says, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour..." From Exodus 17:12, our devotion emphasis is "Together we overcome obstacles."

Life is full of obstacles that each community of believers will come across time and again, and God anticipates His people working together to overcome their obstacles (Genesis 11:6). This experience brings about growth for His children.

In Exodus 17, the Israelites, led by Moses, are journeying through the wilderness after their escape from Egypt. They face a critical moment when the Amalekites attack them at Rephidim. Moses instructs Joshua to lead the Israelite army in battle while he stands on a hill with the staff of God. As long as Moses holds up his hands, Israel prevails, but when he lowers them, the Amalekites gain ground.

Moses becomes tired, and his arms weaken. To support him, Aaron and Hur place a stone for Moses to sit on and hold up his hands---one on each side---until sunset. This act of teamwork enables Israel to maintain the upper hand and ultimately win the battle.

Even Moses, a great leader chosen by God, became weary. His physical strength was not enough to win the battle. This reminds us that no matter how capable or strong we may be, we all reach moments of exhaustion. It's important to recognise that needing help is not a sign of weakness but of humanity. God often uses people around us to strengthen us in our time of need. Be humble and be a team player.

Aaron and Hur came alongside Moses and held up his arms when he couldn't do it alone. Their combined strength kept Moses steady, and their teamwork led to victory for Israel. Likewise, unity in the body of Christ is essential. When we come together, supporting one another in prayer, encouragement, and love, we can face any obstacle. God's design is for us to function as a community, lifting one another up in difficult times.

The outcome of the battle depended not only on Moses but on the collective effort of those around him. This story shows that God uses the support of others to fulfil His purpose in our lives. We can overcome obstacles when we rely on our faith in God and the community He provides. Together, through Christ, we can find victory in situations where alone we might fail. Ecclesiastes 4:12 reminds us that a cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.

This passage highlights the power of cooperation, faith, and reliance on God to overcome challenges.
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Rev. Dr. Christopher Mkandawire husband of Rhodah, father of Wanangwa, Kondwani and Wongani. Minister of David Livingstone Memorial Presbyterian Church in Livingstone Zambia.
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This brings us to the end of our Month of Mission Devotions.
A big THANK YOU goes to:

• The Month of Missions Team: Richard Mkandawire (Convener), Matshidiso Piroe, Brian Mazanhi, Stewart Gordon, Wayne van Heerden and Theo Groeneveld.
• Our Devotion writers: James Gray, Shona vd Lingen, Mary-Anne Molifi, Donald Themba Nzama, Lethabo Mbotja, Tieho Letsheleha, Unathi Ntseke, Tatenda Garande, Tariro Mupfururi, Elias Simango, Clarence Tungunu, Melanie Cook, Zipilele Wilson Lubambo, Bukelwa Hans, Wayne van Heerden, Jackie Barker, Jane Moyo Nyirongo, Richard Mkandawire, Godfrey Msiska, Christopher Mkandawire and Theo Groeneveld.

We pray that you have been blessed by these devotions.

SOLI DEO GLORIA!

One of our ministers, Theo Groeneveld, writes devotions Tue-Fri during gov school terms.
If you would like to receive these by email or whatsapp, go to emmdev.blogspot.com and use the links at the top of the page.

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EmmDev 2024-10-30 [Stronger Together] Standing Together in God's Power

Standing Together in God's Power

How could one man chase a thousand, or two put ten thousand to fight, unless the Rock had sold them, unless the Lord had given them up? (Deuteronomy32:30)

There are two songs of Moses in the Old Testament. The first is a song of victory after God brought them through the Red Sea and defeated Pharaoh's army. The second song comes from the end of Moses' life and is both a warning and a call to remembrance, highlighting God's faithfulness, Israel's frequent disobedience, and the consequences of turning away from Him. Our reading comes from this second song. Moses addresses his song to Israel as a nation and warns them that disobedience to God will result in God handing them over to their enemies.

As Christians, we have at our disposal divine strength from God's power. God's power is available to us as a result of unity and reliance on God. Standing together in God's power emphasises the importance of unity and reliance on God, especially during challenges. The question raised in the scripture we have read underscores the idea that without God's intervention and support, even a large number of people can be overwhelmed by a few of their enemies.

