Sundays with CWM 2020

Sundays with CWM

Rising to Life

Sundays with CWM

Rising to Life

Our Vision

Fullness of Life through Christ, for all Creation

Our Mission

Called to partnership in Christ to mutually challenge, encourage, and equip member churches to share in God’s mission

The Council for World Mission (CWM) is a worldwide partnership of 32 churches, committed to sharing their resources of people, skills, insights and money to carry our God’s mission.

AFRICA CCM FJKM UCZ UCCSA UPCSA

Churches of Christ in Malawi Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar United Church of Zambia United Congregational Church of Southern Africa Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa

CARIBBEAN GCU UCJCI

Guyana Congregational Union United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands

EUROPE CF PCW PKN URC UWI

PACIFIC CCCAS CCCS

EAST ASIA GPM Gereja Presbyterian Malaysia HKCCCC Hong Kong Council of the Church of Christ in China PCK Presbyterian Church of Korea PCM Presbyterian Church of Myanmar PCS Presbyterian Church in Singapore PCT Presbyterian Church in Taiwan

Congregational Federation Presbyterian Church of Wales Protestantse Kerk in Nederlands United Reformed Church Union of Welsh Independents

CUNZ EKT EPM KUC NCC PCANZ UCPNG UCSI

Congregational Christian Church in American Samoa Congregational Christian Church in Samoa Congregational Union of New Zealand Ekalesia Kelisiano Tuvalu Etaretia Porotetani Maohi Kiribati Uniting Church Nauru Congregational Church Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand United Church in Papua New Guinea United Church in the Solomon Islands

SOUTH ASIA CNI COB CSI PCI

Church of North India Church of Bangladesh Church of South India Presbyterian Church of India

Introduction We enter the beginning of 2020 with renewed hope that because the God of the risen Jesus meets us in the midst of our stories, we can rise and claim possibilities for life-flourishing communities. Communities born of respect for all of God’s creation, where animals, birds, reptiles, plant life and human beings live together in accord is the sum total of life that is flourishing; and therein lies our confidence for the year ahead.

Sundays with CWM is an annual publication of devotional. It invites readers into a quiet space of reflection, inspire faith in the face of life’s struggle and ignite passion for renewed commitment to living our faith in a context bereft of justice and peace.

Over the years we have been enriched by the contributions from a cross section of individuals who share their personal experiences and encounters with scripture to assist us in clarifying our own faith journey.

This volume benefits from the same generous offering of life experiences and reflections on scripture and social commentaries to inform and inspire us in our walk with God. The Council for World Mission is pleased to present Sundays with CWM 2020, as a spiritual resource, drawing on the vast treasure that springs from the social location of each contributor. All are invited to read this weekly devotional with open eyes and hearts to discern God’s path for our lives and to dedicate ourselves to deeper engagement with God’s mission in the world.

We pray for the peace of God to sustain us throughout this year and that,

by God’s grace, we will rise with Jesus in affirming and declaring that death is defeated, the tomb is empty and the powers of principalities and powers are fallen.

Shalom

Rev Dr Collin Cowan General Secretary

January

5 January

Evangelism

Reflection

Scripture: Isaiah 60:1-6

LIGHT AND SHINE

T

he future may be anticipated pessimistically or optimistically. The wisest way will be the realistic one. The world today appears bleak from the Christian perspective. God seems to be making a retreat in the west, religious fundamentalism is on the rise in the other parts of the world, and religious persecution seems to be increasing, especially in south Asia. The worst is that Christians themselves fail largely to be the ‘light of the world’.

Darkness is literally falling. It reminds us of the times of Isaiah when he preached the message of hope amidst the exiled people of Zion. Yet the Creator of the universe is never without his grace even in the midst of darkest hour. Isaiah himself arose to revive and strengthen the disheartened people of God when ‘darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the people.’ Yet he called Zion rise and shine, not on the basis of the strength which is inherent in her, but due to the fact of what God has done to her. The light has come in Zion to lighten the darkness which is all around. The glory of God has risen upon her.

The church, by definition, is the community of Gospel-lightened people. We claim the enlightenment and the indwelling of the Spirit. We demonstrate the possibility of the impossible in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We declare to be the salt and light of the world. That’s what we are, what we need to be, and what we are equipped for. It is heartening to know that to rise and shine in the midst of gloom and despair comes with an almost unimaginable promise – the attraction of all nations towards the light, and unspeakable joy and richness for the people of God. This is His eternal plan that has to be fulfilled with our light shining- our feet arising.

D.C. Haia - CWM Moderator, Presbyterian Church of India

Prayer Prayers for the Church’s six districts as it uplifts life-affirming endeavors. Roughly 85% of its membership are based in rural areas where there is high unemployment, droughts, food shortage and the lack of viable economic empowerment skills.

Churches of Christ in Malawi Prayers for the Christians in India who experience discrimination, physical torture, death threats, intimidation and other forms of violence. We pray for the leadership of the PCI as they continue to hear God’s cry within their context of ministry and mission.

Presbyterian Church of India

Sunday Devotions 2020 | 4

12 January

Interfaith & Ecumenism

Reflection

Scripture: Acts 10:34-43

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n this lectionary text, the stories of Peter and Cornelius juxtapose each other as models for us to cross boundaries in order to serve our community and beyond. The faith and witness of Cornelius, a centurion soldier, made him encounter with Peter, a Jew, who had nothing to do with people of other races (Acts 10:14). Peter's unwillingness to share the gospel with Gentiles was met with a challenge from God through in a vision which forced him to go the house of Cornelius where he shared the Good News. From that point, Peter was convinced that God has no 'favourites' but all who acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Saviour, are accepted.

Peter asserts that Jesus Christ preached about peace (Acts 10:36). He continues to give a synopsis of the life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The peace is given to all and not to a special class of people. We learn that after Peter's preaching to Cornelius, the entire family of Cornelius converted to Christianity. One is certain that the mission of our Lord Jesus Christ is about crossing frontiers, but often, we are trapped in comfort zones of our church traditions and practices.

Cornelius and Peter challenge us that there is a great value in crossing the boundaries of social status, political affiliations, language, ethnicity and religion are different from ours.

We need to cross these boundaries to seek wisdom and preach the Good News. We should never think that the Good News is a monopoly of our church, district, region or synod, but it is for all of humankind. We live in a broken world, as such we need to cross the frontiers to bring peace through the preaching of God's word as Peter did in his encounter with the Cornelius' family.

Goodwin Mayamiko Zainga, Churches of Christ in Malawi

Prayer Prayers for the continued development of the members of the congregations as they respond to the needs of their communities to promote holistic development and improvement of the living conditions of the population of Tsihombe and Fihaonana.

Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar Gracious God, we lift up our member churches who are actively engaged in responding to hear God’s cry in the various context of ministry and mission. We pray for missional congregations that will minister to those who are disenfranchised and marginalized by oppressive ways.

Missional Congregations

5 | Sunday Devotions 2020

19 January

Worship & Discipleship

Reflection

Scripture: John 1:29-42

W HAT AR E YOU LOOKING FOR ?

J

esus turns to John’s followers and asks them, ‘What are you looking for?’ It is a vital question for us, as Church, in our worship and discipleship today. What are we looking for? What do we desire? Like those disciples replying, ‘where are you staying?’, sometimes it can seem as though we are looking for churches to be places for ‘staying’ – places of refuge from the wild world around us.

But Jesus answers with an invitation: ‘Come and see’. Although at first he leads to a place - where they ‘remain’ with him - it turns out to be less a place of safety and stability, and more of an ongoing challenge: come and see who he spends time with; come and see which boundaries he crosses; come and see what it means to ‘stay’ in untouchable places, alongside people who have been left behind. This is God’s kingdom, which we are urged to look for.

What then are we looking for? Many people are looking for life-changing things – places of inclusion, social and racial justice, environmental care, lasting peace – but they don’t always see the church as a place to find what they are looking for, or even as an ally in their quest.

Imagine, instead, if they could find in us the care to ask, ‘what are you looking for?’

Imagine if churches could be known as places and people who dare to be attentive to others’ search for change. Imagine if our worship could fuel this caring and daring to ask what others are looking for. Imagine if our time spent together, as Church, could enable us to go out, listening to others, and ‘remaining’ with them, even in untouchable places, alongside those who are left behind.

Only then might we be able to say, ‘Come and see’.

Graham Adams, Congregational Federation

Prayer Prayers for the development and preparation of an emerging generation of young ministers and theological students who are passionate in working in areas of peace, reconciliation and ecumenism.

