Click or tap on the day number of your choice to jump down the page to the notes for that day:
FOREWORD
Pillar 1 of the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe Strategic Plan puts emphasis on the bringing of people to Christ as we grow the church’s membership. Soul winning and nurturing is the core business of the church, and it is everyone’s responsibility to bring at least a soul to Christ. Right from the onset of mission, Jesus met gentlemen who were fishing by the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 4:18-22). Three phrases in this incident do help us understand what mission requires, i.e. ‘come’, ‘follow me’ and ‘I will make you’. What it means is that there is a notion of one being called, (come): there is a notion on one learning from the owner of the mission (follow me) and also a notion of being transformed for mission (I will make you). This is the pattern which makes the mission real and fruitful.
The death of Jesus Christ on the cross did not end the mission of God but through resurrection the mission was revived and empowered. After resurrection, Christ gathered his disciples and gave them the Great Commission, Matthew 28:16-20. He commanded the disciples to go out and make disciples. Importantly, the Great Commission implies that God appoints and equips people for the mission. In addition, the Great Commission is God’s great promise, and gift for Church, we hold and trust in Jesus Christ’s words, “I will be with you until the end.” What a blessing of God’s presence in this great mission. (Matthew 28:20)
In that spirit, it is that time once again that we gather as people called Methodists at our various spaces of worship, Districts, Circuits, Sections and Societies to commemorate and cherish our participation in this special ministry of bringing people to Christ. This booklet has been prepared to help us reposition ourselves for active participation in God’s mission for the church. May every topic in this booklet inspire and challenge us to be action oriented more than speech oriented. As we reposition ourselves, we are also reminded that participation in this special mission is an act of love. Our love for this mission inspires us to resource Christ’s church for sustainability.
May God bless people called Methodists.
Revd. Dr. Paradza
(Mission Director)
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Research and Publications is grateful to the church for the affordance of the opportunity to coordinate and produce church literature, of which this publication is a product of one of such given tasks. This is coming at the backdrop of the truth that Methodists are ‘reading people’, and that culture has been inherited from the founding father of Methodism himself – John Wesley. However, one can only read something that has been written. In other words, ‘No Writing, No Reading’. In this regard we want to extend our profound gratitude to Revs E. Madaka, J. Mangwende, S. Chiramba, S. Mugova, B. Tshuma and O. Chagudhuma for producing this publication of the Mission Month literature. We thank them for their commitment and sacrifices.
We continue to thank our church leadership, led by the Presiding Bishop Rev. G.T Mawire, the Connexional Lay President Mr. G. Hanyane, the General Secretary Rev. Dr. M. Mujinga, the Mission Director Revd. Dr. K. Paradza, our District Bishops and Lay Presidents, Circuit Superintendents and ministers for keeping the legacy alive. Our District and Circuit Research and Publications teams continue to be our eyes and ears on the ground. They are important to us. Our local languages Committees always make sure that every Methodist gets literature in his/her mother language. They do a great job on the ground. Last, but not least, we continue to thank our Connexional Bookshop for always making sure that this treasure reaches all corners of the Methodist community, locally and abroad, as both hard and soft copies. Great team indeed.
May God bless people called Methodists.
Revd. O. Chagudhuma
(Research and Publications Coordinator)
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DAY 1
Topic: The Lord of Revival and Restoration
Reading: Psalm 85: 1-6
The Book of Psalms is a collection of hymns. Each hymn is a reflection and response to a specific event or incident that had happened in the history of Israel as a nation or to individuals. In this regard, Psalm 85 comes in like manner. The people of God, Judah, sinned against God and He punished them by letting them be conquered by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon around 605 BCE. Several prophets had prophesied about this unfortunate event, for instance, Jeremiah 29:1ff. Their stay in Babylon was so deceptive and also not an easy one. Several aspects of their socio-religious life were negatively affected. Reading through Psalm 137 we hear them lamenting that the environment in exile was not friendly such that they could not even sing praises for their Lord, nor play their harps.
However, as time went on and events unfolded, Cyrus, the Persian king who had conquered the Babylonians, issued a decree allowing Jews to return to their home land if they so wished around 535 BCE. Having been allowed to go back home, only a remnant did return and the majority remained scattered around the Persian provinces. Arriving back home things were not as good as they used to be before exile. The mightiness of Jerusalem as the capital city of God was no more. The mightiness of Judah as a big nation with many people was no more as only a few could be seen weakly trying to reestablish themselves in the land of their forefathers; the majority were scattered throughout the world. The used to be a mighty nation had been reduced to a tiny one. No development had taken place for all the 70 years of exile. Their parents had died and buried in a foreign land. Their pride as God’s elite could not be felt any more. Looking at the nations around them, Jews could not match them. They were inferior.
It is against this background that the Psalmist acknowledges that surely God had showed favour to them and restored them to their land, but there was still more that had to be done which only God could do, and that was revival and restoration of the nation to her former glory. In other words, the Psalmist acknowledges that although there were now back to their homeland, Judah was still God’s unfinished project, hence He had to finish what he had started in them. Revival and restoration was needed.
The narrative applies to our situation as a nation, church, families and individuals. Looking back to about 4 – 5 years ago we can agree that there was a certain period when every aspect of our lives was at a standstill; be it as individuals, family, church, nation, etc. Indeed revival is needed. Restoration is needed, and it is only God who can revive us again.
Reflection
In what ways is the Psalmist speaking to our situation today?
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DAY 2
Topic: Revived to Resource Mission
Readings: 2 Corinthians 8: 1-5
For the church to be successful in carrying out its mandate in the mission of God, members (congregants) ought to be committed to this cause.
Very few people are coming up with their resources for the mission. The majority give so many excuses as reasons for their failure to support or resource the church for sustainability, and in most cases they refer to economic hardships as the main reason why they fail to give. They forget that Christ is within their hardships. That is the mentality that the disciples had when Jesus took them to a solitary place. They argued with Jesus when he had told them to give the five thousand people food to eat. Their argument for their refusal was that they were in a remote place (Mark 6:4) forgetting that it was Jesus who had led them to that ‘remote place’ (Luke 9:10), and that he was actually with them in that place. We cannot tell Jesus that we are in the midst of poverty when he is actually with us in that poverty. There is no excuse for failing to support mission with resources.
From today’s text Paul is commending the church at Macedonia for what they had done towards supporting mission. We have got something to learn as well as be challenged by these Macedonians. The following can be taken as lessons:
i They gave themselves first.
ii In the midst of their severe trials they were joyful. They did not seek to be objects of sympathy.
iii In their extreme poverty they welled up in giving (generosity).
iv In all their circumstances they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.