The passage of scripture in Deuteronomy 32:30 is part of the "song of Moses," which serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness for divine protection. God is referred to as "the Rock," meaning that God provides stability and strength. In fact, the imagery of one man chasing a thousand and two chasing ten thousand highlights the power that comes from divine backing. (Sadly, in this case, it is Israel being chased by a few enemies because they have strayed from God, and He has given them up.)

This passage is a sobering reminder that it is only possible to live a Christian life in the power of God. We must realise that it is important to stand together in God. In the book of Joshua, Moses' words were fulfilled when Joshua attacked the small city of Ai, which they should have defeated easily, but instead, the Israelites were utterly defeated. This was because of the sin of Achan, who kept some of Jericho's idols, and because Joshua did not consult God. It is a clear reminder of how important it is to be united and reliant on God.

When we learn to rely wholly on God, our thinking and approach to life are transformed. We no longer live with expectations of defeat or failure; instead, we grow in confidence that, through God's power, we can live victoriously. Living as a Christian is less about what we strive to do for Christ and more about allowing Christ to work through us and being empowered by the Holy Spirit.
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Rev. Dr. Godfrey Msiska, a husband to Muchoke, father to Vitu, Vinu, Vinandi and Viwongo, serving at St. Peter's congregation in Ndola, Zambia and lecturing at Evangelical University.

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EmmDev 2024-10-29 [Stronger Together] United in Purpose

United in Purpose

The Lord said, "If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them." (Genesis11:6)

The story of Babel in Genesis 11:1-9 teaches us a big lesson about unity and what can happen when it goes the wrong way. The name "Babel" means "confusion" in Hebrew, which perfectly describes what happened there. Nimrod, a strong leader and great-grandson of Noah, led the people to build a massive tower reaching toward heaven. His goal was to create fame for themselves, not to honor God or follow His command to spread across the earth (Genesis 1:28). This was unity for personal glory, not for God.

In Genesis 11:6, God notes the power of their unity: "If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them." While unity is powerful, it can be dangerous if it goes against God's will. So, God created different languages to disrupt their plans and prevent further rebellion. Babel reminds us that when unity is self-centered, it leads to confusion and division.

The Bible also gives examples of unity directed towards God's purpose. Jesus prayed for His followers to be united (John 17:21), and the early church showed this by working together, sharing what they had, and supporting one another to spread the gospel (Acts 2:44-46). (Ironically, at Pentecost, the Spirit used different languages to bring people together.) Unlike Babel, where people sought fame, the early believers were united in serving God, and the church grew rapidly. They show us the real strength of unity when it's aligned with God's purpose.

Let us aim for unity that honors God. Putting aside personal ambition, may we work together as one body, striving to fulfill His mission. Together, we can achieve much for His kingdom. May we be stronger in purpose, unified in faith and love.
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Richard Mkandawire is currently ministering at St. Columba's congregation in Kabwe. He is married to Aretha, and they have three kids. He enjoys watching football and reading.

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EmmDev 2024-10-28 [Stronger Together] Stength in Unity

Stength in Unity

We move into our final week of the Month of Mission, this week's devotions reflect on the Benefits of Community and Unity.

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. If one of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes4:9-12)

Two are better than one
God in His own wisdom did not create a human being to be an island. He created us to be in a human community. From our passage we see that there are lots of benefits in a human community. We are supposed to enjoy each other's company, to work together and to lift each other. There is a lot a person can do alone, but in the company of another much more can be done. You work and encourage one another. As the saying goes, "Alone you can walk fast, but together we can walk far."

In the Scriptures Jesus intentionally sent out His disciples in pairs to do His work, Mark 6:7. In addition our Lord emphasized the importance of two or three gathered in His name to have active fellowship that involved forgiveness and reconciliation, Matthew 18:20.