Presbyterian Church of Korea

Sunday Devotions 2020 | 6

26 January

Economic Justice

Reflection

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:10-18

U

nited we stand; divided we fall,” this is a quote referenced by Shoki Coe, a Taiwanese theologian and ecumenist. He beckons Taiwanese people to unite and become a strong force to fight against injustice and violence. Unity is a movement of process through sharing ideas, exchanging opinions and reaching a consensus. Unity, however, is a challenge to due to differences in ideas. Additionally, unity is the theological core of relation between Christ and us. That is why Paul said, “Has Christ been divided?”

(1 Cor. 1:13) “

What is the connection between economic justice and unity? The word “economy”, it is derived from Greek word “Oikonomia”, meaning “household management”. It explains that “economy” is not a personal thing. Rather, it relates to every human being. For Taiwanese Indigenous people, the land is connected with our economic systems. In a symbiotic way, Indigenous people are deeply united and interconnected with the land.

Land is a core value of culture and memories for Indigenous people. When land is aggressively taken away from Indigenous people, it is exploited. This separation of Indigenous People from their land is injustice.

In the Philippines, there is a group of people called the Lumads. In recent years, the Lumad people have been displaced from their ancestral land in name of mining development by their government. The displacement disconnects them from their land.

This is injustice – one in the guise of economic development.

I am an Indigenous person of Taiwan. The story of displacement has happened to my ancestral land. When our land was usurped, we lost family, memories, and everything.

This is injustice. To me, the justice to reclaim our land is connected to economic justice.

Without land, we have nothing. Without land, we are divided. “Are the Lumad people divided?” “Are Taiwanese Indigenous people divided?”

May the Lord unite us in our fight for justice!

Vavauni Ljaljegean, Presbyterian Church in Taiwan

Prayer Holy God, we lift up the delegates attending regional assembly. We lift up those involved in leading the various sessions at assembly. We pray for a deeply ministering time of learning, fellowship and worship.

Caribbean Regional Pre-Assembly

7 | Sunday Devotions 2020

February

2 February

Worship and Discipleship

Reflection

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12

HUN GER AND THIRST FOR JUSTICE

I

n Isaiah 61:1-2, Jesus reminds all that the reign of God is in contrast to the way the world functions with human rulers such as Caesar. Jesus calls followers to rediscover the importance of bringing the good news to “the poor, to set the captives free, restore sight to the blind and lift up the downtrodden.�

The Beatitudes teaches surrender and discipleship to a God of justice. Justice, in the Gospel of Matthew, is commitment, loyalty, and a life aligned to the desire of a God who cares for those who are oppressed and broken. The Beatitudes contains lifts up people who are poor in spirit, pure in heart, mourning, hungry and thirsty, meek and merciful, peacemakers and persecuted. The context also suggests oppression and exploitation are caused by those who are powerful and rich.

The cries of indigenous people over the violation of their land rights continues to heard louder. These violations take the form of non-recognition and land-grabbing, which prohibit indigenous communities from using their lands in accordance with their traditional rights—to cultivate land, hunt, and other traditional practices such as burials and ceremonies. Projects such as dams, logging and agri-business are licensed by the government. The food security, livelihood and water resources of the indigenous people are threatened as a result of these projects. Just as they are vulnerable to hunger and thirst due to the loss of land, they are also hungry and thirsty for due justice.

The demands of those who are oppressed are the right to live, the right to not be hungry and thirsty for water and food due to the loss of their ancestral land. Against this backdrop, let us discern our response as disciples of Jesus as we seek the protection and well-being of those who are oppressed. We urge churches to reclaim worship and discipleship that engages in social justice that manifests the character of Christ in the midst of social challenges.

Julie Sim, Council for World Mission

Prayer Holy One, we lift up our Partners in Mission who serve and support member churches and ecumenical partners with their theological and ministerial gifts and graces. We pray that their time of ministry be fruitful and enriching.

Partners in Mission

9 | Sunday Devotions 2020

9 February

Human Trafficking

Reflection

Scripture: Isaiah 58:1-12

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asting is a spiritual practice to build ones’ relationship back with God. It connotates seeking direction and instruction on life. However, for some, the practice of fasting has lost such meaningfulness. Instead, fasting is done in manner of seeking and obtaining God’s blessings. The practice had become a ritualized to gain divine favor. Trapped in this oppressive state of thinking, the prophet Isaiah seeks to liberate the people by shining light on the proper ways of fasting and this allows his people to better their relationships with God. No longer shall fasting be done with the wrong intentions and motives, but done to overcome injustices.

Looking beyond the topic of fasting in relation to today’s day and age, we understand how secular lifestyles influences our lives. We can be brainwashed by the ways of the world that our identity as servants of Christ is lost. When we forget who we are as Christians, we become oppressive in our living, especially in the ways our relationships beyond land and sea – neighbors who are not like us. How can we try to get right with God when we fail to get along with our neighbors? In a world filled with sin and hate, in a world where slavery persists, how can we shift our minds away from oppressive ways? How can we provide a more meaningful livelihood for all? We are reminded repeatedly by the prophet Isaiah that we get right with God, only by stopping the evil towards one another. We get right with God only by veering away from oppressive mindsets, showing compassion rather than spreading hate, speaking life rather than destroying it. Through Christ’s life, death and resurrection, we are thereby given the perfect example of how to live – honoring and serving God in all that we do.

Craig Masaniai, Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa

Prayer Prayers for discernment and divine leading as the Church works on completing their MSP4 project in developing missional congregations.

Guyana Congregational Union God who empowers, we lift up CWM programs that helps develop, strengthen and encourage the capacities of those involved in the life of the Church. We pray that sustainable and life-giving ministry will come forth from the development of people and their communities.

Capacity Development

Sunday Devotions 2020 | 10

16 February

Worship and Discipleship

Reflection

Scripture: 1 Cor. 3:1-9; Matthew 5:21-37

W

orship is central to the calling and being of the church. The Church is a community that gathers in worship to affirm its faith in the Divine and the Divine mission of redemption and healing. Worship inspires and anoints the community to translate this mission into radical social transformation by enabling their agency to turn the world right-side up. In worship we celebrate the spirituality of resistance and reconstruction.

Discipleship begins from Jesus and his message, which drew people towards him. The message was of God’s reign made visible in the present. It was eschatological in nature with an eye on a desired future simultaneously grappling with the injustice of the present.

It began with those who are poor, subjects of Empire’s oppressive ways. This message envisioned a future where justice is a lived reality and resistance against Empire is necessary. The Matthean text brings focus on ethical living. During Jesus’ time, discipleship was open; anyone could join on the condition that they further God’s reign through action. After Pentecost, James D. J. Dunn reframes this notion of discipleship as being characterized through the proclamation of Jesus, his birth, death, resurrection, gift of Spirit from the perspective of God’s reign.

Discipleship was Paul’s primary concern in the Corinthians text. People were exalting servants of Lord. Instead of worshipping God, finite beings were worshiped. Discipleship was divorced from Jesus’ message. Human wisdom was consuming the wisdom of God’s reign. Paul reminds the church in Corinthians that true worship should be directed to God. Discipleship and worship are so intertwined with each other that if discipleship does not follow God’s reign, then worship becomes merely ceremonial. Additionally, discipleship should inculcate ‘resistance against Empire’ which Jesus taught us. When subversive activity contests and overthrows oppression, injustice and inequality – such activity of resistance is worship.

Sudipta Singh, Council for World Mission

Prayer Loving and faithful God, as the delegates for regional assembly gather together, we pray that divine peace journey with them. We give thanks for the opportunity to gather. We pray that life-giving conversations and wholehearted worship be the main staple of the meeting.

Africa Regional Pre-Assembly God of grace, we lift up the CWM board of directors. We give thanks for their time, energy and expertise to support the ministry and mission of CWM. We pray for courageous wisdom as they give leadership and direction to the CWM secretariat.

CWM Board of Directors

11 | Sunday Devotions 2020

23 February

Militarisation and Context

Reflection

Scripture: Exodus 24:12-18; Psalm 2 or Psalm 99 ; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Matthew 17:1-9

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xodus 24:12-18 and Psalm 99 talks about Moses on Mt. Sinai and the establishment of Covenant with YHWH. This covenant establishes YHWH’s sovereignty and rulership over all the earth. Psalm 99 proclaims the theocratic rule of YHWH over the entire world. Even as chosen covenant-people enjoy unique care, it is only to endorse YHWH’s universal rule over all creation and to establish YHWH’s people as instrument and collaborator of YHWH’s rule.