We are presented here with a case of people who were in the same situation as ours. If they managed to do exceedingly well in resourcing mission what can stop us? Perhaps our problem now is that we strive towards acquiring worldly possessions more than we strive towards the things of God. This means that we have relegated God to the peripheries. God does no longer occupy the first position in our lives; which is a sad scenario. It is time for self-introspection.
Reflection
Is our situation worse than these Macedonians such that we totally fail to resource mission?
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DAY 3
Topic: Revived to be Ambassadors of Christ
Readings: 2 Corinthians 5: 20; Matthew 28: 18-20
An ambassador is an official messenger and representative. He/she is the face of the one he/she is representing. Ambassadors of Christ are God’s special agents who are called to proclaim the Good News and direct people to obedience to God. The Great Commission henceforth makes us true ambassadors on a mission to take the Good News to frontiers thereby representing the Heavenly Kingdom. All Christians are given roles and responsibilities of sharing the gospel to all cities, communities, nations and tribes.
The mission of God, among other areas, is soul winning and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) clearly states the expectations of those being sent out. The Great Commission is a continuous process whereby the Church is called to fulfill the mission of God. In Galatians 4: 4-5, Paul says; “In the fullness of time God sent forth His Son born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that they might receive the full rights of sons”. Where is the Church sent to? To the enslaved, the blind, the ignorant and those that have not received Good News yet. Assuming ambassadorial duties has benefits and some of such are: (1) privilege to receive material, physical and spiritual provisions (Matthew 6:33), (2) being protected by the Heavenly Kingdom that we represent and (3) being endowed with power and authority (Luke 9:1). The Church therefore, must take the matter of evangelism more seriously. Evangelism for all by all.
Reflection
Evangelism in the contemporary world is no longer the same like before as the world has changed. Thus, new methods and strategies of doing mission must be applied. What other new methods can the Church consider useful in order to remain relevant in a bid to evangelize, especially in new areas?
Are we doing enough to the mission of God?
Prayer
Dear Lord, give us the strength and power to accomplish the mission that you bestowed on us.
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DAY 4
Topic: Wait for the Spiritual Power and His Anointing
Reading: Acts 1: 6-8
Luke, in the first chapter of the Book of Acts of the Apostles, tells us about the ‘missional’ instruction which the disciples received from the risen Lord prior to his ascension. Indeed mission is only successfully carried out when one is anointed and empowered. The disciples had to wait for the special anointing of the Holy Spirit as a prerequisite. In other words, Jesus was saying to them, “Hold on, be equipped first; no need to rush.”
When we are sent for a mission, God will always give us power for His purpose. As a Church, we need authority from above so that we can work according to God’s will. We need not to rush but to wait for Him to give us power. We always have a favourable and gracious God who can revive and transform the world through those whom He sends. As a Church, in reference to the text, Jesus Christ is parting from the disciples, and gives them a rebuke “It is not for you to know, and therefore it is not for you to ask …” He gave His disciples instructions to wait for the power to come upon them through the Holy Spirit. The efficacy of the Church in carrying the mission of God is anchored in being anointed by the Holy Spirit and it is this Holy Spirit who gives the Church power to carry the mission forward.
Reflection
What can be done to have and maintain this spiritual power and anointing amid the mission of God ahead of us?
Prayer
Lord, we pray for your spiritual power and anointing so that we are able to carry your mission.
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DAY 5
Topic: Healing and Deliverance
Readings: Luke 4: 18
The threefold ministry of Jesus Christ compels us to believe that God is concerned about our whole being. The divine aspect and the human aspect of every believer is of paramount importance in the eyes of the Creator. In the Synoptic Gospels, it is evident that the larger part of Jesus’ ministry is that of healing and delivering the sick. The blind, lepers, the deaf and those who were under demonic oppression were healed and delivered respectively. It is against this background that as people called Methodists, we would want to share in the resurrection power, and indeed God is at work. This means that healing and deliverance comes from God and this is evident from the text under study today. We say so because there are misconceptions with regard to this subject with some associating the ministry to certain individuals. In as much as God can use individuals as instruments or agents, the actual act of healing and deliverance comes from none other than God Himself through Christ.
The characteristics of can be the following and all being done to the glory of God:
i Immediate
Healing is always accomplished by the power of God instantaneously. It cannot be done by the person, with the exception of Jesus Himself, but done through the person of the Holy Spirit. God is the only one who can do creative healing. In the New Testament healing never took long but was done in the same day. It was only in exceptional occasions that evidence to it took long, e.g. in Matthew 17:19-21. However, witnessing or seeing evidence at a later stage does not mean that healing did not take place instantly. It take place instantly although in some cases evidence or results may be realized at a later stage.
ii Lasting
Biblical divine healing lasted for the rest of the person’s natural life. The person who was healed did not have to come back for repeated healing sessions.
iii Verifiable
The New Testament healings were verifiable. The people who were healed were well known members of the community and known for their ailments. These verifiable healings verified who Jesus was and the authority of the apostles (Matt. 4: 24; 8: 8,13; Mark 5: 23; Acts 8: 7; 9: 40; 28: 8). What has gone wrong with this world of us? All the healing and deliverance sessions that we see are of people who are not members of the community where the service may have held at. This raises eyebrows as to whether such are not stage managed activities so as to lure congregants to certain church denominations.
Reflection
Is God still at work through Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit today?
Is healing and deliverance still immediate, lasting and verifiable?
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DAY 6
Topic: Commitment to the Mission of God
Readings: Luke 9: 23-26
Commitment is defined as a strong belief in a system or idea. It is an engagement or obligation that restricts freedom of action, making it a pledge or undertaking. Most Christians have a ‘form’ of commitment. They talk and yet do not walk the talk. Their actions speak louder than their words. Commitment in God’s mission is a choice and as Christians we continue to be committed to our calling regardless of the prevailing circumstances. Our pledge to serve God stands both in good and bad times. Commitment to God’s work can never be forced. In other words, no one is forced to do God’s work. If members are forced, coerced and pressurized to commit themselves to God’s work, the mission of God becomes a failure. Commitment calls for a willing heart because it demands our time and sensitivity, and above all, demands action (Colossians 3: 23, Matthew 16: 24, Joshua 6: 15)
As commitment develops, it results in a deepening sense of corporate ownership of the mission and vision of an organization and increases participation, loyalty and sacrifice by members. An inclination to put the mission as a priority ahead of personal ones also increases. Another key component as far as commitment is concerned is that it has got to do with how to build it. Commitment is built on the following aspects, among others: (1) Integrity, (2) Competence, (3) Consistency, (4) Openness, and (5) Willingness.