Stronger together
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. During my primary school days, there was a bully who troubled us. One day a friend suggested that when the bully picks a fight with one of us, we should come together and fight the bully. At first we were so scared to go with the plan but I got courage and told the bully to stop beating our friend. She left the one she was beating and came for me. My other three friends watched for a second and come forward and we were able to overpower the bully and that was the beginning of peace. The bully stopped terrorizing us and there was harmony. As believers when we come together in love, we can fight the enemy.

We need each other, we need each other's support and encouragement daily. We can pray at home alone, but you can agree with me that when we come together and pray together, we feel more encouraged and we can even pray longer!

The enemy's tactics
The devil our enemy knows how he can defeat us. He isolates us and then attacks. Due to this isolation, we are having lots of incidents of people taking their own lives. You don't have to make it through life alone. Talk to someone and you will be stronger.

May God bless us all as we enjoy the company of one another
Shalom
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Jane Moyo Nyirongo is currently serving the saints of Garden congregation in Mchinga Presbytery. A mother and grand mother of many. Enjoys taking walks, reading and gardening.

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EmmDev 2024-10-25 [Stronger Together] Sowing in Peace

Sowing in Peace

Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. (James3:18)

Peace is an interesting thing -- so many people want it, search for it and long for it, and yet struggle to find it. Peace seems to be a gift that you're given, or something you find as you do this journey of life. Its often a sense, sometimes fleeting, of all is well with the world or the deeper knowing within your soul of "It's going to be Ok."

As Jesus followers, we get to experience peace because of the gift of the Holy Spirit. He brings peace into our lives, and so becoming aware of his presence with us, sensing his guidance, and knowing his heart can help us to live with a deeper, more long-lasting peace that defies circumstance.

Our passage for today introduces something new to this though -- "Peacemakers who sow in peace." I wrestled long with this phrase in researching for this devotion -- what does it mean to be a peacemaker who sows in peace?
Some implications seem clear:

1. Work towards unity through loving communication
2. Repair broken relationships
3. Avoid divisive talk and the temptation to gossip
4. Live with integrity - that what you say you do
5. On a larger scale, we can contribute to building bridges between those who are different, and refusing to be polarised by controversy

All of these are forms of peace-making and all are important in reaping a harvest of righteousness. I, however, want to propose an additional one.

We get to carry the Prince of Peace into situations. When we encounter pain and heartache, fear, frustration, grief and loss, or anger -- we can choose to walk into the room carrying peace. We get to change the dynamics simply by walking in. This is true incarnational ministry -- when we get to be like Jesus and do the work he does.

Think of those he healed, he conversed with, he touched -- each time they were able to "go in peace."

What would it look like if every encounter, every conversation, every prayer was empowered with the peace of the Spirit? What would change if we invited him into these spaces, and welcomed his peace? How would it be when the stress and fear is high -- to stop and experience his peace for ourselves and then become a peacemaker just as he was?

May you be filled anew today with the gift Jesus offered of a peace that passes understanding. And may you become a peacemaker like him, as you carry this peace into the world.
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Jackie is the minister at Strubensvalley United Church. She, and her husband Tim, also run Omphile House -- a foster home where they parent abandoned and abused children. They currently parent seven children ranging from 5 to 25, and 3 grandchildren. When not working and parenting she loves good conversation and chasing sunsets.

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EmmDev 2024-10-24 [Stronger Together] Prince of Peace

Prince of Peace

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. (Isaiah9:6-7)

Long ago a man sought the perfect picture of peace. Not finding one that satisfied, he announced a contest to produce this masterpiece. The challenge stirred the imagination of artists everywhere, and paintings arrived from far and wide. Finally, the great day of revelation arrived. The judges uncovered one peaceful scene after another, while the crowd clapped and cheered. The tensions grew. Only two pictures remained veiled. As a judge pulled the cover from one, a hush fell over the crowd. A mirror-smooth lake reflected lacy, green birches under the soft blush of the evening sky. Along the grassy shore, a flock of sheep grazed undisturbed. Surely this was the winner.

