eDevs: 2025

Friday, November 14, 2025

EmmDev 2025-11-14 [Moments with Mark] Waiting for something special

Waiting for something special

Let's set up our reading...
Jesus has endured two days of ugly religion. I would understand if, at this point, He was tired, disappointed, and maybe even disillusioned.

In three days He will go to the cross, and I can't help wondering if He questioned if it was worth it after all the hardness of heart He had seen.

And then He does something I completely understand...
He sits down to watch...
He's waiting for something special...
That moment of hope - That glimmer of light.

And it comes - a little old lady making a tiny offering.
She offers two small coins (lepta) the smallest denomination they had.
It was 1/64th of a day's wages.
Jesus declares it is all she has to live on...
He doesn't demand it, but she OFFERS it.

And Jesus recognises its value.
She's given more than ALL the rich people did because she has given from the heart.
He's been waiting just to see it.

As you read this passage, remember your offering of time, talent, treasure, service, or devotion might feel like it lands with a tiny "plink" among the clatter of bigger, flashier offerings. But Jesus notices it. He has been waiting for it. It delights His heart. He sees the sacrifice, and He sees its worth.

I believe this widow, along with the woman who will selflessly anoint Him in chapter 14, were significant blessings and delights to Jesus as He headed for the cross.

I think He feels the same about what we do out of sincere hearts, even when we feel insignificant...

Enjoy reading the passage... and bring the same heart to your worship service on Sunday...

Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.
Calling His disciples to Him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything -- all she had to live on." (Mark12:41-44)

Thursday, November 13, 2025

EmmDev 2025-11-13 [Moments with Mark] Ugly Religion.

Ugly Religion.

As He taught, Jesus said, "Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted in the marketplaces, and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honour at banquets. They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely." (Mark12:38-40)

We're faced with a small problem in this passage...

Jesus is warning the disciples about the "Teachers of the Law" (In Greek it is "grammateis" which is plural.) But we need to remember that His specific interaction was with one "grammateus" and Jesus was quite positive about him.

This leads us to conclude that Jesus was probably referring to a broader group of leaders, maybe those who came to harass, oppose, and lay traps. I like to call them "Religious Mafia." The characteristics that Jesus attributes to them apply better to that general grouping than the one "teacher of the law" He interacted with here.

Jesus is talking about "Ugly Religion." It is religion for gain, religion for power, religion for show and religion that takes advantage of the vulnerable.

Let's dig in:

They like to walk around in flowing robes. When robes designate status, power and elitism then that is a danger sign. This doesn't mean that priestly vestments are wrong - their origin lies with the monastic communities who wore cassocks like a mechanic's overalls or a nurse's smock as a symbol of service - they were ready to serve and not be served.
They love to be greeted... This is about social status and influence. It's about recognition and honour.
They have the best seats and places of honour at the synagogue and banquets. This is clearly about being seen as better than and a superior. Unfortunately, Church leadership can attract people who are narcissistic.
They devour widows' houses. They used their positions to influence vulnerable people to support them financially and materially, often living more luxuriously than their supporters and steadily diminishing the resources of those they were "leeching" off.
They, for show, make lengthy prayers. Their prayers and teaching are lengthy but insincere. They are aiming to impress and not to transform or be transformed.

These are the characteristics and hallmarks of abusive leaders and ugly religious systems.
We need to be watchful for these people and systems and stay away from them.
Jesus warns that severe punishment awaits such leaders...

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

EmmDev 2025-11-12 [Moments with Mark] So much more!!!

So much more!!!

While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, He asked, "How is it that the teachers of the law say that the Christ (the Anointed One) is the son of David? David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit, declared:
"The Lord said to my Lord:
'Sit at my right hand
until I put your enemies
under your feet.'"
David himself calls him 'Lord.' How then can he be his son?"
The large crowd listened to Him with delight. (Mark12:35-37)

In this unusual passage Jesus is engaging with a scriptural argument style that Hebraic people of the time would have been more familiar with than we are.

Let's unpack a few concepts:

CHRIST: We tend to see this as a kind of surname for Jesus, but in the New Testament it is often accompanied with the article "the". It means "the Anointed One" which is another title for "Messiah."
SON OF DAVID: This is a common description for the Messiah. It was one that was very prominent in the Triumphal Entry and points to the fact that the Messiah would be a descendant of David.
MY LORD: Jesus is quoting from Psalm 110:1 which is attributed to David.
In the Hebrew of Psalm 110 it reads "The LORD ("Yahweh") said to my Lord ("Adonai")."
Yahweh is the Covenant Name of God given to Moses at the burning bush, and He ("Yahweh") is speaking to the Messianic King("Adonai"). It's a prelude of the Father sending the Son.
Greek does not have as many words and titles for God as Hebrew does. It uses the word "Kurios", which means "Lord and Master", for both.

So what point is Jesus making?
He's saying that the Teachers of the Law are lacking in their grasp of who the Messiah is. They've fixated on a military Messiah (the Son of David) who will bring Israel back to the heydays of David, but the Messiah is much more than merely the genetic offspring of an earthly line of kings. This Messiah pre-existed David and David honoured Him as "my Lord."