From the text under study. Jesus is very clear that following him demands a high level degree of commitment. One has to make self-introspection, calculate the cost and losses, be prepared to suffer the consequences, etc.
Reflection
What hinders Christians from being committed mission?
Prayer
Dear Lord, help us to commit ourselves towards your mission.
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DAY 7
Topic: Interdependence is Key in a Missional Church.
Readings: Ephesians 4: 11-16; 1 Corinthians 12.
Interdependence is defined as the state of depending upon one another, or mutual dependence between things. What it entails is that each one of us needs the services of the other in order for our full potentials to be realized. In this case, as ‘Missional Church’ is that whose members have come to the awareness of the truth that, ‘I am because we are’.
In his first letter to the Corinthians in the bible Paul reminds us that we are a body with many members, which only functions when all parts are working together (1 Cor. 12) . When we worship, give, learn and grow together as a local Church, our united prayer, financial strength and mutual encouragement cause us to form a body of Christians capable of accomplishing tasks that cannot be achieved by disjointed or disconnected body or independent parts. Our local Churches are God’s storehouses of dynamic power for learning to function in the strength of interdependence. Ephesians 4: 16 emphasizes the role of interdependent relationships within the local Church when it talks about the body being “joined and held together by every supporting ligament”. Church members must appreciate one another and the gifts each member has for the benefit of the Church. All parts are equally important for the benefit of the whole body and no part is inferior or superior.
Reflection
What are the causes of stigma and discrimination in the church?
How best can we eradicate this pandemic?
Prayer
Our Lord and Saviour, help us to respect and value each member of the body for the benefit of your kingdom.
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DAY 8
Topic: Renewal of Faith and Strength
Readings: Isaiah 40: 29-30; Hebrews 11: 1-7
Life is a mixed bag, and within that bag are challenges and circumstances that make the people of faith grow weary and lose faith in the process. The Israelite community during Isaiah’s time faced adversity and wars from Assyria and other nations. As a result, they deduced that the Lord had neglected them. The nation felt unwanted, thrown away and that made them to distance themselves further from the Lord as they thought of sorting for breakthrough from other means. Isaiah comes in with the prophetic message saying that salvation and survival cannot be obtained from anywhere and all other efforts produce fake results. In as much as those whom we may think of as being strong such that we have made them our role models may stumble and fall, there are some who will not stumble and fall. Only those who wait upon the Lord in such devastating circumstances shall renew their strength and power to move on. When people are in disturbing situations they need someone to tell them that it shall come to pass. Many are times when Christians feel as if God has neglected them, for example, during the era of Covid-19 when many of us lost our beloved ones, lost jobs and life became so tough and everyone was affected in one way or the other. More disturbing of this era is that many lost their faith and strength in God.
In as much as the pandemic has weakened and no longer as fatal as it was between 2020 and 2021, many of us have not yet managed to pick up the broken pieces, regained the faith and strength, and move on with life full of hope. In such trying times, there is need for another voice to come and tell us to wait upon the Lord and to be faithful to him for without faith, it is impossible to please God as the author of Hebrews rightly puts it. Enoch, Noah and Abraham were successful in their journeys because of faith. This does not mean that they journeyed without facing obstacles along the way. Obstacles were there but they soldiered on until they reached the finishing line. Let us keep our faith in trying times.
Reflection
What is the level of your faith in and around the challenges you are facing?
Are you able to stand and keep your faith and strength in the prevailing challenges today?
What can we do to keep each other renewed in faith and strength?
Prayer
Renew our faith and strength Heavenly Father in these trying times of our days.
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DAY 9
Topic: God is ready to hear our prayers
Readings: Psalm 85: 4-9; Jeremiah 33: 3
Methodism is founded on prayer, and Methodists are a praying people. The culture is driven from the great teacher Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Methodists, further inherited this tradition of prayer from John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. The Wesley brothers and a few fellow students were called ‘The Holy Club’ by other students at Oxford University because they led a prayerful life.
There are times when we, as individuals or Church we drift further from God due to various challenges such as socio-economic issues, marital issues and drug and substance abuse from both adults and children to mention but a few. Psalm 85 is written in the context when the Jews were out of Babylonian captivity and they needed to be restored from the lost time, lost opportunities, lost lives. Captivity is reflection of God’s displeasure to them. In like manner, at times we face challenges as a sign of God’s displeasure because we might have ceased to pray. Hence, the need to go back to God in prayer and God is ready to hear and accept our prayers.
As a church, in affliction and distress, there is always need to engage in prayer and a praying Church is a victorious Church. God is always available and reachable to answer our petitions. The people of God, in a very low and weak conditions, are here taught how to address themselves to God. Let us not cease to pray even when we are in the valley. Let us not be discouraged by circumstances, but rather develop a praying attitude in and out of season. The early Church in Acts 2 became a strong Church because of prayer and we can do the same.
Reflection
Do we still have time, zeal and power to pray?
Do we have prayer groups like John Wesley had at the University?
Let us ask God to revive our praying power so that we are able to accomplish the mission that we are mandated to.
Prayer
Living and loving God, we pray that you renew our zeal and power to pray and worship you. Give us new power and strength as we continue with your mission which is before us, Amen.
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DAY 10
Topic: Discipleship: The Apparatus for Creating Model Citizenship
Readings: Ephesians 4: 23; Romans 14: 17; Colossians 1: 13
The mandate of the Church also relates to the nurturing of believers to become mature Christians. When we win souls for the kingdom of God, it becomes imperative that we nurture them so that they also become responsible citizens and committed to discipleship as well. Class meetings must be held to foster proper teachings. To the Church at Ephesus, the author speaks about the renewal of the mind and the same message is conveyed to the Colossians (Colossians 3:10) where he says that the Church must put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him. If believers are nurtured properly, they are bound to let go the past and embrace the new way of life (Ephesians 4:22); make a choice on the way he/she thinks (Ephesians 4:23) thereby enabling him/herself to put the character of Christ and remove all the elements that negatively impacts growth. God’s plan is that salvation for all by all, therefore evangelism for all by all. This implies that both clergy and laity have that responsibility to discipleship just like Christ came to seek and save the lost (Mark 1:16). However, there are so many factors that hinder the mission of God in the context of discipleship and some of these are: self-fear, pride, self-centeredness, lacking confidence and vigilance. If discipleship is carried out effectively, people out there will hear as Paul rightly puts it in Romans.