The man with the vision uncovered the second painting himself, and the crowd gasped in surprise. Could this be peace? A tumultuous waterfall cascaded down a rocky precipice; the crowd could almost feel it's cold, penetrating spray. Stormy-grey clouds threatened to explode with lightning, wind and rain. In the midst of the thundering noises and bitter chill, a spindly tree clung to the rocks at the edge of the falls. One of its branches reached out in front of the torrential waters as if foolishly seeking to experience its full power. A little bird had built a nest in the elbow of that branch. Content and undisturbed in her stormy surroundings, she rested on her eggs. With her eyes closed and her wings ready to cover her little ones, she manifested peace that transcends all earthly turmoil. (A Wardrobe from the King, Berit Kjos, pp. 45-46)

Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour truly is the Prince of Peace! When He was crucified, died and rose again from the dead He inaugurated the Kingdom of God in our midst. It is the here and the not yet. The word for peace in Isaiah 9:6-7, shalom, implies more than lack of conflict. According to Strong's Exhaustive Concordance, shalom means "completeness, soundness, welfare, peace."

Therefore, in our world today, Jesus Christ offers us peace -- completeness, soundness, welfare -- in the midst of our struggles with the world. He does not promise us that it will be easy, but He will keep us complete in the midst of the storm.

Therefore, let us put our hope and trust in Jesus Christ, our "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

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Wayne van Heerden, husband to Frances, father to David and Angela. Enjoys mountain biking. Serving at Gateway, Kempton Park.

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EmmDev 2024-10-23 [Stronger Together] Seeking Peace

Seeking Peace

In Romans 12:9-21 Paul, sets before us the duty of a Christian person. What a world it would be if these precepts were carried out, if even every Christian was careful to observe them. The apostle mentions six features which should characterize our relationships when dealing with others. Paul refers to sincerity, discrimination towards others, generosity, sympathy, humility and peacefulness

Paul then gives this command in verse 18:

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans12:18)

Though simple, it is very challenging to live at peace with everyone. This is in line with the central message of the gospel which centres on love, reconciliation and unity. The vision of the UPCSA encourages us also to be a reconciled community of Christians. We are therefore encouraged to reflect Christ's love on how we're interacting with others.

As Christians the peace we seek is not just absence of conflict but a deep sense of harmony and mutual goodwill This peace that we are to seek does not ignore our differences as individuals but we need to seek to overcome them through understanding, grace and patience.

Paul realises that in order for us to live in peace with everyone we need to understand that human relationships are complex and sometimes peace might not be attained due to actions and attitudes of others.

We are therefore encouraged not to give up on peace. Even if it seems difficult, we must persevere. We are called to do everything in our power to promote peace. In this instance, Paul emphasises taking personal responsibility. We should take the initiative to forgive, to reconcile, and to avoid unnecessary conflict. It means being willing to let go of pride, grudges, and offenses for the sake of peace.

How do we do that?
May I suggest that we need to be proactive in seeking and making peace. Apologize when necessary and offer forgiveness when it's needed. Be intentional about pursuing peace. Control your responses. While you can't control how others act, you can control how you respond. Avoid escalating conflicts and strive to respond in love, even when provoked.

We need to recognize our limits. Understand that peace is not always possible. Some relationships may never fully reconcile, and some conflicts may not be resolved in this life. In these cases, trust God's justice and sovereignty, and maintain a heart of grace.

Our goal as followers of Christ is to strive for peace, to reflect His love in every interaction, and to trust that God will ultimately bring justice and reconciliation in His time.

Peace begins with each of us. As we strive to live peacefully with others, we become reflections of God's love and ambassadors of the Prince of Peace
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Bukelwa Hans is married to Howard and blessed with 4 children and 10 grandchildren. She is a retired minister in the Central Cape Presbytery.

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EmmDev 2024-10-22 [Stronger Together] God's word of Peace

God's word of Peace

I will listen to what God the Lord will say: He promises peace to His people, His saints -- but let them not return to folly. (Psalms85:8)

The Psalmist resolves to listen to what the Lord will say. He continues to say that those who desire revival or renewal must wait upon God's word.

This imposes the following demands:

1. To respond to his love, the saints who are the objects of his committed love who are committed to love him back.
2. To forsake the follies of the past.
3. To live in fear of God. The consequence is that God in all his glory will come among his people. God loves us without any adjustment of his truth, He also extends his peace to us without compromising his righteousness.