2 Peter 1:16-21 and Matthew 17:1-9 amplifies the message further. We read of Jesus on a “high” mountain with three of his disciples and we are reminded of the lesson that they needed to learn and put into practice. Years later Peter speaks of the incident as honouring the Creator God, based not on fable but his own true witness. (v.18) Jesus’ transfiguration brought them to a fuller understanding of God’s glory and a revelation that Jesus was the “chosen one” (v.9) In this experience we are invited to meet God in the “high place,” and to share in Jesus’ transfigured vision of appointment-meeting-commitment. An experience required in the era of militarization and subsequent conflicts that arise all over the world.

Every occupation of land and people can be attributed to the principle of, ‘permission from above, occupation from below.’ The terrible military conflict in the region of Palestine-Israel is an example. The resolution of such conflicts does not lie in militarization and violent assertion by the countries involved with their claims to ownership of land, but, rather in complete demilitarization and a redefinition of sovereignty that establishes Creator God’s universal rule. There can be no resolution of conflict without demilitarization. All such efforts need to be grounded in an acknowledgement of God’s sovereignty over land and people. Demilitarization is God’s call to the Covenant-People to witness that their engagement in conflict-resolution is without the use of military power. The transfiguration therefore becomes an invitation for thoughts and actions to be transformed into peaceful engagements as God’s Covenant-Liberated-People amidst the disfiguration of military-conflicts.

Prateek Pillai, Church of North India

Prayer Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on all who represent their Church in attending the assembly. We pray that there will be a renewed commitment to dismantle oppressive ways that subjugate the Beloved community and creation.

South Asia Regional Pre-Assembly

Sunday Devotions 2020 | 12

March

1 March

Climate Change

Reflection

Scripture: Gen 3:1-7, Matt 4:1-11

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he role of manipulation connects the texts of Genesis 3 and Matthew 4. Manipulation is the means of deception used by numerous multibillion-dollar industries to lure us into the perks of consumerism. However, there might be something more sinister here about human consumption and our endless desire for more. That is observed by the extravagance in how we eat, purchase, own or produce – often more than what is needed.

These ways reveal how we continue to subscribe to similar temptations Jesus once resisted. Whether Christians admit it, we are accountable for our lack of self-restraint and consumeristic ways. This further contributes to climate injustices as a result.

The sin of greed has rightly been identified as being at the root of our desire to overproduce. At the same time, I wonder if our lack of trust in God plays a part. In societies where being a ‘workaholic’ has become a virtue, it appears that the real test of restrain is about knowing when to stop. Aligned with teachings of sabbath found in the bible where there is an instruction for rest and the ceasing of laborious work is observed for reasons such as, liturgical rest (Ex 20:8-11), providing for the less fortunate (Deut 24:19) and the liberation of humans, creatures and land (Lev 25), there is an important lesson here about trusting the Creator and not the work of our hands.

Questions for reflection: In what ways have consumeristic ways influence our work-life balance? Describe possible ways of how our relationship with creation reflective of our relationship with God? Describe ways our work ethics positively impact the earth? Think of the last time you took time to appreciate the handiwork of the Creator in the world around you, where did you see creation’s beauty? How would the relationships in our families, the church, or with others be empowered by such rest?

Faafetai Aiavā, Congregational Christian Church in Samoa

Prayer We lift up our member churches in the Caribbean as they continue to do mission within the margins. We pray for the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to undergird their work. We pray for the rising to the life in Christ especially among the children and youth in their communities.

Caribbean Region

Sunday Devotions 2020 | 14

8 March

Human Trafficking

Reflection

Scripture: Psalm 121

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n different occasions, we hear of people displaced against their own will. We read in the Bible of the story of Joseph being sold by his brothers (Gen. 37: 12 – 36). While that was a biblical narrative which highlights the sale and trade of people, in our modern day and age, we still hear of people trafficked to places with limited freedom and liberties.

News reports shed light on how girls are brought to China or in the Middle East to be exploited as house maids under work conditions that expose them to physical and sexual exploitation. Some are not given salaries. For those who do get a salary, this is often significantly less than what locals would get for similar work done. Often, it is the traffickers who make a profit. There is little means to escape for victims of human trafficking as most do not have access to their passport. They are essentially property without any liberty - slaves.

One might wonder what contributes to humans being trafficked. The desire for more, but the unwillingness to pay equitable and just wages contributes to this system. People are trafficked to fuel the system of exploitation that benefits those who want more. This is at the expense of vulnerable human beings. Human trafficking comes from such situations.

It is fuelled by self-serving economic reasons.

As followers of Christ, our hearts are filled with compassion for victims and survivors of human trafficking. We must not passively just watch along the side lines as people are exploited. We cannot simply turn our eyes away and ignore. Now is the time to have a heighten awareness around human trafficking through prayers and actions.

Samoelijaona Rasolonjanahary, Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar

Prayer To the God who hears, we pray for journey mercy as assembly attendees gather together for a time of shared worship, learning and fellowship. Holy One, we pray for sacred moments of meaningful ministry be experienced.

Pacific Regional Pre-Assembly

15 | Sunday Devotions 2020

15 March

Inclusive Communities

Reflection

Scripture: Roman 5:1-11

FULL EM AN CIPATION

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he Act for the Abolition of Slavery in the British Empire was passed in 1833. This led to the emancipation of enslaved Africans on August 1834. Full freedom was not to be until 1838. Indentureship preserved the shackles of slavery with labour in exchange for provisions and a place to live. That does not look like the freedom that was promised.

While freedom from colonial slavery for people of the Caribbean was achieved over 187 years ago, the struggle for freedom for all is on-going. Paul’s words in Galatians 5 writes, ‘Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you’ (The Message version). Yet human trafficking, violence against women, substance abuse and self-destructive behaviour of various kinds speak of an unfinished work of emancipation in the personal lives of many.

Systems of enslavement such as human trafficking and abusive relationships continue to be perpetuated. They need to be eliminated. All should have the freedom to experience life in fullness.

Paul’s admonition and the Romans’ reference to peace with God concur with Jesus’ vision of fullness of life (John 10:10). This fullness of life reads like “Full emancipation… full free” which was shouted across valleys and hilltops in August 1838 throughout the British Empire. Fullness of life in Christ goes beyond what Empire could not deliver. It is a full freedom extended to both victims and perpetrators of human trafficking and gender-based violence. It is full emancipation from death dealing dependency, imprisonment and evil acts of enslavement. We must do more than simply wish them away. There is much work to be done - advocacy, intercession, risk, hard work. Full emancipation has not yet come.

Karen Francis, Council for World Mission

Prayer Holy One, we lift up all who gather for the Europe regional assembly. May the time at assembly be spirit-led with vibrant worship and enriching fellowship. We pray that conversations will be seasoned with grace and deep compassion for all of God’s beloved creation.

Europe Regional Pre-Assembly

Sunday Devotions 2020 | 16

22 March

Children and Young People

Reflection

Scripture: Proverbs 22:6

THE IM PO RTAN CE OF R OLE MODELLING

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n a world where many are ensnared by the lure of gadgets and immediate gratification, it is important that as disciples of Christ, we must be committed to be intentional in how we live our lives. As mature adults within a congregation of believers, we must be committed to live out a visible life of transformation under the invisible hand of God. We need to be intentional about living out the gospel of Christ. This is critical, especially for the children and youth in our midst.

Throughout human history, it has been observed that children and youth learn best through observation. In other words, they learn through role modelling. Our kids and youth are watching us. They are learning from our outward behaviours but, also from our attitudes.

Our children and youth are observing how we behave at home and in church. Their development and discipleship as disciples of Jesus is depends on how we model a Christ-like behavior. The wisdom from Proverbs reiterates this point, “start children in the ways they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it”, (Proverbs 22:6).

For those who are parents and Sunday school teachers, we need to ask ourselves if our pursuit of God is authentic. Will this authenticity be observed by the children in our midst? Can they see God’s hand in our lives? Are we starting our children off in the way they should go so that when they are old, they will not turn away from it? Have we role modelled for them what it means to live a life that is worthy of the gospel? Will we demonstrate a faith that mirrors Christ’s teachings? In 1 Corinthians, 11:1. Paul and Timothy exhorts us to be intimidator of Christ. Let us all do what Paul and Timothy exhorts us to do.