The other challenge faced in discipleship endeavours is that people will always discourage. When Sanballat and Tobiah heard that Nehemiah wanted to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, they were grieved and tried to block him. However, Nehemiah had a resilient spirit to go and rebuild the broken walls. We always face such opposition in our bid to evangelize, but we must soldier on knowing that we are more than conquerors through Christ who enables us.
Reflection
What could be the best way of nurturing old and new believers?
Prayer
Thank you Father for calling us to the ministry of discipleship. Give us the power and strength to move on despite all surrounding challenges.
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DAY 11
Topic: Nothing but Grace
Readings: 2 Peter 3: 18; Ephesians 2: 8; Genesis 39: 1-4
Restoration enables one to live in grace. The devil robbed many of their place in grace. According John Piper, “grace is power, not just pardon”. This explains that grace is not simply kindness when we have sinned but the enabling gift and power of God not to sin. John 1:12-13 draws us to the knowledge that all those who believe and accept Jesus Christ are given the right to become children of God. Living in grace is believing and following Jesus, and we gain God’s power. If one is restored to grace, he or she is directed by the power of God. If grace locates you, you become a person of influence in all spheres of life. Everyone will be able to see that there is something special in you.
Secondly, grace uplifts you. The book of Genesis 37 has got sad incidents that took place in the life of Joseph. In the narratives Joseph is seen facing his downfall in all respects. He was hated by his own brothers, wished dead by his own brothers, reduced to the level of a commodity which can be sold by his own brothers, he was sold and taken to a foreign land, but in all that downfall trend, grace located him. Having been located by grace, it went further even to expose him to the vicinity of the one who had bought him such that he could not ignore it. Genesis 39:1-4 says that Potiphar saw that the Lord was with Joseph and so he made him his personal attendant. However, in order for grace to locate us, we ought to be faithful.
Reflection
What happens when grace locates us?
Prayer
We thank you Father for finding us through your grace and your unconditional love.
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DAY 12
Topic: Restored to Prosper
Readings: Job 42: 1-17; Jeremiah 29: 11
Restoration comes after some form of loss in one way or the other. It therefore entails that restoration seeks to compensate what has been lost. It is God’s nature to stand with the weak, the oppressed, the vulnerable and the righteous. Job of Uz is described by the Bible as one who was wealthy and righteous. He was so wealthy such that even his children could hold numerous birthday parties at each other’s place. He had herds of oxen, flocks of sheep, camels, to mention a few (Job 1:1-21).
However, along the way tables turned upside down within a blink of an eye. All the livestock, children, etc, just varnished living Job absolutely naked and in poverty. In acceptance of what had befallen him, Job had this to say, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised” (Job 1:21). In all his losses Job remained faithful before God. Job faced the greatest loss in his life but he remained faithful to God.
At times God allows that we face more or less challenges faced by Job as a way of testing our faith and love for Him. Job passed the test and was rewarded for that, and we ought to also. Restoration brings prosperity to the children of God. Job was restored (42:1ff) because of his faithfulness in the face of all these tribulations. However, it has to be known that in some cases, restoration does not always come in material things, but in spiritual way ushering prosperity to our souls. Isaiah 61:7 says that, instead of shame, we shall receive double portion. We must always be on our knees praying for restoration and restoration has to manifest in prosperity.
Reflection
What is that you have lost and what is it that the Church has lost?
How do we recover what we have lost?
Prayer
Dear Lord, restore us that we may recover what we have lost.
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DAY 13
Topic: Revived to Worship Him in all Circumstances
Reading: Habakkuk 3: 16-19
Habakkuk lived during the same period with Jeremiah. In the first chapter (1:2-4) Habakkuk complains about selfishness that had characterized the people of Judah. All the sins of the people of Judah were going to lead them into Babylonian captivity. That captivity meant disaster to the people of God.
However, towards the end of the third chapter (3:17ff) Habakkuk prayed saying that his worship and thanksgiving was not conditioned by the goodness that can be seen with eyes. Even if everything goes upside down, such as fig trees failing to bud, vines failing to bear grapes, fields failing to produce food, livestock disappearing, etc, he says he will still rejoice in the Lord. This is a kind of attitude of somebody who understands that his relationship with God is not based on bribery. We do not worship God because He has given us something. God does not bribe us with material things in order for us to worship Him. We worship Him for who He is, and not what He has done to us. In all circumstances we worship Him because He is our Father, our Maker.
Reflection
What is that which drives worship of God today? Is it relationship, or fear, or material things?
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DAY 14
Topic: Humility is an Indispensable Character in Doing God’s Mission
Readings: John 3: 30; Philippians 2: 5-11
One of the attributes of Jesus missing in our local churches of today is humility. Instead, pride has, and is killing us. If we are to be effective vessels in the house of the Lord, we need to be humble. Humility is the cornerstone of genuine worship which can be used so as to win souls.
John the Baptist was 6 months older than Jesus on age (Luke 1:36). Furthermore, John started ministry earlier than Jesus as it was him who prepared the way for Jesus. However, when Jesus began his ministry, there arose problems within John’s camp. His disciples felt threatened and wanted to compare Jesus with John. In fact, they wanted to give John a picture that Jesus was lesser than John although he had also began baptising people. To their surprise, John could not accept their perceptions and persuasions. On vs 30 he openly told his disciples that, “he (Jesus) must become greater; I (John) must become less.” This is the kind of humility that is sought in God’s mission.
Humility keeps us centred and dependant on Him, not on ourselves. Humility is one of the key traits every Christian is required to have, and if we are not humble we cease to be true Christians. The spirit of humility which was in Christ should be in us and that will make us true sons and daughters of God. We do not decide to be humble, but we are entitled to be. The stability and efficacy of the church is premised on the ability of every member to be humble. All Christians therefore, are reminded to take pride away as it kills yourself and the whole Church.
Reflection
What lessons do we draw from the given texts?
What hinders many of us from being humble and what are the benefits of being humble?
Prayer
As Christ was humble, teach us to be humble Christians.