Last week's devotion looked at Matthew 5:9 where Jesus is saying "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God". Things happen to us every day, from minor to major, that could serve as an excuse for vengeance. Each time something hurtful happens, we have a choice to make: Will we be a peacemaker or a revenge seeker? Will we inflame the event with the fire of revenge, or will we smother it with the blanket of peace?
In John 14:27 Jesus is saying "The peace I give is a gift the world cannot give." God will speak peace to his people. Peace is spoken to those who turn from sin. Through sin we went away from God. Since He is peace himself He has justified us through faith. We are a forgiven nation, church and generation. We therefore need to recognise this grace and mercy that God has done for us with the sacrifice of his only begotten son. Even today in this World of sinful people God is still inviting us to come to him so that we can receive that peace He has made free for all of us in this World. We are encouraged to read these words, pray and abide by them in order to receive the Peace of mind and soul we desire.

God said that vengeance is His; He will repay (Romans 12:19). Paul writes that we are to do everything possible to "live peaceably with all people" (Romans 12:18). When we choose to forgive instead of fight, we become peacemakers. If you are faced with the choice of seeking peace or seeking vengeance, choose peace and receive the blessing of God. Thomas Fuller says that "The noblest revenge is to forgive."

We are encouraged to listen to God's word of promise and its conditions.
Amen.
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I am Reverend Zipilele Wilson Lubambo married with 3 sons, serving at St Michaels and St Marks Congregations in the Presbytery of Highveld of UPCSA.

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EmmDev 2024-10-21 [Stronger Together] Blessed are the PeaceMakers

Blessed are the PeaceMakers

In this fourth week of our Month of Mission we look at how PEACEMAKERS make us stronger together.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (Matthew5:9)

Of course, today's reading is part of the well-known scripture referred to as the Beatitudes and is found in the larger section of text known as the sermon on the Mount in Matthew and the sermon on the plain in Luke.

Perhaps the biggest challenge we face when reading this famous scripture, is the fact that we are too familiar with it that we are no longer shocked or alarmed by what Jesus is saying. To remedy this, I suggest going to a completely different translation, and in this case Eugene Peterson's The Message: "You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family."

When we think about peace-making, I think we often are drawn to think about the extensive unrest and wars in our world; we think about negotiating world peace, and often times we give up before we start, because we feel so small and insignificant. Some of us will think about peace-making in our communities or families, and even that can be a daunting task.

But The Message talks about setting an example, showing people that cooperation and communicating to understand one another is the better way. We are not great listeners, and we mostly listen to reply. We want people to hear us and for them to change their minds; instead of listening to understand. Most conflict is based off misunderstanding, which is easily remedied when we just listen.

Surely anyone can do that!

The Beatitudes are meant to set us apart from the usual business of our world, so that others will wonder why we behave differently. Perhaps we should pursue the title of being good listeners, because surely that will lead to peace.

Pray: Dear Lord, help me to be quick to listen and slow to reply. Help me to hear over their words and to listen to their hearts. Lord help me to be a bridge builder and peace maker. Amen.
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Melanie Cook, currently serving at St Columba's Presbyterian Church, Parkview. My favourite hymns are: "My song is love unknown" and "For everyone born, a place at the table."

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EmmDev 2024-10-18 [Stronger Together] Forgiveness

Forgiveness

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. (Colossians3:13-15)

Background
Colossae was a small and socially insignificant city during this period. Christians there were drawn to Hellenistic mysticism, mystical cults, and certain mystical elements of Judaism. These cultural influences contributed to the challenges the author confronted in Colossae.

The text
This passage presents three key elements: bearing with one another, forgiving grievances as the Lord forgave us, and putting on the virtue of love.

Divine forgiveness
Divine forgiveness is the forgiveness of Christ. He forgives generously, completely, and without holding past offenses against us. Christ forgave even the most grievous offenses, despite being despised and hated without cause. He continued to forgive, even in the face of causeless wrong.