David Moses Heng, Presbyterian Church in Singapore

Prayer Prayers as the Church continues to strengthen its ecumenical participation, involvement and solidarity toward issues of justice and peace.

Presbyterian Church in Taiwan

17 | Sunday Devotions 2020

29 March

Human Trafficking

Reflection

Scripture: Psalm 130

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uman trafficking is modern day slavery robs millions of the joy and fullness of life that God intends for all. The endless tears that flows from victims of human trafficking. The grief in the hearts of those who mourn for loved ones taken captive to unknown places experiencing unspeakable horrors. In the backdrop of this reality, I believe that there are victims who hold onto hope and trust God to liberate them.

It seems hard and nearly impossible to be able to trust God in difficult and trying circumstances. The Psalmist of Psalm 130 found it within his soul to trust God. He cried from the depth which stems from a place of discomfort. While it is unclear what the Psalmist was wrestling with to conjure such lament, the Psalm reflects a deep distress. It reflects his prayers directed to God. The Psalmist calls us to put our hope and trust in God - a hope that breathes trust in a loving God. Today as we wrestle against the webs of human trafficking, we too can trust in God for deliverance. Throughout the bible, it is clear that God is on the side of the oppressed and those who are held captive in one way or another. In Luke 4 18-19 Jesus quoted the prophet Isaiah and tells the hearers that this scripture is fulfilled. As followers of Jesus we are encouraged to go beyond engagement in mission as laid out in the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:16-20. We must engage in mission that proclaims freedom for captives, and the emancipation of those imprisoned by the snares of human trafficking. We are called to move beyond the sidelines. We are called to be involved in bringing liberation and restoration as God intends. We too can find hope to trust in God's promise of God's continued presence.

Laddia Young, United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands

Prayer Creator God, as delegates for regional assembly make their way to assembly, we pray that You will prepare their hearts and spirits for the shared worship, learning and fellowship.

We lift up those leading the bible study and learning sessions. We pray that the time spent together would be deeply ministering and impactful.

East Asia Regional Pre-Assembly

Sunday Devotions 2020 | 18

April

5 April

Reflection

Scripture: Psalm 31: 9-16 & Mathew 26: 14-27:66

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he Psalmist wrote about how terrible life is when he was surrounded by his enemies and how painful it is when the surrounding was not friendly anymore, for all had plotted to go against him. Hence, the Psalmist gave in to God and said, “But I trust in You Lord”. Likewise, the Lord Jesus, though he was the Son of God felt troubled when he knew that the hour is at hand for him to be put into the hands of the enemies to be killed. He prayed earnestly to God saying, “the cup is too much for me to bear but it is not my will let your will be done” (Matt. 26:39). He then continues to encourage his disciples that they should keep alert and pray that they will not fall into temptation.

Today, the environmental impacts seem more and more catastrophic. The damming of rivers and deforestation has led to the increase in flash floods that has taken the lives of many people. Increased logging, forest fires and drought increases the risk for landslides.

It seems like there is a lot of strife going on in the world. People against the creation.

Countries at war against each other. Low-lying islands threatened by sea level raise brought about by climate change. How can we bring about reconciliation and healing in these strained and broken relationships?

The Psalmist testifies that at the end of such challenges he had faced, he had felt hopeless but the only light that shines through his darkness was that he has put his trust in God for help. If God’s only begotten Son prayed to His Father, we are reminded to pray diligently and be friendlier towards one another and to our beautiful environment we called home.

Freda Muna, United Church in the Solomon Islands

Prayer We lift up our member church in the African region as they do prophetic ministry to defend and protect those whose lives are made vulnerable by Empire’s soul crushing ways. We pray for the rising to life in Christ especially among those faced by economic injustices that deny them from the fullness of life through Christ.

Africa Region

21 | Sunday Devotions 2020

6 April

Economic Justice

Reflection

Scripture: Isaiah 42:1-9

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his passage, written several hundred years before the birth Christ, emerged while God’s people were suffering in exile in Egypt. In the midst of exile, removed from their homeland and all that was familiar, the author writes a prophetic word of encouragement to bolster the sense of isolation and despair of the community.

At the time in which this text was written, God’s people were at the mercy of foreign powers who possessed great military resources to subdue and overpower them. The author of this text is considered by many commentators to be writing in what we often call the ‘prophetic tradition’, seeking to speak the words of God to the powerful, in defence of those who are often weak, vulnerable and at the mercy of others who exercise power over them. The one of whom the writer speaks is often believed to be Jesus, God’s anointed, through whom God’s justice and righteousness will be realised.

In verse 3 and 4, the text says “In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth”. This is often taken to mean that in God’s realm, through the transforming work of Jesus, the present world order in which justice is denied to so many, will be over turned. This transformation will be what Martin Luther King Jr, once described as a ‘Revolution of Love’ – a dramatic change in human relations and systems of power that reject the ways of violence and confrontation that damage bodies and crush the spirit (verse 3).

In verse 6, it illustrates the ways in which God will create a sacred agreement with God’s people showing them the ways in which they are to live, one in which economic justice and more equitable systems will be realised.

Anthony Reddie, Council for World Mission

Prayer To the God whose spirit lives in us, we lift up the theological students who gather for the upcoming Face to Face program. We pray that they will experience the program with openness of hearts and minds as they experience a contemporary mission theme in community together.

Face to Face

Sunday Devotions 2020 | 22

7 April

Human Trafficking

Reflection

Scripture: Psalm 71:1-14

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n 2005, when the case of Dip Chand made headlines in Fiji, I was a 15-year-old high school student. It is reported that Chand took his three nieces on a fishing expedition when they disappeared. Chand returned alone claiming he fell into a deep sleep and was clueless on the girls’ whereabouts. The case of the missing girls was treated as murder. The girls, Ashika, Renuka, and Radhika, aged 19, 18, and 17 were believed by many to have been sold by Chand. There was little awareness around human trafficking in Fiji until the disappearance of these three sisters.

In reading Psalm 71: 1 -14, I remember the three sisters and the horrific fate they faced.

The words of the Psalmist speaks of a cry for deliverance, the need to be heard, a yearning to escape, and the desire for safety. My heart sinks to think that humans are trafficked and endure such inhumane experiences.

Human trafficking cripples the hope of its victims. It places victims in horrifying and controlled circumstances. Victims of human trafficking are robbed of any sense of purpose or hope. In contrast, the Psalmist gives us a glimpse of a hidden light in the midst of fear, an undying hope. In verse 14 the Psalmist said they will hope continually. This is a message for those of us who have the ability to bring deliverance and safety to victims of human trafficking. The victims’ hope should be our strength.

In this holy week, let us gather courage to bring greater awareness around human trafficking and stand in solidarity with survivors and victims of human trafficking. For all should enjoy the freedom and fullness of life in Christ.

Nikotemo Sopepa, Council for World Mission

Prayer Prayers that the Church’s call to discipleship emphasis, Walking the Way, will result in transformational change. Prayers for the Church during a time of transition as there will be changes to their Church leadership this year.

United Reformed Church

23 | Sunday Devotions 2020

8 April

Worship and Discipleship

Reflection

Scripture: John 13:21-32

OV ER COM E EV IL WITH GOOD

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ooking at Chapter 13 as a whole, we see woven between acts of betrayal (vv. 21-30) and denial (vv. 36-38) are the acts of love—Jesus’ washing the disciples’ feet (vv.

2-17) and the command to love one another in the body of Christ (vv. 34-35). Betrayal and denial cuts deep especially with people whom we have close relationship with. In our deepest and closest relationships, we experience both deep love and deep pain. Jesus knows this full well as “he was troubled in spirit” (v.21). How could he not be? Within twenty-four hours, his twelve closest friends either betrayed him, denied him or abandoned him.

At their last meal, despite knowing that Judas held intentions to betray him, Jesus’ love for Judas intensified. The giving of dipped bread was a sign of courtesy and esteem to Judas. It is a sign that divine love seeks to overcome evil with good. After Judas left, Jesus said he would no longer be with the disciples (vv.31-32). With this, Peter proclaimed that he would lay his life down for Jesus. In response, Jesus said that contrary to that, Peter would deny him three times. This diminished Peter’s pride. This eventually happened as Jesus predicted, but not before the all the disciples abandoned Jesus when he was arrested.