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DAY 15
Topic: Revived and Restored to Call the Nation to Renew its Commitment
Reading: 2 Chronicles 34: 14-33
The setting of this text is characterized by religious apathy or complacency on the part of the people who are to proffer care to the nation on religious matters. Being religious was part of people’s routine and tradition but they were no longer truly committed to God. Kings had endorsed idol worship and neglected the true worship of Jehovah. From the little knowledge that Josiah had about the worship of Yahweh, he called for the spiritual renewal and set in motion a revolution against idolatry. Having found the book of law and heard from it, Josiah called the nation to renew their commitment to God. He realized that just being religious is not enough but to rebuke the nation to order. In today’s world, apathy and complacency best describe our attitude to spiritual matters. We take our sins lightly, making excuses and blaming circumstances for what we have become. We live in a world where almost every biblical phrase is now a name for a church denomination and moral decay is on the increase. The Church is called to be the voice of the voiceless and to challenge corrupt systems, oppression and other unacceptable practices. National leaders must know that they have a mandate to exercise justice and in the event that they fail, the Church comes in to challenge and remind them of their responsibility.
Reflection
Do we have the capacity to speak out and call the nation to the worship of God in spirit and truth?
What is our influence and are we the voice of the voiceless?
Prayer
Help us God not to conform to the standards of this world in our bid to call the nation to renew its commitment to the things of God.
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DAY 16
Topic: Heartfelt Christian Fellowship
Readings: Psalm 133: 1-3
The mission of God in the Church entails nurturing believers in Christ who are able to have a heartfelt fellowship with fellow Christians. As we grow in our relationship with Christ, we must grow in our relationship with our fellow sisters and brothers. The justification for having genuine and honest fellowship is that it allows us to live in harmony with one another (2 Corinthians 8:7), offers an opportunity to learn from one another among other reasons. Key to all these is that it pleases God, so says the Psalmist in our today’s reading. How do we build strong fellowships? The following can be considered: (1) Honesty/ frankness- always speak the truth, (2) Humility- very key in relationships, (3) Courtesy- respecting our differences and being considerate of each other’s feelings and being patient with people who irritate you, (4) Confidentiality- what is shared in the group need to stay in your group, no gossip (Proverbs 16:28, Titus 3:10), and (5) Frequency- you need to have frequent, regular contact with your group in order to build genuine and sound relationships.
Reflection
What do you think causes enmity between sisters and brothers in Church?
How can we discourage unhealthy groups that affect fellowships?
Prayer
Thank you Lord for bringing us together as a people of faith. Help us to grow spiritually as we make strong fellowships.
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DAY 17
Topic: Restoration of the fallen
Reading: Galatians 6: 1-2
Fulfilment of the mission of God entails restoration of the fallen through biblical teachings, preaching and counselling. According to the text, it is the duty of spiritually mature to help those who would have fallen. Those who carry the burden to help and restore the fallen brethren have to take care of themselves also that they may not fall in the same trap and fail the mission of God. The scripture clearly states that the process of restoration must be gently carried out. The greatest test of character is our response to someone’s sin. Mission oriented persons do not celebrate the fall of a sister or brother, instead they find a way to raise them up. Many people have fallen down in this world because of various reasons and the Church must be restless in offering restoration in holistic approach. A Church which claims her rightful place in the great mission of God is that one which is full of people who are ready to serve as others’ keepers.
Reflection
Are we ready to restore the fallen? Do we have the tools to restore the fallen?
How effective is the Church in restoring the brokenhearted?
Prayer
Our heavenly Father, restore your Church to be an agent of restoration to the fallen brothers and sisters in this wounded world.
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DAY 18
Topic: Beware of New Threats in the Mission of God
Readings: Nehemiah 3: 19-21; 4: 1-11
Participating in God’s mission cannot be said to be without challenges and threats. It has to be known by mission drivers that any missionary endeavour is war on its own. This is because there are forces out there which rejoice in the status quo and dilapidated state of affairs. Rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem was a good thing to be undertaken by every caring and responsible Jew but some did not see things that way. Even when Nehemiah took it upon himself to rebuild the walls, some onlookers decided to fight progress making themselves opposing forces fighting progress instead of joining progress.
When we are in the restoration process, we encounter suffering, affliction and new threats emerge. As new threats arise, the church must have strategies to counter such and allow the mission of God to continue. Furthermore, in the face of these new threats, the Church has to be bold to enable the mission of God to move forward (Ephesians 3:12). Apart from that, in the missional process, we sometimes face rejection, hatred among other challenges but we must be courageous as we have the mandate to continue with mission. In other words, new threats should not break us but challenge us to be bold and face such challenges head on. New methods of doing mission in such contexts must be employed in order for us to remain relevant as a church. Nehemiah faced adversity and opposition in his endeavour to rebuild the broken walls of Jerusalem but never stopped until the goal was achieved. Let us have the same spirit in our time and be innovative in order to reach out.
Reflection
What new methods of evangelism do we have as a Church to reach out?
What threats are we facing today that are hindering the mission of God?
How can we overcome emerging threats so that we remain effective in the work of God?
Prayer
Give us power to move on with the mission you tasked us dear Lord.
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DAY 19
Topic: Restored to Tend the Lord’s Sheep
Readings: John 21: 15-17
For various reasons, we sometimes forget the mission of God that He desires upon us. As individuals, organizations or as a Church, we are reminded again to look after the God’s sheep. The opposite of what we have to do and be is becoming more effective than the desire of God to us as we are called to serve.
John, the evangelist, is narrating to us about the incident that took place during the risen Lord’s appearances to his disciples before his ascension and such an incident happened by the sea of Tiberias (Galilee). The eleven disciples, being led by Peter, had shifted focus. They had gone back fishing whilst neglecting the mission which Jesus had called them for (Matthew 4:18-20). Good enough, they did not have any catch the whole night until Jesus appeared to them in the morning and used that big catch as a sign of what their mission was all about. Jesus’ target in this narrative is Peter. But why Peter out of all the disciples? Perhaps Peter had lost credibility and had forgotten the mandate which had been bestowed unto him. He is the one who had come up with the idea of going fishing and the rest followed him. One can argue that Peter, as a leader of the group, misled the group. He did the opposite of what was expected of him. Forgetting the mandate and focus shifting is a sign of loss of love for the Master (Lord) hence Jesus had to ask Peter as to whether he loved him or not.
As a Church today, are we in the same strength and stability that we once had or we are becoming weaker and weaker every day? Is the Church still a place of solace, a place where everyone feels at home and comforted? Tending and feeding God’s sheep requires caring and loving one another as we were and are loved by God unconditionally (John 3:16). It also has to do with giving them quality and balanced diet, and according to Jesus, man does not live on bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). This means that pulpits must produce real and message of truth and not toxic theology. The Church must revisit her call and align herself to that call of tending God’s sheep. The church’s core business has to do with caring for the congregants, both in their joys and sorrows.