Application.
Only when we realize that God loves the world without exception can we understand forgiveness as a universal act, one that should be extended to all. Forgiveness is not about the superior forgiving the inferior, or the socially powerful forgiving the less privileged. It's not for the elite to bear with the poor, or the old to forgive the young, or vice versa. Forgiveness crosses all boundaries.

Forgiveness is your own act and freewill, to give it forth from you that it may go clean out from you. As the daughters and sons of God, we should strive to be like God, and have a forgiving heart.

Forgiveness, is also a painful process which implies the dismissal of the revengeful feelings which injury may have excited, and the revival of those feelings of goodwill which it becomes us habitually to cherish as W. Fleming said.

Brothers and sisters, the world we live in is deeply wounded and hurt, rife with human conflicts that lead to misunderstandings. Families are broken and divided, communities are at odds, churches are splitting, and nations are at war. These realities reflect our need to bear with one another, to love, and to forgive if we are to heal the world.

Conclusion
I encourage you beloved in the Lord that we may have a forgiving heart as our Lord God. Forgiveness leads to unity and peace; it leads us to live in harmony with one another and with God. Anyone who has this peace is most likely to cultivate love which binds us all together in perfect unity. Being at peace with one another and with God leads to true expression of ourselves to the Lord through worship, and in Christ our souls will find rest. Remember Christ promised us peace that supersedes the peace the world may give.

I will end this devotion with a quotation from an anonymous writer who says, "You need forgiveness yourself when you have offended. He who cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he himself has to pass. Besides, an unforgiving spirit is an injury to its possessor"
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Clarence Tungunu
Minister at Hatfield Presbyterian Church within the Presbytery of Zimbabwe
Married to Anna Tungunu with three kids two girls and a boy.

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EmmDev 2024-10-17 [Stronger Together] Keeping the Unity of the Spirit

Keeping the Unity of the Spirit

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (Ephesians4:2-3)

Though written to the Christian community in Ephesus, the Letter to the Ephesians was likely used as a circular to other Christian communities as well.

• It provides a thorough, comprehensive, and consolidated message of the Gospels in a clear, concise, and precise manner.
• It addresses many of the fundamental truths, teachings, and doctrines of the Gospels.
• Themes like love, unity, practical faith, and Christ's sacrificial love are central to this letter.

Christ's humble submission to willingly die on the cross for all humanity, His patience, and the love He demonstrated on the cross signify His desire for peace and unity in all our relationships. Paul emphasizes this in his letter, explaining that being united and one in Spirit requires effort and obligation from all of us, calling us to work tirelessly toward the unity of the Spirit.

Our efforts toward unity and peace must be characterized by humility, patience, gentleness, and tolerance.

The brokenness of the world---whether in our homes, marriages, or broader families---often stems from our impatience with one another, our lack of humility, and our tendency to fill the space with our own views, opinions, needs, and desires. As a result, strife and conflict abound.

It is a broken world because tolerance is trampled under the feet of prejudice and narrow-mindedness. Selective or discriminatory love breaks apart the bonds of peace that should unite us all. Yet, it is in the love of Christ that we find one another, and together, we work toward a united family, all striving for the unity of the Spirit.

Jesus Christ is the embodiment of this love---a sacrificial love that binds us together in peace and unity, giving us the strength to love one another more deeply in the Spirit. Paul urges and encourages us to work diligently at maintaining the unity of the Spirit so that we might reduce the burden of the world's brokenness and create unique, united communities of peace.

In Galatians 5:15, Paul stresses again that "biting and devouring" one another will lead only to mutual destruction. The unity of the Spirit is like a living organism that must be continually nourished with humility, patience, tolerance, gentleness---all wrapped in love.

We are therefore obligated and called to live out our faith by actively working to maintain the unity of the Spirit in our families, contributing to a better world.
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Rev. Caesar Murove is a minister in the Presbytery of Zimbabwe and currently serving at Dzivarasekwa UPCSA. He is married to Rev. D. Murove of St Peter's Mtapa Gweru UPCSA.