On the cross, Jesus liberates us from self-destructive ways. On the cross, Jesus reconciles our relationship with the Creator. On the cross, Jesus proves that the healing and restoration through love and forgiveness is transformative. Even though Judas betrayed Jesus, he was not beyond salvation. Although Peter denied Jesus three times, Jesus restored Peter three times over. As we approach Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, may we remember that Jesus has conquered the life-destroying forces of sin and that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Julie Sim, Council for World Mission

Prayer Prayers that CCCAS congregations are united in their passion to love God, faithfully follow Christ and rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit to create missional congregations that lead to life affirming communities.

Congregational Christian Church in American Samoa

Sunday Devotions 2020 | 24

9 April

Worship and Discipleship

Reflection

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Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

oday’s Bible reading falls within the period of the Passover festival (among the Jews) and Easter among Christians.

The writer to the church in Corinth gives the impression that they have something in their possession which they desire to pass on to others. The writers say to their readers, ‘For I received from the Lord the teaching that I passed on to you: …….,’ (1 Cor. 11;23).

Secondly, the writer exhorts his readers and today’s listeners to ‘…imitate me…I imitate Christ…’ (1:11), demonstrating for the letters recipients an image that what they have received and they must now seek to live out. This is discipleship, the correct teaching we receive from the Lord we share with others.

Thirdly, “This means that every time you eat this bread and drink from this cup you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes (11:26), suggests an evangelistic element in the communion.

From the reading of the scripture we learn that: Firstly, that discipleship must be organic; it must teach and mentor others to be good followers of Christ and participants in the mission of God. Secondly, that hope is located in the Easter narratives where the death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ necessitates the continuance of the fight against oppression, exploitation, greed and violence. Thirdly, that the act of Holy Communion is both reconciliatory and evangelical; a tool for sharing the good news (gospel) until Jesus comes again. It is a means of sharing with the world the truth that the fight against all those life-denying elements continues.

Sindiso Jele, Council for World Mission

Lament Holy Christ, Holy God, Holy Love, You came to serve. You sat with both sinners and saints. You loved beyond love.

You washed feet, broke bread, and shared the cup.

Help us be imitators of You. Amen.

Maundy Thursday

25 | Sunday Devotions 2020

10 April

Inclusive Communities

Reflection

Scripture: John 18:1-19 (NRSV); Matthew 26:34 (NRSV)

J ESUS K NEW HIS FUTUR E

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often replayed this scenario in my mind as I journey through Passion Week and Good Friday. None of the experiences Jesus had on earth were a surprise to him. He could not point to any section of the ‘contract’ he had with his Father to say, “I don’t see betrayal in the agreement we had. No…nothing about a crucifixion.” He knew what was coming.

The painful betrayal of one who walked with him, ate with him, who he took the time to teach about the kingdom of God. He knew. The deeply agonizing denial of a trusted disciple; one of the three in his inner circle. He knew. Despite Peter’s pledge of allegiance and Judas’ team-player tactics Jesus was not fooled. He knew.

I know my battle plan. Foreknowledge would have worked for me in developing my own strategies to counter what they had planned. I am sure of that. I would make my move before they did. My plan would look something like Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu’s Art of War. Jesus certainly knew his enemy. His response, however, was not to counter attack. Knowing the place of the betrayal, he went there anyway. Knowing Peter’s colossal let-down that was to come, he discipled him anyway. He took him into his confidence anyway. Jesus mastered leadership. He had a clear vision, he knew his purpose and was determined to complete his mission. He saw beyond the actions of two of his own to the future of all of his own. His death was pivotal to the salvation for all humanity. This was a bigger agenda than outwitting Judas and silencing Peter. Jesus lay down his life (John 10:11) – he was in full control.

Karen Francis, Council for World Mission

Prayer Christ on the cross, Not a sight of delight.

Christ in my heart, Such heaviness depart!

My Lord! My Lord! Forsake me not!

My God! My God! My Christ! My Lord!

Good Friday

Sunday Devotions 2020 | 26

12 April

Inclusive communities

Reflection

Scripture: Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24

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paradox, according to the Oxford Dictionary, is a statement containing two opposite ideas that make the statement seemingly impossible but somehow an unlikely truth.

This is what I think of when I hear people speaking about, ‘inclusive communities’. These two words, inclusive and community, have seemingly opposite ideas, with the former meaning not exclude and the latter meaning to exclude, yet when they are joined produce an unlikely but true idea. An idea that emphasises the welcoming and accepting of ALL people, irrespective of national, race, gender, sexual, theological or political identity constructs.

Within the church, we have struggled to incorporate this paradox of being an inclusive community into the current reality. We still exclude people and try to separate ourselves from the rest. A literal interpretation of the Biblical texts is used to reinforce the idea of being exclusive and not including everyone. However, if interpreted in a life affirming, non-literal manner, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24, express the writer or writers desire to see all people included in God’s community and celebrates this revelation as a sign of God’s never-ending, life affirming love for us. The writer/s emphasises the idea that because we have ALL been given new life and spiritual liberation from death, we can all proclaim, "[God’s] steadfast love endures forever" (118:2). The writer/s understood that it is the ones we least expect, the ‘others’, the marginalized, excluded and oppressed which have so much to contribute and can become the “chief cornerstone” (118:22) and thus by excluding them we lose out on fully understanding the enduring love and greatness of God. Stuart Morrison, former TIM participant

Prayer Risen One, we rejoice! With shouts of hallelujah, we rejoice!

We rise with You triumphantly. We rise with You over Death’s ways.

We rise with You victoriously.

We rise over emperors, and Empires. We rise beyond suffocating and stifling systems We rise with You, O Risen Christ! We rise! We rise! Hallelujah! We arise!

Easter Sunday

27 | Sunday Devotions 2020

19 April

Human Trafficking

Reflection

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Scripture: Psalm 16

magine these words on the lips of a young man from El Salvador, deciding to take his young daughter, to escape the poverty of life at home and head for a new life in the US.

According to Human Rights Watch El Salvador has one of the world’s highest murder rates. It is a country with high poverty and gang violence. Gangs exercise territorial control and extort residents in municipalities throughout the country. They kill, disappear, rape, or displace those who resist them, including government officials, security forces, and journalists. Security forces have been largely ineffective in protecting the population from gang violence and have committed egregious abuses, including the extrajudicial execution of alleged gang members, sexual assaults, and enforced disappearances.

Imagine Oscar Alberto Martinez, and his 2 year-old daughter Angie Valeria saying Ps 16 as a prayer as they left toward the United States, unable to be hopeful of life in El Salvador.

His mother begged him not to go. But he felt this was his only hope to find work and eventually buy a house. A few days later he and his daughter were found together, drowned in the Rio Grande and their photo was shared all around the world.

Oscar had to choose a dangerous path, because the economic, political, military powers of empire willed he had no path to the fullness of life God wants for all the earth.

Let us pray for those who yearn for the peace and prosperity to provide for their families and must take difficult, dangerous and deadly paths.

Let us pray for those who close the ways to peace and prosperity and build their power by stirring up hatred of people like Oscar and Angie.

And let us offer our hands and hearts, work and votes to opening paths to life for all who suffer at the hands of empire Peter Cruchley, Council for World Mission

Prayer Prayers for the development of the Church’s youth and women’s empowerment program that will help in vocational training. Prayers for the development and implementation of a pastors’ refresher course to accommodate current issues to see mission in the context of climate change, gender justice and mission in the context of Empire.

Kiribati Uniting Church

Sunday Devotions 2020 | 28

26 April

The Jesus Movement

Reflection

Scripture: Acts 2: 14-18, 36-41

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he book of Acts records how Christianity was founded and organised at its beginning.

The book tells how the community of Christ was empowered by the Holy Spirit and enabled to witness, to love and serve. The Acts of the Apostles shows how the community of believers grew from Jerusalem to Syria, Africa, Asia, and Europe. In the first century, Christianity spread from believing Jews to non-Jews in 39 cities and 30 countries, islands, or cities. It is very clear from the outset that Christianity was inclusive, as seen in Acts 2: 14-18 where Peter preaches to the crowd that had come to celebrate the feast of Pentecost.

Peter filled with the Holy Spirit explained what the new community of Christ was to look like. Peter explained to the crowd that they were not drunk but what the crowd saw was predicted by the prophet Joel who looked forward to the last days when God would pour out His Spirit upon all people. That is that the Holy Spirit would be poured out not only to the Jewish race but also to other races. Peter told them that the Holy Spirit was poured to men, women, youths, slaves, Jews and Gentiles. This was a revolutionary thought for the 1st century Jews who thought that they owned God. The pouring of the Holy Spirit also challenged the patriarchal Jewish community because on the day of Pentecost we see God revealing himself as an inclusive God. To demonstrate this new era had come those who believed the message and were willing to give their lives to Christ were baptised and received the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promised Spirit was not only for them but their children and even to the Gentiles. The promise was to all people.