Reflection
What are we supposed to do as a Church so that we do not have more excuses to use in shifting from Christ’s mandate?
We have to tend and feed Christ’s sheep. Who are they?
Prayer
Our loving and living God, help us to renew our call as a Church to shepherd and feed your flock accordingly.
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DAY 20
Topic: Understanding Time
Readings: Psalm 90: 12; Ecclesiastes 3: 12
Time is important in life, for God so created everything in time. From one of the texts above, the Psalmist is so particular about time and he asks God to teach him so he can have a better understanding of the importance of it. The author of Ecclesiastes emphasizes more on the doctrine of creation that everything was created in time and for that reason, everything has time; time to plant and time to harvest, time to love and time not to love. What this means is that everything happens within its time and has to be done within that time. Time does not wait for us, but we can wait for time. In the same line of thought, we have to know that time wasted is never recovered. Now is the time to ask God for wisdom to become better stewards of our time and opportunities. Sadly, we have grown a tendency of counting or numbering our years forgetting that all of us have to live a day at a time, and we do not know the time we are left with. A successful life is composed of successful days that honour the Lord.
It is important for us all that we read the signs of time that we are able. However, we have to note that every day of our lives, time is given purposefully and we have to utilize that time effectively for the progression of life and enlarging the territory of the Kingdom of God.
Reflection
Time wasted is never recovered. What can be done so that we are not victims of time?
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DAY 21
Topic: Shepherding the Heart of a Child
Readings: Proverbs 4:23; Mark 7:21
The way our children behave is a true reflection of their mindset and what is in their hearts. Luke 6:45 says, “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, …for out of the overflow of the heart his mouth speaks.” The text clearly shows that the heart is the control centre of life. The goal of shepherding should be premised on guarding the heart and in this context, the heart of our children. The behaviour of every single person does not spring forth uncaused- it reflects the state of the heart. Our children are our treasure and pride and for that reason, we parents ought to be on guard shepherding them in a bid to shape their future. Many parents pay attention to changed behaviours of children and launch complains more than grooming and nurturing them while they are young, hence, the saying “Catch them young”. The heart of a child is shaped by so many aspects such as: (1) structure of family life- Is the family a traditional nuclear family? Are both parents alive and both taking part in shaping the family? (2) Family values- values and norms of the family can shape a child positively or negatively. What is it that the family values? (3) Family roles- all parents should be responsible in terms of nurturing children in a proper way. Healthy family conflict resolution is more crucial in terms of upbringing of children.
Reflection
To what extent do we engage our children to worship?
Do we have enough time with our children?
What can be done so as to make sure that children are caught whilst they are still young?
Prayer
We surrender our children to thee dear Lord, the Good Teacher and Shepherd.
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DAY 22
Topic: Revived to Shun and Fight Drug and Substance Abuse
Readings: 1Cor. 6:19-20; Proverbs 20:1
The 21st century has brought with itself a mixed bag. In such a bag we have seen technological advancement which has actually made life easier for the general populace. However, in the same bag are pandemics, some which are natural and some which are manmade. In as much as there is little that we can do to prevent natural disasters (pandemics) there is much we can do to prevent the manmade one. One of the evils that are found in the mixed bag which are manmade is the abuse of drugs by many young people. The future of our young people is now bleak due to drug and substance abuse. However, adults are not clean in as far as this scourge is concerned. Some of the adults are perpetrators to this evil as they are found being on the side of brewing and selling such drugs to the innocent young people. This is actually very evil. If one is to ask a question as to why young people have highly indulged in drug and substance abuse, the answer you will get is that it has been necessitated and fuelled by economic hardships. Of course the Zimbabwean economy is not performing well but the taking in of drugs can neither alleviate poverty nor make the economy perform well. Surely one has let go the special value of life.
From the texts under study today, we are told about the evils that come with taking in and abusing drugs. It is neither good to the community nor to the body of the one who abuses them. Drug and substance abuse negatively affects the physical body as well as the spiritual wellbeing. Paul is very clear in his letter to the Corinthians that our bodies were created by God for a special purpose. They are worship centres. God the Father created the bodies; God the Son (Jesus Christ) redeemed the bodies and made them part of his body, and God the Spirit (Holy Spirit) makes an indwelling in our bodies and makes them the very temple of God. Worship cannot take place in a defiled temple. This means that the abuse of drugs and substances negative affects worship as the Holy Spirit cannot dwell in a defiled place.
Reflection
What are the ills that have been associated with drug and substance abuse? Collectively, we can fight drug and substance abuse, and win the war.
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DAY 23
Topic: Revived to Pursue and Recover Everything
Reading: 1 Samuel 30: 1-23
We are presented here with a scenario, and a sad one. Whilst David’s attention was focused on the confrontation between Israel and the Philistines, the Amalekites found out that that was a perfect time to retaliate against David, his raids and pick up some booty as well. The invaders kidnapped the people and took whatever wealth they could.
Different people react in different ways to the same circumstances because what life does to us depends on what life finds us in. In as much as some people wanted to stone David, which was certainly a foolish response to the situation at hand, David knew that the encouragement he needed could only come from the Lord, and indeed it came.
Sometimes in life, we face a lot of challenges, everything destroyed and we feel distressed but we have to know that decisions take in rush and frustration end up being disastrous. We should learn to calm down, take a breath and seek and encouragement from the Lord. Why is strength needed here? This is because we do not just have to pursue and end there. We have to pursue and overtake the enemy so as to recover the loot. So, there is a combination of strength and speed there. We need to ask God if we are to pursue and overtake our enemies. We learnt about some men who failed cross the ravine but David did not worry about them rather continued the pursuit.
When God instructed David to pursue, David had no idea about the whereabouts of the Amalekites but God designed a link through a young boy who was left sick. In all our situations, God will always provide a link for us to access our blessings for recovery or restoration as a Church and as individuals. In the same vein, we further learn from the text that we must support the weak because when they become strong, they will help us in finding a direction to recover what we were robbed of. If David and his men had not taken care of this sick young man, they would have failed themselves, and not the sick young man. The secret of their link to their captured families was in the sick and weak young man, so they had to do good to him.
Reflection
How do we react when pursuing God’s mission and whom do we allow to accompany us in that mission?