This is the mystery of the incarnation: He fully human (Son of David) but also fully Divine: the pre-existing Son of God (My Lord).

The teachers are baffled at this - they can't explain it - and the crowd are delighted.

But before we are too critical of the law-teachers, let's be honest to ourselves.
We often think that Jesus only started in Bethlehem.
We often limit Him to the pages of our children's Bible stories.
We often picture Him in the dusty streets of ancient Palestine.
Yes, He's the Son of David.

But He was there at creation and He was there in the time of Moses and David.
Even more significantly, He was there in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve fell into sin and the world was broken and He answered God's call to be the One who would crush the head of the serpent. Over a thousand years later, He came to earth, died on the cross, rose again, and ascended into heaven.
Jesus' quote of Psalm 110 is the summary of His journey:
"The Lord said to my Lord: 'Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.'"

Do I hear a HALLELUJAH?

Tuesday, November 11, 2025

EmmDev 2025-11-11 [Moments with Mark] Faith Summarised

Faith Summarised

One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked Him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"
"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbour as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."
"Well said, teacher," the man replied. "You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbour as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."
When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, He said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And from then on no one dared ask Him any more questions. (Mark12:28-34)

The Greek Word for the teachers of the Law was "grammateus." They worked with God's Word recorded in the Old Testament which they referred to as the "Law and the Prophets." As they worked with it, they tried to do two things: They explained it and they summarised it.

Their summarising has good precedent in the Old Testament, and we can see examples in:

Psalm 15 which gives eleven characteristics of the righteous.
Isaiah 33:15 which lists: Walk righteously, Speak uprightly, Despise oppressive gain, Don't bribe, Close ears to bloodshed, and Close eyes to evil.
Micah 6:8 says "Do justly, Love mercy, and Walk humbly with God."
Isaiah 56:1 calls us to: Keep Justice and Do what is right.

So the teacher asks Jesus a penetrating question: "Which is the most important commandment?"
Jesus surprises him by not picking one, but providing a summary: "Love God with all you have and Love People."
Not only is this a penetrating summary, but it comes from the Old Testament itself. The first summary is from the "Shema," the ancient creed of Israel: "Hear, O Israel..." and the other is equally well-known. The first summarised the first tablet of the Ten Commandments, the first four commandments dealing with God, while the second summarised the rest, which dealt with human relationships."

The 'Grammateus' is duly impressed and makes the very significant observation that these loves "are more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."

Jesus, in turn, recognises that this man's heart, soul, and mind are not far from the Kingdom of God.

There are three thoughts to ponder:

Here we have a significant summary of our faith: Love God and Love People. Imagine if each morning we set out to just try and do these two things...
Jesus didn't just write people off as enemies. He's already faced a number of malicious questioners. He has not become cynical or jaded - He is ready to see where the Spirit is at work and He recognises that God is at work in this 'Grammateus'.
We should not be surprised that this 'Grammateus' is "not far from the Kingdom of God." He worked with the Scriptures which the writer of Hebrews described as "living and active and a sharp double-edged sword and Jeremiah described as a fire in his bones. When JB Philips translated the New Testament from Greek into Contemporary English, he said:
"It's like re-wiring an ancient house and not being able to turn the mains off."
When we sincerely engage in studying the Scriptures, we'll feel the "current."

Knowing the greatest commandment is not the same as living it, but recognising it is the crucial first step toward entering the Kingdom.

Friday, November 7, 2025

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

Eternal Perspective

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

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

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

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

Jesus makes two points:

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

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

There are a couple of takeaway points here:

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

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

Wednesday, November 5, 2025

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

Funny Money

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

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

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

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

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

Jesus' response is brilliant.

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

There are three takeaways here:

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

Tuesday, November 4, 2025

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

A Chilling Story

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

The devotion comes before the reading today...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Friday, October 31, 2025

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

Partners forgive Hurt

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday, October 30, 2025

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

How Partners deal with unbelief and doubt

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Partners deal with unbelief and doubt

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

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

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

How a Partner deals with the World

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

Monday, October 27, 2025

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

Partners' Persecution

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Friday, October 24, 2025

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

Nurturing One's Relationship with God

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday, October 23, 2025

EmmDev 2025-10-23 [Partners in Mission (Month of Mission 2025)] Hearing the Whispers of God in the Marketplace.

Hearing the Whispers of God in the Marketplace.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. (Colossians3:23)

Our society is full of socio-economic, health, and personal problems. It is a society that appears to be without hope and without answers. Hardship and hopelessness know no age, race or gender.

However, the Scriptures are full of such episodes of hopelessness, injustice and evil subduing the innocent, marginalized and at times, the entire nation. In every account, God reveals Himself as a God who is on the side of the oppressed. In His quest to intervene God looks for a man who can stand in the gap (Ezekiel 22:30). God's ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9) and usually escape our understanding.

For life to prevail, and seen to be in Christ Jesus, God calls us to die to self!
To be forgiven, God calls us to forgive!
To be blessed, we bless!
To receive, we are commanded to give!
Oh what a paradox!!!