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EmmDev 2024-10-16 [Stronger Together] A Family dedicated to serve God

A Family dedicated to serve God

As Psalm 127:1 reminds us "Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain." A family dedicated to serve God can expect transformative power. On one hand they will experience profound blessings, including a lasting legacy of faith, unshakeable unity and spiritual growth. Their home will become a sanctuary of peace, joy and hope where love and forgiveness flourish. However, their commitment may also invite challenges such as trials, persecution and sacrifices. Nevertheless, through these experiences they will discover the depth of God's presence,guidance and strength.

Joshua made a bold statement of faith and leadership.

"But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve ,whether the gods your ancestors worshipped beyond the Euphrates or the gods of the Amorites ,in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household,we will serve the Lord." (Joshua24:14)

Having witnessed God's faithfulness in conquering Canaan, he was personally convicted to serve God. As Israel's leader he set an example, renewing the covenant and separating his household from idolaters. His words inspired the Israelites to recommit to God, emphasising family devotion and leadership influence.

Today let's draw inspiration from Joshua's courageous commitment to God. As we reflect on his Spirit-filled commitment, we are reminded that our faith is not just about individual salvation, but also about building a community of believers. May Joshua's example help us to evaluate our own commitment to God and our families. Again, may his declaration challenge us to declare our faith publicly , lead our families in devotion and prioritise loyalty to God.

Prayer: Lord, as I reflect on Joshua's unwavering commitment to serve you. I am reminded of the power of devotion. Help me, like Joshua to boldly declare "As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." As Joshua led Israel, help me to lead my family, friends and community with integrity, wisdom and courage. May our homes be sanctuaries of worship. Help me God to stand firm knowing You are with me. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Joshua's commitment to God alongside his family demonstrates that serving God is a journey, and we need our families with us on this journey. May his testimony encourage us to support one another in our faith and to pass on a legacy of devotion to the next generation.
In the name of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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My name is Elias Simango, married and father of three. I am a serving minister at Chitungwiza UPCSA in the Presbytery of Zimbabwe.

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EmmDev 2024-10-15 [Stronger Together] The gift of brotherhood / sisterhood.

The gift of brotherhood / sisterhood.

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

Friends love through all kinds of weather, And families stick together in all kinds of trouble. (MSG) A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity. (NKJV) (Proverbs17:17)

We are living in times whereby friendship has developed into a stronger covenant in people's lives more than the brotherly love within families. A friend and a brother, are both essential persons needed in and around the life of an individual but the problem comes when we fail to differentiate the value of the two and where to place them.

Now from the above scripture, though a friend appears to be loyal it is very important to understand that a brother is born for a reason. That is to provide support and companionship during difficult times and this points to the familial bond that should exist between siblings.

Therefore, this also means that even if a friend can be true throughout, there are certain limitations or boundaries that he cannot cross. For example, each family here has its own pattern of life which is best understood by siblings and not friends, hence calls for a brother to address.

However, the realisation of the gift of brotherhood and sisterhood in families can only be achieved when we start to consider and value one another in a family set up as well as complimenting the similarities or differences each one has bearing in mind that what unites a family is greater than what divides it. The church, which is you and me has a mandate to strengthen this gift of brotherhood and sisterhood in families.

As I wrap up my dear brothers and sisters, while a friend's love can be readily available, remember a sister or brother is part of you, is born for you, there is a blood tie. Many people are replacing the gift of family because of wanting to belong somewhere or to have material things to suit a style.

But today as the Lord has given you and me the privilege to have this devotion in our ears. Let us learn something and stop looking down upon our brothers and sisters or replace them for any cause, it is indeed a gift to have that brother or sister on your side. Amen.
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Tariro Mupfururi: Wife to Regis, a mother to Munashe, Nokutenda, Anashe and Anotida.
Serving at Mufakose UPCSA in the Presbytery of Zimbabwe.

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EmmDev 2024-10-14 [Stronger Together] Care in the Christian Home

Care in the Christian Home

We move into week three of our Month of Mission. We're talking about "Unity in the Family" as we are "Stronger Together."

If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. (1Timothy5:8)

According to Pope John XXIII, "The family is the first essential cell of human society, it is from the family that citizens come to birth and it is within the family that they find the first school of the social virtues that are the animating principle of the existence and development of society itself". One can tell from this quote how important and essential a family is. It comes as no surprise that Paul in his instruction to Timothy took time to address this important aspect of the community - the household.