What challenges do we face when pursuing the devil in a bid to recover that which we have been robbed by the devil?
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DAY 24
Topic: Revived and Restored Neighbourliness
Readings: Luke 10: 25-37; Mark 14: 7
The mission of the Church also calls for caring of the poor and the needy. Christ correctly stated that we will always have the poor in our midst (Mark 14:7). The poor are those who do not have enough food, clothing, healthcare, education, etc. In this regard if we admit that caring for such people is the mission of the Church, then we should take the responsibility.
The story of the Good Samaritan teaches us that we should break barriers and frontiers when it comes to charity work. Being neighbours implies taking responsibility and care of each other’s burdens. Jesus’ conversation with a lawyer in Luke is very interesting as the teaching of Jesus relates to a true neighbour. Inheriting the Kingdom of Heaven requires a holistic approach to Christianity. The lawyer narrates what the scripture says in relation to the kingdom. “Who is my neighbour?” argues the Lawyer, and Jesus brings in the story of a man who went down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell among thieves who brutalized, wounded and left him by the side of the road. The priest and the Levite upon seeing him passed by the other side leaving him in pain, but a certain Samaritan saw him and felt the pity for him, bound his wounds and took him to the healthcare centre for help.
The whole story here is about the visibility and practicability of Christianity in society. Jesus is bringing a new understanding in as far as a neighbour is concerned. We are used to refer to those people who stay close to us, who have built their houses next to ours, who have houses in the same road or street with ours as our neighbours. However, in as much as these can be our neighbours in a literal sense, they are not in a deeper sense. Neighbours are those who feel for each other when times of sorrow arise, and take action so that whatever burden that might have befallen upon a brother or sister in Christ is uplifted.
The Methodist Church is doing splendid work through MeDRA by assisting needy and vulnerable communities as well as Christian and Social Responsibility committees at various levels. Thus, we are all encouraged by the texts provided to be good neighbours if we are to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.
Christians have to know that it is imperative to commit their time and resources to this area and by so doing, the Church becomes relevant. Jesus says; “You saw me hungry and you did not feed me, you saw me naked and you did not dress me …” In other words Jesus is saying when you did not take responsibility towards the needy, you neglected him (Jesus). Let us love one another and that is good neighbourhood.
Reflection
As a mission driven Church, what other practical ways can we use to assist the poor and needy in your community?
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DAY 25
Topic: A Revived Church is a Praying Church
Readings: Mathew 6:6; Luke 11:11-13
Prayer is communicating with God. “He will call upon me, and I will answer him and show him my salvation” (Psalm 91:15, 16). The time we spend with the Lord in prayer can release the most dynamic, history-changing power the world has ever known. God responds when we pray. When we engage ourselves in prayer, we connect ourselves to God and make a relationship with Him. As we express our feelings and burdens in conversation with God, it can be in the form of adoration (Psalm 34:1-4), confession (1John 1:9) or thanksgiving (Ephesians 5:4-20). There are areas which the Bible says that we need to give attention to when we pray and some of such are: (1) Watch and pray always- be on the watch and pray that you may be able escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man (Luke 21:36). (2) Pray lest you fall into temptation. We face temptation/s everyday as we journey in life, but we are encouraged to pray every day and be watchful not to fall into temptation (Matt. 26:41), (3) pray for those in authority (1Tim. 2:1-2) that they may live in peace, godliness and holiness and (4) pray for the enemies- bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you (Luke 6:28). Prayer is key to the Christian life and God responds to our needs through our prayers. A successful Church is a praying Church. The mission of God requires a prayerful people and so as we engage in this mission, we must first of all engage in prayer as a way to connect ourselves to the source of power.
Reflection
Do we have a relationship with God in prayer?
How do we protect ourselves from falling into temptation?
Prayer
Help us dear Lord that as we face temptations, we may not fall in.
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DAY 26
Topic: People on a Mission are Saved to Serve
Reading: 2Timothy 1:9
It is He who saved and chose us not because we deserve it but because that was His plan long before the world began. Therefore, sisters and brothers, today we are all being reminded that we are saved for service in His vineyard. We need to acknowledge that every believer is designed to be useful as we pursue the Great Commission (Matthew 28:20). The football match mentality must be eliminated, where thousands gather around to watch 22 men on the pitch. Unique as we are, we have to complement each other in His vineyard and we are reminded that we are never in a competition. We should not envy others’ gifts. For all of us to effectively impact in our God called assignment, God endowed every one of us with a special gift. As we commemorate Mission Month therefore, as people called Methodists, we are all called to offer service in one way or the other.
Reflection
Find ways to encourage each other to effectively use the gifts bestowed on us for the purposes of God’s mission.
Prayer
Help us dear God to remember that you saved us to serve others.
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DAY 27
Topic: Power that comes through loving one another
Readings: 1 Corinthians 13: 1-13; Acts 2: 1-13
The power of the Church is anchored on love. Love is the most important aspect among individuals, families, communities and as a Church. Through love, there is sanity, stability and confidence of Christians. Church is theologically meaningful and sound if she embraces all despite our different giftings and backgrounds. The Church at Corinth highly valued tongues of angels such that members ended up prioritizing speaking in tongues and for them that marked the true Church. That belief and behaviour did split the church such that it ended up being chaotic. Those that spoke in tongues thought that they were holier than those who did not; and those who did not speak in tongues felt that they were inferior. Classes were drawn in the church basing on how one was eloquent in speaking in tongues.
Paul comes in responding to such toxic theologies and argues that over and above speaking in tongues, a true Church is marked by love and without love, all can be void. Tongues alone do not mark what a true church is like, or what true Christianity is. However, by rebuking the chaotic scenario that had been caused by speaking in tongues Paul is not saying that speaking in tongues is evil. No. He is just saying that the basis of everything is love. Love is the common denominator. Tongues spoken without love are just useless noise. Reference can be made to the early church. The early Church in Acts 2 received power because the people from all walks of life gathered at Jerusalem for a common cause. The power of the Church is in the coming together of believers in love for worship. True love strengthens the Church.
Reflection
Love is the common denominator of any Christian fellowship. Are there people who are unlovable in the church?
Prayer
Lord of mercy, as you loved us unconditionally, teach us to love one another.
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DAY 28
Topic: Revived to be Salt the Light for Everyone.