No wonder we feel so helpless and weary. We pray for blessings, forgiveness, good and healthy life and so on, whilst there is a way which God has already prescribed.
In Colossians 3:23 Paul directs our actions, intentions and lifestyles towards God's service. This might appear demanding and at times heavy, especially to those who feel they have nothing to give, but everything to receive from God. This is Good News, no need to feel heavily-laden. Paul is reminding and showing us the way to receive the blessings, the peace, the life, and justice we are seeking.

Our intellect cannot comprehend death as a path to life. Hence, most of us within Christianity find this calling unattractive. It's a whisper our natural ears can't hear, and our natural minds can't process. The call is to give, and be given. Forgive, and be forgiven! A consumerist society like ours cannot accept these kinds of principle. Since our natural senses cannot comprehend this, a spiritual sense is needed to engage with the ways and voice of God.

It's a call to meditation, obedience and being Spirit led. It is a call to hear the whispers of God in the marketplace, where society least expects it, as we work with all our heart, not for human approval, but ultimately in serving and honoring the Lord.
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Nelson is married to Akile and is serving at the the St Peter's Uniting Presbyterian church Tembisa - Highveld Presbytery. A simple guy who loves Jesus and his people. In my private time, I do anything adventurous or in nature, and enjoy a cup coffee.

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

EmmDev 2025-10-22 [Partners in Mission (Month of Mission 2025)] The Role of the Church

The Role of the Church

I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all the Lord's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Ephesians3:7-11)

When Paul wrote these words, he was in prison, yet his heart overflowed with purpose and vision. He saw the Church not as an institution or a building, but as the living body through which God reveals His grace to the world. Though he called himself "less than the least of all the Lord's people," Paul knew that God's grace was enough to empower him to share the good news with all nations.

Paul's declaration that "through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known" reminds us of our sacred calling in every generation and place. The Church is God's chosen instrument to display His wisdom, mercy, and justice in a world that desperately needs them.

In our southern and central African context - across South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and the DRC - this calling remains urgent. Our nations carry both beauty and brokenness: vibrant faith and community life alongside poverty, corruption, and division. Many long for hope, truth, and compassion in the face of hardship. In such times, the Church cannot remain silent or still. To be faithful is to embody God's wisdom in tangible ways: through reconciliation where there is mistrust, generosity where there is need, and courage where there is fear.

Each time a congregation or believer feeds the hungry, mentors the young, prays with the suffering, or speaks for peace and justice, God's grace becomes visible. The Church becomes a living sign that Christ's reconciling love is stronger than despair.

Our strength does not come from wealth, numbers, or influence, but from grace. We are co-workers with God in His mission of renewal. Through the Church - ordinary people empowered by extraordinary grace - God continues to reveal His love, His justice, and His hope to all creation.

May we, the Church across Africa, live out this calling with humility and courage. May our worship, witness, and service shine as a testimony that God's wisdom is still at work: healing divisions, lifting burdens, and transforming lives. And may those who see us also see in us the manifold wisdom of God revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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Melanie Cook, loves coffee, her family and Jesus, but not in that order. Serving as minister at St Columba's Presbyterian Church, Parkview, JHB. She is also the Moderator-Elect of the General Assembly.

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

EmmDev 2025-10-21 [Partners in Mission (Month of Mission 2025)] Reading God's Word and Meditating on its Truths

Reading God's Word and Meditating on its Truths

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Psalms119:105)

The Word of God is not merely a book among many --- it is the divine revelation of the eternal, unchanging truth of God. Psalm 119:105 reminds us that Scripture is both a lamp and a light. It illuminates our steps and directs our path. In a dark and morally confused world, God's Word provides clarity, conviction, and certainty. Nothing else can guide the human heart in righteousness because nothing else bears the authority of the living God.

To read the Word of God is to expose our minds and hearts to His truth. To meditate upon it is to allow that truth to take root and bear fruit. Reading alone informs; meditation transforms. The believer who merely skims Scripture will gain information, but the believer who lingers in it - who studies, soul travails, ponders, and applies it - will gain sanctification. True engagement with Scripture produces obedience. As James writes, "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves" (James 1:22).

At the center of all Scripture stands the Lord Jesus Christ, the Living Word. Every page of the Bible points to Him: His person, His work, His glory. The Old Testament anticipates His coming; the Gospels reveal His life and death; the Epistles unfold the implications of His redemption.

Jesus Himself declared, "The Scriptures... testify of Me" (John 5:39). Therefore, to read and meditate on Scripture apart from seeing Christ is to miss its ultimate purpose.

When the believer approaches the Word of God with a humble heart and a Christ-centered focus, the Spirit of God enlightens the mind, convicts the conscience, and renews the heart. The light of Scripture not only shows us the way to walk but exposes the sin that hinders our steps.

Engaging with God's Word, then, is not optional. It is essential. It is how we grow in holiness, discern truth from error, and walk faithfully with Christ in a dark world.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for Your perfect and sufficient Word. Teach me to love it, to meditate upon it, and to see Christ in every line. Let Your truth guide my steps and shape my life for Your glory. Amen.
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Rev. Chala Habasila is the minister in charge at St. Columba's Presbyterian Church in Lusaka, Zambia. He was ordained as minister in the UPCSA in 2004. He is the current Moderator for M'chinga Presbytery. He is married to Patricia and have three Sons: Steven, David and Daniel.