Paul is writing to Timothy, a young pastor, instructing him on the proper care and oversight of the congregation. In this pastoral letter, Paul addresses various issues that includes the treatment of widows, the qualifications of elders, deacons and the character and conduct of church members. Our text falls within the context of the instruction on the care of widows. Paul shows Timothy what Christian life among the household of God should look like.

In this verse Paul emphasizes the importance of family by reminding believers of their obligation to take care of their households. For Paul believers have an obligation to take good care of their families and failing to care for one's family is a serious spiritual offense that is in parallel with the core Christian beliefs. Equating neglecting care of one's household to unbelief shows how deeply Paul views the importance of care in a Christian household.

Why is care in the Christian household important for us today? Children from households in which they are taken good care of can be agents of change and transformation on the society. Charity begins at home, it starts in the household and it cascades down into the society. The way they are cared for in their household is the same way they will care for others in the society. Christian care is built on the foundation of faith, hope and love. Our love, compassion and care comes from knowing Christ and the gift of grace, and our obligation to care for our households is rooted in this understanding.

For Paul in 1 Timothy 5, the household as a place of spiritual growth: Paul sees the household as a place where individuals can learn and grow spiritually and serve one another. In a world in which the understanding of household is now complex, Paul is reminding us the importance of care in the household. Our obligation to take care of our households should be rooted in the principles of family responsibility and mutual care and knowing that households are first essential cells of human society.
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Rev Tatenda Garande is married to Juliet, a father to Kyle and Kylie. He is currently serving at Trinity Presbyterian Church Gweru, in the Presbytery of Zimbabwe.

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EmmDev 2024-10-11 [Stronger Together] The Clothes of Unity

The Clothes of Unity

In that renewal, there is no longer Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all! As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. (Colossians3:11-14)

Unity in the Church is not merely an ideal; it is a reflection of Christ's love working through us. In Colossians 3, Paul reminds us that, in Christ, the divisions that once defined society no longer hold power. "There is no longer Greek and Jew, slave and free, but Christ is all and in all." This profound truth calls us to embrace a new way of being, where the clothes we wear reflect the character of Jesus.

The Apostle Paul encourages us to "clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience." These are the clothes we are expected to wear every day, not merely ideals to admire from a distance. Wearing these "clothes" and treating one other with the grace that Christ bestows upon us is how the Church stays united.

While unity requires us to put up with one another and forgive grievances the way the Lord pardoned us, it also requires more than outward acts. Since the Church is human, there will inevitably be disagreements, misunderstandings, and difficult moments. But it's also in these moments that we have the opportunity to extend mercy and allow forgiveness to restore and restore relationships.

Paul's most important instruction to us is to "clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony." The final piece of clothing that keeps the fabric of oneness together is love. Love makes the space for kindness, forgiveness, and compassion to grow, and it makes the Church a place where everyone is accepted, respected, and loved.

As we consider the theme of unity in the Church this week, let us examine the clothes we wear in our interactions with one another. Are we clothing ourselves with Christ's love, compassion, and humility? Are we seeking to build unity by forgiving and bearing with each other?

May we choose, every day, to put on the clothes of unity---allowing Christ's love to bind us together in perfect harmony.

Loving God,
Clothe us in the virtues of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
Teach us to forgive as you have forgiven us,
And above all, help us to wear the garment of love,
So that we may be united as one body in Christ.
Amen.
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Unathi Ntseke, an Ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament within the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (UPCSA), serves the Bridgetown Presbyterian Church in Cape Town. Raised in Langa Township, with a proud heritage rooted in the Mzondi, Myirha, and Xhosa clan, I draw on my Christian upbringing instilled by our single mother. As a dedicated leader, motivator, and protector of the vulnerable, I Rev. Ntseke am committed to my ministry, which has exposed me to the harsh realities of abuse and poverty. I (Unathi) am also a loving single parent to her daughter, Olwesisa, who inspires and motivates me. In all, God remains the center of her universe, guiding me through life's challenges.

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