Readings: Matthew 5: 13-16
Matthew 5-7 is a compilation of teachings on the mount. On vs 13-16 Jesus uses salt and light metaphors to convey the message of the identity and roles of the disciples. Disciples are salt of the earth in as much as they are light of the earth. Jews of Jesus’ time got their salt by pouring sea water into pits and leave it to evaporate living salt behind. The other way was to purify sand collected from the banks of the Dead Sea by draining and filtering the salts from such sand using clean water which will taste salty after passing through such sand and extracted salt from such. Once the salts and minerals have been extracted again and again, that sand becomes exhausted. The continued extracted product would end up having a flat taste/tasteless. The result was that such sand becomes useless as well such that it could not be used for any agricultural purposes. The only place whet it could find itself being used was in filling up pot holes, hence Jesus’ sentiments, “It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out to be trampled underfoot.” What it means in this case is that the disciples (church) had to guard themselves against losing saltiness.
The 21st century Church must be alive and relevant in order to bring peace where it is lacking. Being the light to all is one of the key mandate of the Church and the Church must be a place where everyone is comforted, mentored, counselled and healed. However, Church can be the light of the earth only if she embraces all. In contrast, Church cannot be the light of everyone if she if full of greedy people, unforgiving congregants, hurting people and without love. God wants us to be part of His mission, but the question is: are we willing and prepared that God may use us? As Christians, we must live what we preach for we are the light that has been put on top of its stand so as to benefit everyone. Be the light to yourself, family, community, work place, etc. We must love one another, treat each other equally and by so doing, we become the light to everyone. The greatest challenge we have today is that some of us portray a picture of being the light and salt in Church while in Church and live the opposite when in homes, societies and work places. If we are to be the light to everyone, we ought not to have double standards.
Reflection
How can we be revived so that we become the salt and light to everyone?
Prayer
Restore our light dear Lord that we become the true light of the light.
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DAY 29
Topic: Allow not your Faith to Die in the Face of Trials and Tribulations
Readings: Colossians 1: 23; 1 Corinthians 16: 13)
Trials and tribulations are part of life here on earth. This means that we cannot totally eliminate them, but manage them. However, in as much as we try to manage them, the process is not all that easy, and in some cases the process leads to such trials and tribulations dominating and managing us instead of the other way round. The end result is the shaking of our faith.
Our Christian faith is becoming weak as we face a lot of challenges in our lives. However, as we face these challenges, we must continue to reflect the Christian traits that are in us and allow not our faith to be taken away from us. The earthly challenges will continue to affect us and future generations, but we are encouraged to stand firm through Christ who gives us power. Paul in Philippians 4:13 says “I have strength for all things in Christ who empowers me, I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses inner strength into me”. Thus, in all trials and tribulations, let us continue in faith through Christ who gives us power. In the text mentioned, the author urges the Colossian Church to be grounded and to continue in faith and not be moved away from the hope of the gospel.
Reflection
What can we do to keep our faith strong in trying times?
Prayer
Heavenly Father we thank you for moving with us in all times. Father, we pray that you grant us strength and make our faith strong despite all circumstances of life.
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DAY 30
Topic: A Victorious Church
Readings: Matthew 16: 18; Psalm 102: 16-20
Matthew 16:13-20 carries details of the Great Confession which took place at Caesarea Philippi. After all other disciples had shown knowledge of what people were saying about the identity of Jesus, it was now time for them to prove to Jesus that they fully understood who he was. Peter confessed that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of the living God. It was after that confession that Jesus made a declaration to Peter that, “upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” There is debate on the exact rock which Jesus was referring to. Was he referring to the person of Peter as the rock? Actually not. The rock which Jesus was referring to was the ‘confession’ which Peter had made. The church is built upon the confession that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God. Such a church is a victorious one.
Where is this notion of victory coming from? The church and Satan game is the same as the cat and mouse. The devil is always fighting against the church, but the Lord is always ready to protect His own. “When the Lord shall build up Zion (the Church), He shall appear in His glory. He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer” (Psalm 102:16-17). The gates of hell cannot and will not hold back a Church of those who believe they are united (one) with Christ. Jesus always protects His Church, the vulnerable, the wrecked, cracked or torn. When the Church is built on the rock, it becomes unshakable. Christ bought us with His own blood and we belong to Him. And so by the same token, we do not fight battles on our own, but Christ Himself fight on our behalf and if Christ is on our side, who can be against us?, so argues Paul to the church at Rome (Romans 8:31-39). All people, races, tribes and colour are entitled and accepted by Christ. No one should feel excluded or unaccepted because Christ died for us all. Therefore, the Church that is always on the mission is always victorious by virtue of being built on this rock and battles are fought on our behalf.
Reflection
What are we expected to do in order to become victorious?
Who qualifies to be victorious?
Prayer
Thank you Lord for building your Church on the rock that is solid and unshakable.
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DAY 31
Topic: Revived to be Agents of Revival
Reading: Ezekiel 37
An agent is someone entrusted to do the business of another. Our theme this year says, ‘The Lord of Revival and Restoration’. This means that the business of revival and restoration is God’s. However, just like any other activity that has got to do with the spiritual welfare and nourishment of God’s faithful, God engages humans to participate in His activities/business. This makes humans agents of such activities or business. Participating in God’s business is a privilege.
According to the text under study, Ezekiel was privileged to participate in the revival and restoration of Judah. His task as an agent was to prophesy, communicating the message of hope to a hopeless generation. Ezekiel prophesized to the dry bones (the Israelites) and the dry bones came to life once again. This came after the people of Israel had lost the favor of God because of sin and as a result got into the Babylonian captivity. Their stay in Babylon was so long (70 years) such that it brought with it hopelessness among God’s people. Their hopeless situation was the one represented by the dry bones that were scattered in the valley in their large numbers. Ezekiel came as an agent of transformation to the hopeless people. In like manner, we are living in a context and time where a lot of people have lost hope and faith because of many troubling circumstances and predicaments. Instead of just feeling pity for a hopeless situation, the Church was raised to be an agent of God to restore the fallen and perishing souls. God is calling us to be the voice of the voiceless and to be advocates of revival restoring hope to the hopeless. Agents are known by their zealous passion and love for God, their truth and righteousness. Agents of revival are urgently needed in our pulpits, public places, families, etc, to reawaken God’s people to life. Let us as individuals and as a Church rise up to be agents of revival in all spheres of life.
Reflection
What is needed for one to be an agent of revival?
How prepared are we to be agents of revival like what Ezekiel did?
Prayer
Dear God, give us power and the zeal to be your true agents of revival.
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Methodist Church: Hillside Circuit 
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