Monday, October 20, 2025

EmmDev 2025-10-20 [Partners in Mission (Month of Mission 2025)] How Do We Engage? Prayer as Partnership in Mission

How Do We Engage? Prayer as Partnership in Mission

This week in our Month of Mission Devotions about being a "Partner in Mission" we are wrestling with the question: "How do we engage?"
We'll look at prayer, reading God's Word, being built up in the church, hearing the "whispers of God in the marketplace", and nurturing our relationship with God.

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"And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then like this: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." (Matthew6:5-13)

Matthew, a former tax collector and one of Jesus' twelve disciples, wrote this Gospel to a community of Jewish Christians living after the destruction of the Temple. In chapter 6, Jesus gives clear instruction on prayer: not as a public performance but as a sincere, private conversation with God.

In Jesus' day, many treated prayer as a tradition or show of piety. Some prayed loudly on street corners or in synagogues to impress others. Jesus challenged this, saying, "When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen." Prayer, He teaches, is not about being seen but about being known - by the Father who sees the heart.

To engage in mission, we begin by engaging with God in prayer. When we withdraw into quiet places to speak honestly with God, we learn dependence, humility, and compassion. Private prayer strengthens public witness. Those who pray in secret are shaped for service in the open.

Jesus also warns against meaningless repetition. Like the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18:26, empty phrases do not move God. Our Father already knows what we need, yet invites us to ask. In African cultures, a child approaches a father respectfully and confidently, sometimes kneeling, to make a request. In the same way, we approach our heavenly Father in faith and trust.

Jesus then offers a model prayer (the Lord's Prayer) showing us what true engagement with God looks like. It begins with worship: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name." It moves to alignment: "Your kingdom come, Your will be done." It includes our needs, forgiveness, and protection. This prayer draws us into God's mission: seeking His will on earth, depending on His provision, practising forgiveness, and resisting evil.

When we pray like this, we are not spectators but partners in God's work. Prayer aligns our hearts with God's purposes and equips us to live out His love in the world. It transforms our minds, fuels our compassion, and gives us courage to act.

So how do we engage? We engage by praying - honestly, humbly, persistently - allowing God to shape our desires and actions. As we pray, God's wisdom and power flow through us into our families, communities, and nations. Prayer is the heartbeat of partnership in mission.
Amen.
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Olivia Nachengwa Mutandare is a student for the ministry from Trinity Presbyterian Gweru. Pursuing a Bachelor of Theology Honors Degree with Reformed Church University currently in her 2nd year. She is married to Mr B.S Matandare of Mkoba Gweru.

Friday, October 17, 2025

EmmDev 2025-10-17 [Partners in Mission (Month of Mission 2025)] Bad Partner: He didn't care about them

Bad Partner: He didn't care about them

But the LORD said, "You have been concerned about this vine, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?" (Jonah4:10-11)

As we page through the prophetic books of the Old Testament, we become accustomed that God calls a prophet to go and speak to His people. Normally their oracles are filled with symbolic actions and words, as they offer both warnings and hope. Paging to Jonah, we find a prophet called to go and speak to Israel's number one enemy - the Assyrians. Jonah is called to go to their capital city, Nineveh, with the message: "Repent."

Jonah wasn't happy about this call, because he knew God is merciful and loving. He knew that if the Assyrians repented, God would forgive.

Jonah tries to flee, but ends up going into the city after all, and states 'Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned.' As Jonah feared, the people repented, and God showed mercy.
The prophet leaves the city, angry and disappointed. He sits down east of the city where God makes a vine grow to offer Jonah some shade. But then the vine dries up, making Jonah even more angry and disappointed in God. He feels God is a bad partner, who doesn't seem to care. A partner who seems to care more for the enemy. Jonah tells God he is angry enough to die.

The Lord tells Jonah, 'you are upset about this vine, yet you did not tend it, or make it grow. It came up overnight and died overnight.' In a similar way, Jonah also does not know the thousands of people who lived in Nineveh. He did not tend to them or care for them. They were not perfect people - they often did not know right from wrong. Yet God asks Jonah, 'Should I not be concerned about that great city?' With these words, the prophetic book ends.

This abrupt ending reveals Jonah as the bad partner whose heart God is lovingly trying to soften and maybe the fact that Jonah eventually tells his story in this self-deprecating way tells us that his heart eventually softened.

As believers, we encounter many imperfect people. People who are hurting, who need love, and who need to be shown the mercy of God, whether we believe they deserve it or not. The mission field is everywhere, and we have a role to play, as followers of God.

Our role is to show that God cares. He cares about the unlikely and those who are hurt. He cares about those who are struggling. He cares about the person sitting next to us in the taxi; or the co-worker who at times frustrates us. But, we must also remember, that God cares about us. Go today, and show God's care to those you meet, knowing God loves you too.
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Rev Christel Erasmus is a Minister of Word and Sacrament of the UPCSA who has served in the Port Alfred Congregation, of the Presbytery of the Central Cape, for the last 10 years.