Joseph Darius Simukonda, The United Church of Zambia

Prayer Prayers for the Church as it continues to develop missional congregations characterized by cultural and attitudinal shifts that prioritizes investment in people and communities and being missional.

Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand Merciful One, give us strength and courage to face our complicities in the transatlantic slave trade. We acknowledge that conversations around the slave trade are challenging, uncomfortable and at times painful. Grant us the gumption and grace to stay at the table of conversation, especially in times when walking away may seem like an easier alternative. Lord, we ask that you help us, heal us, and hold us in grace as we continue to engage in this program.

Legacies of Slavery Program

29 | Sunday Devotions 2020

May

3 May

Economic Justice

Reflection

Scripture: Acts 2:43-47

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hile new testament readings indicated that the early church had its challenges, the words in this passage of Acts about the early church always fill me with envy. They sold their possessions and distributed the proceeds to all in need. They broke bread in fellowship. They shared food and were generous in goodwill for all. Life in this first Christian community seemed so perfect.

Looking at the text again, it struck me that the early church was not characterized by its convictions. Rather, it was by their practices. One that connects all dimensions of life. The appeal of this community does not lie in its perfection but in a radical understanding of relationship. Due to this new understanding of relationship, the rich, poor, foreigner and stranger can gather. Christ created a new ‘ecology of relations’ that had immediate consequences for the practices of those who understood the radicalness of this new ecology. There was no other way then praying, worshipping and sharing together.

If the practices of the first ‘church’ teaches us anything, it highlights the need to bridge the ways we relate to each other from how our economic systems are set up to how we engage with the environment. We have to re-look at it all through the lens of love of God in Christ.

When we rediscover and embrace God’s radical hospitality, it reflects in our relationships with each other. Another form of ‘economy’ will emerge. An economy that moves beyond profiteering on the backs of people and at the expense of the environment. It would be one that sees the needs of people. This is then when an economy becomes ‘oikonomia’ again: sharing and taking care of a house people can dwell and thrive in, share, instead of an economy that engages in dehumanizing acts of plunder.

Wielie Elhorst, Protestantse Kerk in Nederlands

Prayer To the God of many names, we lift up the institutions of theological learning. We pray for new leaders to fully engage in the process of theological and ministerial training. We pray for theological colleges to explore and engage in theological pedagogy that seeks to undo and unlearn the ways of Empire.

Theological Colleges

31 | Sunday Devotions 2020

10 May

Human Trafficking

Reflection

Scripture: Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16

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he International Labour Organization estimates that there are 40.3 million victims of human trafficking globally. These are men, woman and children who are trapped in forced labor, sex work and for whom life is further disrupted by violence, threats and the negation of their human rights.

The words of the Psalmist ring out on behalf of those who suffer, begging for deliverance.

Many suffer in silence, too afraid to speak, believing there is no help for them out of the dangerous situations in which they find themselves. With them, the psalmist cries: “Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily. Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me (v.2).”

These millions need to be rescued. The poverty and adverse economic conditions facing many put them in danger to be exploited as they seek opportunities to sustain themselves economically. Christians have a role to play in ensuring that all God’s children are able to live in freedom with respect and dignity.

The cry for deliverance heard in the psalm should be a source of motivation to ensure that the resources of our churches are effectively utilized to bring about changes that will ensure that human trafficking ceases. The quest for change is the work and responsibility of all. Learn about the issue. Understand the ways this is present and affects your country, your community and others in the world. We are all connected. We are all created in the image of God. We are all God’s children. What affects one, affects all.

“My times are in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors (v.15).” Our times are in God’s hand. God is present acting through us on behalf of those needling deliverance.

Karen Georgia A. Thompson, Ecumenical Partner - United Church of Christ

Prayer Last year the UCPNG celebrated its 50th year of ministry, we continue to lift up the Church in prayers as they seek for God’s direction for the next 50 years. Prayers as the Church continues to develop its five-year mission development strategic plan.

United Church in Papua New Guinea

Sunday Devotions 2020 | 32

17 May

Inclusive Communities

Reflection

Scripture: Acts 17:22-31

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ong Kong is a very special place with many traditional religions like Taoism, Buddhism and Chinese folk religions. There are also have religions like Christianity which come from foreign countries. No one religion can claim to be the dominant religion in Hong Kong. We have a history of living together in harmony.

Around the world we hear of conflicts between religious communities because of different worldviews, beliefs and practices. For example, the pastor of a Christian church burning the Koran or and Muslims persecuting Christians and vice versa. Some political leaders will even draw on religious sentiment and disagreement in order to fuel hatred of religious and racial minorities in their own country. In the Chinese society of Hong Kong, traditional religions accept each other, talk to each other and even mingle together.

For Christians, we always stress our distinctiveness and claim to be the only way to God and believers of other religions are all misled. Such a mentality doesn’t help to in living out the gospel of Christ but instead builds up walls of division between people of different religions.

In reality, we can learn from other religions. For example, Taoism and Buddhism both care about the environment, building beautiful temples and monasteries without destroying the environment. They consider Feng Shui ('wind' and 'water' in Chinese characters) in their construction work. The harmonious relationship between the religious sites and the environment is obvious. One experiences the peace and tranquility of such places when you visit. Believers of other religions are not our enemies but our friends.

We remember the words of Apostle Paul: We are God’s offspring.” (Acts 17:29a) We are all seekers of the divine. We all share the same fate of the society. We need to work together for the common good of the same society. So, let us join our hands and serve together for the benefits of the whole society.

PO Kam-cheong, The Hong Kong Council of the Church of Christ in China

Prayer Prayers for pastors and church leaders to be equipped for mission, evangelism and spiritual revival as they respond to the issues of gender violence, poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, corruption, social unrest and calamities due to natural disasters.

Church of North India

33 | Sunday Devotions 2020

24 May

Militarization and Conflict

Reflection

Scripture: Psalm 68:1-10; Acts 1:6-14

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oth the Psalm and the passage from Acts speak to militarization and conflict. The Pacific is no exception with a legacy of atmospheric nuclear testing by Britain (Christmas Island in what is now Kiribati), France (Mururoa in Maohi Nui) and the United States (Enewetak and Bikini Atolls in the Marshall Islands) still present in the struggle for justice by victims, the poisoning of islands and ocean and forced displacement. Pacific Islands struggling for self-determination have experienced both violent conflict, structural violence and political, social and economic injustice. There has been the development of a “coup-culture” in Fiji, with four military coups in two decades; armed conflicts in the Solomon Islands, Bouganville and tribal conflicts in Papua New Guinea. Tanah (West) Papua remains an occupied territory under the control of the Indonesian military, according to local Melanesian self-determination movement and Maohi Nui (French “occupied” Polynesia ) and Kanaky (New Caledonia) are struggling to move forward on United Nations sanctioned decolonisation.

Into these challenging and overwhelming situations, we are reminded to acknowledge a God who is father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, sets the lonely in families and leads out the prisoners with singing (Psalm 68: 5-6); who gives strength and power to his people (Ps 68: 35); but who also calls us, through Jesus to witness in the power of the Holy Spirit to a different kind of kingdom, embodying the radical hospitality, love and justice of the Kingdom of God (Acts: 16:10).

With Climate Change impacting Pacific communities, there is the possibility of more conflict as land becomes scarce due to rising sea levels and an ocean-based way of life is affected by ocean acidity and vulnerable islands face extreme weather patterns. Faith in Christ, in a loving and embracing God who has promised life in its fullness is a source of hope and the foundation for resilience.

James Bhagwan, Pacific Council of Churches

Prayer Prayers for the Church of Bangladesh as they develop and implement their ongoing five-year strategic plan. As the country deals with the effects of climate change, the Church asks for prayers for those drastically impacted by climate change.