Thursday, October 16, 2025

EmmDev 2025-10-16 [Partners in Mission (Month of Mission 2025)] Blessed Partner

Blessed Partner

The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you.
"I will make you into a great nation
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you." (Genesis12:1-3)

History can imprison us. Our past mistakes or shame ("I am unworthy, unclean...") can make us feel unfit for God's call. Yet God sees beyond our failures and invites us into His future.

Abraham's story is one of decisive faith. Leaving home, family, and comfort to follow an unknown call is no small decision. It is a leap into the unseen, trusting that the One who calls will also guide.
Before his call, Abraham was not a spiritual giant. Scripture tells us his family worshipped other gods. He had weaknesses, told half-truths, and sometimes doubted. Like us, Abraham had a history. But God called him anyway. God's call was not based on Abraham's merit but on divine mercy. As Martin Luther noted, God's calling of Abraham, despite his idolatry, shows God's grace, not Abraham's perfection. God doesn't call perfect people - He perfects those He calls.

1. God the Caller
God chooses whom He wills for His mission. He does not consult us, nor is He limited by our past. When God called Abraham, He made a covenant with him - not to remind him of his failures, but to make him a channel of blessing. God's mission has always been outward-looking: "All peoples on earth will be blessed through you." The same God calls us today - flawed, forgiven, and commissioned - to carry His blessing to the world.

2. The Responder
Abraham's response was one of faith. He stepped out without knowing the destination, trusting God's promise. Who in their right mind would pack up everything and walk into the unknown? Yet faith often means trusting God's leading when the future is uncertain. Are you willing, like Abraham, to trust the Caller and take that first step?

3. God's Grace
Abraham's story reminds us that grace precedes obedience. God called an idolater and turned him into the father of faith. Even when Abraham stumbled - trying to "help" God through Hagar - God's grace remained. He forgave, restored, and fulfilled His promises. The God who blessed Abraham does not withdraw His grace when we falter.

4. Faith and Trust
Faith is not about having all the answers but trusting the One who does. Sometimes God asks us to leave our comfort zones and serve in unfamiliar places. His call always carries a promise: "I will bless you... and you will be a blessing."

Conclusion
God's call is gracious and sure. He does not look for perfection but perfects those He calls. Like Abraham, may we trust the Caller, leave the familiar, and step into God's mission: blessed to be a blessing wherever He sends us.
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Zwai Mtyhobile is the minister of St Andrews Pretoria and the General Assembly Ministry Secretary. He's married to Thandi and they have three children. He is passionate about developing our ministers in the UPCSA. He enjoys watching and playing sport.

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

EmmDev 2025-10-15 [Partners in Mission (Month of Mission 2025)] A Partner in the Dough

A Partner in the Dough

He told them another parable. The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened. (Matthew13:33)

Jesus' parable of the leaven is brief but rich in meaning. He compares the kingdom of heaven to leaven that a woman hides in a large amount of flour until it permeates the whole batch. Though small and easily overlooked, that little bit of yeast changes everything it touches.

The parable is often understood to mean that the kingdom of heaven is like the yeast itself, quietly transformative, subtle yet effective & powerful. But there's another layer to consider: the kingdom is also like the entire process - the yeast being taken, mixed in, and allowed to work until the dough rises. The woman's hands-on action mirrors how God's kingdom engages the world. It is not static; it moves, enters, and transforms through interaction.

When Jesus spoke these words, His followers were few, and His mission seemed small. Yet He was revealing that God's reign begins humbly but grows steadily, working through people and places that may seem ordinary. The woman in the parable didn't sprinkle the yeast and walk away; she worked it into the dough until every part was changed. In the same way, God calls us to be mixed into the world, not by conforming to it, but by living faithfully within it, so that through our presence- words, character, and actions, His grace can touch and transform those around us.

To be a partner in the dough is to let God place us where His kingdom needs to rise. It means being willing to be "hidden" in workplaces, schools, families, or communities, trusting that the Spirit is working through us even when we can't see results. The yeast never boasts; it simply does what it was made to do. Likewise, God's people live out His love sometimes in small, faithful ways that quietly shape their surroundings.

Mission, then, is not something that happens somewhere else, it's everywhere God's people are. Every conversation, every act of kindness is part of the dough being transformed by divine hands.

Our call, then, is to live as God's active partners in the world- present but distinct, faithful in small things, and confident that His kingdom is rising all around us. Wherever we are, His mission is quietly at work through our lives.

Prayer:
Almighty God, thank You for inviting us to be partners in Your kingdom's work. As You mix us into the world, help us bring Your transforming love wherever we go. In Jesus name. Amen
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Allan Paskwababiri, husband to Tebogo. A history enthusiast. Serving at St Francis Waterkloof Pretoria

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

EmmDev 2025-10-14 [Partners in Mission (Month of Mission 2025)] A Salty Partner

A Salty Partner

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men."
Matthew 5:13

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (Colossians4:6)

Being Partners in Mission in this month of mission, we are reminded to understand and appreciate the fact that we are the Salt of the world. While God's desire is to see the world won to him, we are to make the earth a better and more habitable place through salted conversations.

Salt purifies, preserves and enhances the flavour of food. Therefore being a Salty Partner in the month of missions entails embracing a speech that is loving, caring, gracious and uplifting as opposed to being harsh, bitter and hating. We live in a time where the conversations that are salted with grace are rare. As a Salty partner our conversations need to be seasoned with salt. When we speak we should be uplifting, full of wisdom and challenging.

There are various ways to present the Gospel of Christ to people. However, we must understand the person we are talking to so that we can speak to them in the most helpful way.

We are to season our conversations with salt. Our words should be tasty and delightful to people who hear us. Our words should be used as a preservative to build and to strengthen relationships. Seasoning words with salt means to use speak in a way that is truthful, redemptive, edifying, reflecting God's grace and wisdom. This means speaking with kindness, tact and sensitivity, making our words appealing and useful to others rather than harsh or destructive.

Being a salty partner according to Col 4:6 suggests that our words should have a preservative quality against corruption, a healing quality to sting when necessary to correct and a flavor that makes them more understandable to the hearer.

Remember you are the salt of the earth, Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to communicate well with everyone.
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Sonye Banda, husband to Wiza, father to Kumbutso, Dalitso, Shekinah and Deborah. Enjoys gardening. Serving at St. Peter's Presbyterian Church, Chipata, Zambia.

Monday, October 13, 2025

EmmDev 2025-10-13 [Partners in Mission (Month of Mission 2025)] The Partner's Strategy

The Partner's Strategy

"But when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power, and you will be witnesses for Me in Jerusalem, in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts1:8)

Living by the Last Wish of Jesus Christ
When someone dies, their last words carry deep weight. Families strive to fulfil those final wishes as a way of honouring their memory. In the same way, Jesus' final words before ascending to heaven (recorded in Acts 1:8) can be seen as His "last wish" for His followers:

"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."

These are not optional words; they are a call, a strategy, and a command. Jesus entrusts His followers with a mission --- powered by the Holy Spirit and stretching across every boundary. To "live by the last wish of Jesus" means aligning our lives with His purpose and continuing His work in the world.

Empowered for the Mission
The key phrase "you will receive power" speaks of spiritual power, not political or military strength. The Greek word dunamis means divine enablement: miraculous ability, courage, endurance, and authority. At Pentecost, this promise became reality. The frightened disciples were transformed into bold witnesses. The same Spirit empowers us today, giving courage and clarity for the task.

Witnesses of Christ
"You will be my witnesses." A witness simply tells what they have seen and experienced. The disciples were to testify about Jesus - His death, resurrection, and saving grace. We too must speak from personal knowledge, not second-hand information. We witness to what we truly know of Christ as Saviour, Healer, and Friend.

Mission Without Borders
Jesus outlined the geography of mission: start where you are ("in Jerusalem"), move outward ("in all Judea and Samaria"), and go "to the ends of the earth." The mission begins at home---in our workplaces, communities, and relationships and then expands outward across cultures and nations. Mission is everywhere because Christ's heart is for the whole world.

Waiting and Trusting
Jesus told His disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit before going out. God's work cannot be done in human strength. We must depend on His timing and power, not our own enthusiasm. Only then can our witness be fruitful.

Charge
If you believe in Christ, honour His last wish: receive the Holy Spirit, and witness boldly to what Christ has done for you. Begin in your own context and carry the message wherever God sends you. This is The Partner's Strategy: living by the last wish of Jesus, who is the true owner of the mission.
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Reverend Norest Ajapa pastors the Mabvuku UPCSA Congregation in Harare, Zimbabwe. He's married to Stacy and blessed with a son, Jayce. He holds a bachelor of theology degree and is passionate about teaching, mentoring and inspiring people to develop their God given skills and gifts for the glory of God's Kingdom. During his free time he loves to read, repair cars, farm and travel.

Friday, October 10, 2025

EmmDev 2025-10-10 [Partners in Mission (Month of Mission 2025)] He calls us to Transform Society

He calls us to Transform Society

Then the Lord reached out and touched my mouth and said, "Look, I have put words in your mouth! Today I appoint you to stand up against nations and kingdoms. Some you must uproot and tear down, destroy and overthrow. Others you must build up and plant. (Jeremiah1:9-10)

The theme of this October month is "Partners in Mission." Meaning we will be partaking in changing societies for the better. This also includes standing up against any and all injustices that are actively destroying communities. God has given the church a voice, so that it can be used for the benefit of our people and can use its influence to speak up about such injustices - to make a noticeable change, and to speak up without fear or favour. A prophetic voice. It would also help us to remember that communities are built by God, we are his children and we should never allow anything that goes against His plan to take control.

Within the scripture I have read, we see God taking a stand to destroy, uproot, overthrow and tear down the principalities of the dark evil forces, so that He may plant and build by using his light. Corruption, poverty, maladministration of government entities, brokenness in the families, inequality in communities, racism, tribalism and many more are the vices that we witness every day. He appointed the Ministers of Word to preach against these wrong acts.