Church of Bangladesh

Sunday Devotions 2020 | 34

31 May

Inclusive Communities

Reflection

Scripture: 1 Samuel 2:1-10 ; Psalm 113; Romans 12:9-16b; Luke 1:39-57

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ishop Yvette Flunder, pastor of City of Refuge United Church of Christ in Oakland, California said, “I suspect there will be some angry religious folks when they realize the full height, depth, and extent of the grace and love of God.” What is the height, depth, and extent of the grace and love of God? If we ask this question today, in light of what it mean to an inclusive community, we would have diverse views based on our theological convictions. For some of us grace is God’s free love extended to sinners which can be appropriated through Jesus. For others grace is infinite and cannot be confine by any boundaries. Whichever definition, if God’s grace is not actuated, it remains a mere abstract theological notion.

The writer of the Roman epistle knows what grace is. It is the full extension of God’s love to everybody no matter what. Period. We cannot speak of inclusivity and choose who is in the fold and who is not. God’s grace is neither dictated by our theological correctness nor our religious convictions.

When we speak of grace in terms of being an inclusive community, our emotions and theological learnings cannot dictate the extent of its reach. Grace does not depend on us.

It is solely God’s prerogative and therefore as God’s agent in the world, we are to embody the extensiveness of that reach and defy all boundaries. The boundaries we erect between us and them is what disappoints us when we learn of the height, depth, and extent of God’s grace and love.

For God’s grace reaches the farthest we can imagine, the highest we can imagine, and the deepest we can imagine. It covers all, embraces all, and includes all.

Nikotemo Sopepa, Council for World Mission

Prayer Pray for the Church of South India as it does mission in the context of emerging religious fundamentalism, political oppression and economic imbalances Church of South India

35 | Sunday Devotions 2020

June

7 June

Climate Change

Reflection

Scripture: Genesis 1:1-2:4a; Romans 8:19-22 and Matthew 28:16-20

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n Genesis, we have what scholars refer as the secondary tradition of creation. It comes to us in a poetic language revealing how the universe was formed. The order of creation according to the second creation story has the creation of humankind after the formation of the universe, climate and environment. This tradition agrees with the ‘earlier tradition found in Genesis 2-3’ where man tends the garden.

Genesis 1 presents God as the author of all creation and the universe. Everything was in chaos but God put everything into order. Everything made by God was ‘good’ (verse 31).

Then God created humankind and set him a steward over creation to rule and subdue it (1:26-28).

The gospel of Matthew gives the great commission. Humankind is sent into the cosmos to make disciples. It has to be understood that mission takes within the context of the environment in the created world. Such a context today is characterised by such challenges such as climate change and extreme weather patterns that negatively impact human and ecological life.

Our Imperatives 1. We must seriously shoulder the mission and responsibility of caring for the world in addition to making disciples for Jesus Christ. We must not prioritise one over the other. Just as making disciples is important, so is the health of the environment.

Especially since the world is experiencing climate change and increasing destructive weather forces.

2. We must take responsibility of our poor stewardship over earth. Humanity has caused injury to nature by carbon emissions to the atmosphere, burning and destroying the bushes, and injury to earth through uncontrolled mining. The degradation of it makes it hostile for habitation.

3. We must work for the goodness and renewal of creation. God created everything good including the climate.

Xolani Maseko, United Congregational Church of Southern Africa

Prayer We give thanks for the continued work the Protestant Church in the Netherlands do through its church pioneering programme as a way of developing churches that reach out to diverse communities.

Protestantse Kerk in Nederland

37 | Sunday Devotions 2020

14 June

Rising to life with Jesus

Reflection “

Scripture: Cor 4: 1-12; Mark 16: 1-7

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urricane Gilbert, my first real experience of a hurricane, hit Jamaica devastatingly in 1988. I had just taken up residence at the Andrew’s United Church Manse in Mandeville. My first pastoral duty was to visit the affected communities surrounding the church, an expression of solidarity with the people in a time of crisis.

As pastors, sometimes we fail to give attention to our immediate family in times of crises.

In my case I was so busy attending to my pastoral duties, that I failed to give thought to the vulnerability of my parents, the thought that they could have been negatively impacted by the hurricane. Three days later, when I finally visited our family home, I was grief-stricken. The devastation was colossal.

There was silence…. At last my mother spoke – “May as well mi dead now” (This is too much for me; death is better). The finality with which my mother of immense faith spoke, shook my own fragile faith. I walked away. It was too painful to hear her speak with such despair.

Soon after she rebounded. Her uncharacteristic faith and hope unmistakable. It was then that Paul’s words to the Corinthians spoke to me – “We are troubled on every side… cast down but not destroyed” (2 Cor 4: 8-9). This speaks to those who are broken-hearted and downtrodden. Those who are scarred by life’s bitter blows. And those crushed by society’s unjust and oppressive systems. This is a word in season!

CWM’s Assembly theme, “Rising to Life with Jesus”, invites us to claim this word for the moment. It is a word that resurrection people can speak with certainty because “Jesus who was crucified has risen” (paraphrased Mk. 16: 6). Life’s challenges have lost its grip on the people of faith. The grave is empty. Jesus is alive!

Collin Cowan, Council for World Mission

Prayer Prayers for all citizens to enjoy their constitutional rights for religious freedom.

Gereja Presbyterian Malaysia

Sunday Devotions 2020 | 38

21 June

Rising to Life with Jesus

Reflection

Scripture: John 20:1-18

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“

o not hold on to me,” Jesus told her, “because I have not yet gone back up to the Father. But go to my brothers and sisters and tell them that I am returning to him who is my Father and their Father…”

The CWM Assembly has just concluded with an invitation to member churches - “Rising to life with Jesus.” This invitation is timely as we discern our worlds desperate need for a new direction and orientation towards life rather then the division of people and despoiling of creation which blights much of our world and experience. Rising to life with Jesus is an invitation to participate Jesus’ mission of offering life to all creation.

The Bible reading reminds us Mary is sent to tell the apostles the good news of the resurrection and so overcomes the gender divisions of her day to become the apostle to the apostles. Like Mary we are to rise up and announce the good news that Jesus is alive and that new life is not only possible but guaranteed by Jesus’ own resurrection. Coupled with this is the invitation to rise up and denounce all the death-dealing forces and structures that destroy life and goodness in creation. The resurrection of Jesus is God’s affirmation that death and hate do not have the last word and that Babylon and every other empire is as fallen as the grave is empty. Announcing the good news of that Jesus is alive and denouncing everything that denies abundant life.

“Do not hold on to me,” but holding onto him is a natural response for Mary in this story.

The church can be tempted to “hold on,” clinging to old assumptions, ideas and ways of doing things. Instead we are invited rise up and announce the good news and denounce death and hate in our world. Rising to life with Jesus – his resurrection and new life transforms everything and we can never be the same.

Wayne Hawkins, Council for World Mission

Prayer God of All Creation, we pray for all delegates who will be traveling far and wide to attend the assembly. We pray that our time together will be spent in loving fellowship, prophetic discernment and worshipful moments. We pray for the Spirit of grace to move in the midst as a new board of directors and moderator will be selected. We pray that all will feel renewed and recharged by the resurrection power in Christ!

CWM General Assembly

39 | Sunday Devotions 2020

28 June

Militarization and Conflict

Reflection “

Scripture: Jeremiah 28: 5-9; Matt. 10: 40-42

L

ead us from despair to hope, from fear to love, and may peace be in our hearts,” said Rev. Gabrielle Zander in an opening word of prayer at World Council of Churches’ Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (WCC-EAPPI) that met in St. Anne’s Basilica in Jerusalem in mid-April this year. This is the prayer of every person of faith that the God of peace will sensitise human consciences to love justice and peace in this violent world! The military may prevent disputes, ensure security and peace whilst the outcome of militarization is often insecurity, fear and death. Wars, violence, victimization and injustice are vividly recorded in the Bible, nevertheless, the Biblical witness is to a God who stands with the marginalised and suffering communities.

Jeremiah chapter 28 is a dialogue between Hananiah and Jeremiah concerning the prediction about the fate of Judah. Hananiah said, “the Lord has broken the yoke of Babylon and will bring back the vessels of the Lord’s house which Nebuchadnezzar took away to Babylon” while Jeremiah prophesied the defeat of Judah. These contradictory prophesies created confusion, anxiety and conflict. Hananiah wanted to win the favour of the people by using carefully crafted words giving people (false) hope, whereas Jeremiah was true to his vocation. Irresponsible religious and political leaders today can create conflicts and confusion. Children and women are the most affected in such circumstances as they are vulnerable to the impact of militarization and conflicts.