We are reminded of our greatest mission, which is to show love to one another. When you speak, you are challenging the status quo of the situation. As the church we cannot find ourselves in a position of silence. The prophet Ezekiel ate the scroll that had God's word, he found it to be as sweet as honey. Because the words on the scroll are God's words, which are the lamp that lights up our way. Apart from the Words of God, we would never otherwise be able to navigate as we uproot and destroy these false dark powers. We need the Spiritual wisdom and understanding.

CONCLUSION
We live in the worse times than before, our land needs a prophetic voice from the church of Jesus Christ. As God appointed the prophets, even today, you and I are the ambassadors of the kingdom. Let us be reminded in this month of October of our Mission, to plant love and uproot hate, protect ethics and destroy false teachings that are leading the nation to destruction. We should care instead of turning a blind eye and preserve the moral fibre and overthrow ill-discipline.

Rise up children of the most high. Be the voice of the voiceless. Stand up for truth and justice.
AMEN.
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Rev Khanyiswa Mphuthi, Limpopo Presbytery

Thursday, October 9, 2025

EmmDev 2025-10-09 [Partners in Mission (Month of Mission 2025)] He seeks ways to bring us to Him

He seeks ways to bring us to Him

And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us (Acts17:26-27)

Paul is addressing Areopagus in Athens and his audience is largely pagan philosophers. He appeals to their religious lifestyle, addresses their pagan worship and seeks to answer their question of his new doctrine. Rather than quoting scripture directly, he appeals to nature and creation, to show that God is distinct from idols and sovereign over all creation.

In the previous verses Paul settles matters of creation buy referring to God as the one who made the world and all that is in it (vs24). He further breaks down all barriers of racial and ethnic differences by pointing all men to one common ancestor Adam. By doing so he captures all humankind to one order of existence. He also points out to God as the one who orders times of existence and geographical settings. Paul presents the sovereignty of God which is his power and authority over the events of the earth both past and present.

Paul's argument suggests that God is intimately involved in the flow of history and directs it towards his predestined will. This predestined will is that humanity might seek him and find him.

This predestined will is God's plan of redemption for humankind through our Lord Jesus Christ. The creation plan and geographical arrangement by God is meant to prompt or create a desire in humankind to seek him. God initiates the relationship with humanity, the Greek word zētein used in verse 27 also implies to desire. The fall of humankind through the disobedient of Adam in Genesis 3 took away his desire for God but now Paul presents an idea of God's plan to bring humanity back to him.

Though our search for God is impaired by sin God is still accessible to us. Though the words "seek" and "find" might bring an idea of distance but Paul still present God as not far from us. The sovereignty of God includes his omnipresent, He is both transcendent and near; accessible to all who truly seek him (Jer.29:13).

Nations exist so that people might turn to God, not away from him. He is not distant or unknowable, but desires to be found as per his predestined will. This is a call for us to continually seek God and his perfect will.
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Rev M Hlela Drakensburg Presbytery

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

EmmDev 2025-10-08 [Partners in Mission (Month of Mission 2025)] He is concerned about our Suffering.

He is concerned about our Suffering.

The LORD said, "I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. 8 So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey.... (Exodus3:7-8)

Saints, as from the creation narrative, God has always been concerned for humanity. When Adam and Eve got themselves entangled in sin of disobedience by eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Gen2:17), and found themselves naked, God came looking for them. God's reason for asking "where are you?" was to cover their nakedness. God did not abandon them in their shame. God was looking for a relationship with them. He followed them until they could answer from where they were hiding.

In Egypt, God heard the cries of His people. Though they had been enslaved for 400 years, He had not forgotten His covenant. Exodus 3:7 says, "I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering." Again, God is concerned about suffering and moves toward His children. The mission begins with God hearing and seeing the affliction of humanity and coming down to deliver his people out. This month of mission I want you to know that God hears, and God sees, and He is concerned. God always takes the first step to save us - see His hand and hold unto it!

When God hears and sees our suffering, he always comes ready to cover the nakedness and to save us from the shame of sin. In verse 8 He says, "So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians..." God's mission has always started with His initiative. He takes the first step. And yet, He chooses to partner with us - just as He called Moses to be part of His rescue plan. Today, He calls us to join Him in His ongoing mission of redemption.

In Christ, God came down rather, "he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death--- even death on a cross!" (Phil 2:7-8). Saints, the Cross carried the suffering meant for humanity. The Cross that was a sign of a curse, pain, and suffering has been transformed into the sign of salvation by the One who hung on it, Jesus the Messiah.

In Christ, God invites us to be His partners in mission to tell the world that He has come. "...And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?" (Rom 10:14). Saints, in this month of mission, may we remember: God still sees. God still hears. God still comes down. And God still calls. Will you answer?
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Lentikile Mashoko is a minister at SAINTS Presbyterian Church in Lyttelton, Centurion, within the bounds of Tshwane Presbytery. He is a husband and a father of three.

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

EmmDev 2025-10-07 [Partners in Mission (Month of Mission 2025)] He cares about how we treat others...

He cares about how we treat others...

Then the LORD said to Cain, "Where is your brother Abel?" (Genesis4:9)

Genesis 4:1 begins a narrative of the first family. God blessed Adam and Eve with two sons, Cain and Abel. Cain the elder brother was a farmer focusing on growing crops while Abel focused on keeping animals. Both Cain and Abel had an opportunity to present sacrifices before God their Maker. Cain gave sparingly while Abel gave freely and willingly. God accepted Abel's sacrifice. This did not sit well with Cain who lured his younger brother Abel and murdered him.

In Genesis 4:9 God is asking Cain a question, "Where is your brother?" In his response Cain answered, "I don't know, Am I my brother's keeper? God's question raises the issue of caring for each other.

Application
Created in his image, God expects us to care like he does.
God created man in his image and likeness (Gen1:26). One of God's characteristic is to care for his creation. Initially he instructed Adam - father to Cain, to look after (care) the garden of Eden (Gen2:15). So, when He asked Cain, "where is your brother?", God was raising the issue of caring for our brothers. God has a mission of caring for his creation especially humankind.

The UPCSA currently is focusing on a theme -- "Partners in Mission". This means as a church we are partnering with God in his mission of caring for his creation especially humanity. The question is what does it mean to care for our brothers? (While God is addressing Cain about his actual brother we can infer that what is meant and implied here by "brother" is "fellow human being".)

Caring by being interested in your brother: Essentially this means being sensitive to your brother's well-being. Cain showed no interest in the pain and loss he would cause to his younger brother Abel. In fact, he answered God, "Am I my brother's keeper?" This is a disinterested attitude. If Cain showed interest he would have done everything not to kill his brother. Cain's behavior was a departure from the image and likeness of God.
Caring by providing security for your brother: Cain being an elder brother, should have provided security for his younger brother. Looking after implies providing security and defense for your brother. Security is seen in different lights. Today, it even covers security in retirement and old age. Where is your brother in this light? In this mission month and as we are partnering with God in his mission, are we providing security?

Conclusion
Genesis 4:9 teaches us that God wants us to manifest his characteristic of caring for his creation especially our fellow human beings. Let us care for our brothers and sisters by being interested in them and providing security for them.

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Rev Edward Chirwa - I am married to Mary Kaluba for 27 years and together we are blessed with four girls and one boy. I specialized in Old Testament Theology in my masters and am passionate about mentoring and inspiring people on developing their God-given potential to glorify him.
My hobbies are reading books, talking to people, taking walks, gardening and caring for the environment.

Monday, October 6, 2025

EmmDev 2025-10-06 [Partners in Mission (Month of Mission 2025)] He is looking for us!

Apologies for the delay in sending out today's devotion...

We move into week two of our Month of Mission as we reflect on
"What is God doing in the World? The Missio Dei."

He is looking for us!

Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as He was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called to the man, "Where are you?" (Genesis3:8-9)

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Moments after Adam and Eve had broken relationship with God, Genesis reveals God's love and pursuit of them, and a call for human self-reflection on sin, and a desire to restore fellowship.

God was walking in the garden when they heard him approaching. God wanted to be close to them but because of their sin they were afraid to show themselves. God placed in us a guilty conscience "I did wrong." Also God has given free will for us to choose: "See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction (Dt.30:19).

Being tempted is not a sin until we give in to the temptation. Eve knew very well when Satan approached her that the tree's fruit was not to be eaten. However, she decided to eat the forbidden fruit and offered it to Adam. Adam knew that God had instructed but chose to listen to Eve. Joseph was faced with temptation by Potiphar's wife but resisted this temptation by running away.

Adam and Eve disobeyed God. Sin broke their close relationship with God. Our relationship is broken too. But God demonstrates His persistent love and desire to restore the broken relationship. God comes to Adam and Eve in their shame, and instead of driving them away, He draws them closer with love and mercy.

As we live in this world friends, living for God is not easy. We sin knowingly or unknowingly but we should strive everyday to be like Christ. Some of us because of what we went through we try to evade God's work because of guilty conscience that tells us we are unworthy in the presence of God. God calls us, just as He did to Adam and Eve, "Where are you?" Let us present ourselves to Him in sincerity and allow Him to transform us as we walk daily.

God is looking for us to partner with Him in the mission of proclaiming Good News of the Kingdom in every corner of this world. All of us have different shames before God because we have been moved by sin from our origin relationship with our God. Through Jesus Christ, God opens the way to renew our fellowship with Him. He offers us His unconditional love and God wants us to partner with Him in the "Missio Dei: The mission of God."

God's work involves many different individuals with a variety of gifts and abilities. There are no superiors in the task, only team members performing their own special roles. As Paul wrote "for we are co-workers in God's service" (1Cor3:9).

God is looking for us, let us come before Him and confess to our loving and forgiving God,the Holy Spirit will help us.
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Rev Anna Banda. Married to Moven. Mother to 4 beautiful ladies. Grandmother to 9 boys and girls. Serving at Robert Sinyoka & Khayelithsa Congregations in the Presbytery of Zimbabwe. Liverpool and Dynamos fan.