Matthew 10: 40-42 Jesus encourages everyone with a provocative remark “whoever receives you receives me,” to lead an alternate life where a stranger finds shelter, the lonely a home, the vulnerable find space and safety. It is towards this reality we work. The need of the hour is to realise that we cannot build a just and peaceful world through wars and militarization but by beating our swords into ploughshares and spears into pruning hooks (Isaiah 2:4). May the God of comfort restore peace and wellbeing to all creation.

K. James Cecil Victor, Church of South India

Prayer Pray for the spiritual revival of the church to transform and inspire God’s people to walk in the light and love of God’s mission. We lift up the mission enabler who will work to provide missional programs for the poor, excluded, among people with disabilities and all impacted by climate change.

Nauru Congregational Church

Sunday Devotions 2020 | 40

July

5 July

Worship and Discipleship

Reflection

Scripture: Psalm 145:1-21

O

ne of my passions is to talking to people who don’t go to church. I’ve heard a lot of reasons people share for not being active in Church activities such as “There are too many hypocrites in church”, “I have a very busy work schedule”, and etc. While I try to encourage people to be actively involved in church, I find out that I have to pray for the work of the Holy Spirit to convince them and illumine their heart of the one reason to attend church, which is to worship God and later being a true and dedicated disciple of God. The word “worship” derived from an old English word “worth-ship”, meaning that God is worthy; God’s deserves our praise. Worship, in other words, is our response to God love. When we fully believe that God deserves our worship, nothing will turn us away from the church. Psalm 145 talks about a time will come when all people will join together in recognizing and worshiping God. Because God is full of love, God satisfies all who trust in him.

Worship isn't portrayed here as an individual act. We need to participate in worship knowing that God is there to guide and to help us. We do not live in seclusion; we are part of something greater. Faith isn’t simply internal; it has to be lived in community. We need each other. Some people come to church to be left alone, to be observers; we need to participate in what is going on in worship. We’re not the spectators when we come to church, God is the spectators. When we leave the church, we shouldn’t be asking, “What did I step out of church?”, but rather, “Was God delighted by my worship?”

Kautoa Moloti, Congregational Christian Church in American Samoa

Prayer Holy and faithful God, we give thanks for the appointment of new leaders to CWM. We pray for a smooth leadership changes and that they will have wisdom and grace to season their path.

New CWM Leadership

Sunday Devotions 2020 | 42

12 July

Worship and Discipleship

Reflection

Scripture: Psalm 119:105-112

P

salm 119 is the longest Psalm in the Bible and is believed to have been written by King David. In the small section on which we are focussing these reflections, the Psalmist is restating their sense of commitment to worshipping and following God. At the outset of the Psalm the writer establishes the framework that governs our service to God, namely, ‘God’s Word’. In describing God’s revealed self as a ‘lamp for our feet and a light for our path’, the Psalmist is expressing the guiding and supporting principle that sits at the heart of our Christian journey of discipleship. Lamps and lights illuminate, they make things clearer and brighten the way – they aid our journey forwards.

The above has particular importance for many of our CWM churches, especially those within the Reformed tradition because for them the ‘Word of God’, often taken to mean the revealed truth of the Scriptures, remain at the heart of their devotion and service to God. Verse 110 reads “The wicked have set a snare for me but I have not strayed from your precepts” and speaks to the continued challenge to seeking to remain faithful to God and the teachings of Jesus Christ in world where there are not only temptations to lead us ‘astray’ but there is the persistence of evil and injustice to limit our attempt to live for God alone.

This section of this long psalm reminds us that we are not alone as we seek to be faithful to God as Christian disciples in the world. Perhaps, most crucially, verse 11 reads “Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart”, which reminds us that worshipping God is an internal matter, where the teachings of Christ are internalised and so become a part of us.

Anthony Reddie, Council for World Mission

Prayer Prayers for PCS as they continue to be involved in the ministry of early childhood education as a way to serve its community. We join PCS in praying for greater unity in the body of Christ to better serve the community with God’s love.

Presbyterian Church in Singapore

43 | Sunday Devotions 2020

19 July

Worship and Discipleship

Reflection

Scripture: Genesis 28, Psalm 139, Wisdom 12, Isaiah 44, Psalm 86, Romans 8 and Mathew 13.

I

t was Jonathan Swift (1667-1745), the Anglo-Irish essayist, poet and cleric, who wrote that ‘Promises and pie-crust are made to be broken.’ As time went by, his remark was abbreviated through common usage to ‘Promises are made to be broken’ and used to justify going back on one’s word, or to console those who had been disappointed in that way.

With God there is no such breaking of promises. We worship God not only because God is God but also because God is a faithful God. In Genesis 28:15, God says to Jacob, ‘I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you’, and the Psalmist praises God saying that wherever he goes, God is with him (Psalm 139:8) and is always ‘merciful and gracious’, despite the weakness of God’s servant (Psalm 86: 15-16).

From time to time, we lose sight of God’s faithfulness, and the words and actions of others lead us to doubt his loyalty. Jesus warned us in Matthew 13:37-39 that even among God’s children there would be ‘weeds’. We should listen to God, not to the ‘weeds’, for it is part of our discipleship to be faithful to God in the same way as God is faithful to us.

We have not received ‘a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear’; we have received ‘the spirit of adoption’ (Romans 8:15). We are God’s people. God is faithful to us whatever our circumstances, whatever our doubts, and so we worship him with glad and grateful hearts.

Geraint Tudur, Union of Welsh Independents

Prayer Prayers for the development of a better children’s department for the orphans.

Prayers for its hospital to be better equipped and resourced with more doctors and equipment.

Presbyterian Church of Myanmar

Sunday Devotions 2020 | 44

26 July

Worship and Discipleship

Reflection

Scripture: Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

A

mong the seven parables in Matthew 13, the first four parables of seeds, weeds, a mustard seed and yeast were about the kingdom of heaven which Jesus spoke to the large crowd by the lake. Later Jesus left the crowd to explain the meaning of the parables to the disciples, and to tell them new parables of treasure, a precious pearl, and a net that were not told to the crowd. These three new parables are about the kingdom of heaven as well as about the discipleship. We can draw some reflections from the parables.

First, the kingdom of heaven is like mustard seeds and yeast. Although mustard seeds are smaller than any other seeds, they eventually become huge trees with many birds after fully grown. Yeast when mixed with flour rises a loaf of bread. The kingdom of heaven begins where it seems small and insignificant, and bears abundant fruit beyond human expectations, experiences, and traditions.

Second, just as birds can freely inhabit the fully-grown mustard tree, the kingdom of heaven is inclusive and embraces all. In other words, the kingdom of heaven is a community of inclusion and tolerance, not that of discrimination and exclusion.

Third, the disciples, trained as scribes of the kingdom of heaven, are like those who find treasures hidden in the field, sell all their wealth, buy the field, and those who find the most precious pearls, and sell everything they have to buy them. They find the value of the kingdom of heaven and pay the price for it. Discipleship always requires the action of paying the price.

Finally, every disciple trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a household who treasures both the new and old. Jesus showed the new advent of the kingdom of heaven using old, familiar things like mustard seeds, yeast, treasure in the fields, pearls.

Likewise, a disciple of Christ is one who shows the kingdom of God to the world by using both the old and new in harmony. A disciple is one who discerns the signs time in a fast-changing world, making old truths contextual and showing the kingdom of God to the world here and now.

Songhee Chai, Presbyterian Church of Korea

Prayer Pray for the leadership of the Union of Welsh Independents as they continue to build faith and confidence in within the churches.

Union of Welsh Independents

45 | Sunday Devotions 2020

August

2 August

Human Trafficking

Reflection

Scripture: Psalm 17:1-7

H

uman trafficking, sexual slavery, child exploitation, climate change and terrorism are all aspects of the world that we live in today. The question is why has the world fallen into such chaos? It appears that we have lost what the true meaning of love is. Love is defined in English as being a “a deep affection for someone.” However, in our Psalm, love is not defined as a feeling but a choice. In the Tuvaluan language, the saying “filifiliga fai mea tonu" means, “The choice to do the right thing.” What we as humanity hold as a definition of love determines the outcome of everything in creation. As Christians, to do the right thing is to follow the Ten Commandments which serves as the foundation for the Greatest Commandment, “love God and love your neighbor as yourself”. Doing the right thing by God means to keep Christ’s commandment, doing the right thing by others means to help them and not hurt them, doing the right thing by ourselves is to walk in our purpose. Our purpose is one of the most difficult questions in life. The world teaches us to exploit and manipulate others to satisfy our own desires irrespective of their needs. But if we look at how we are formed, we are little children formed in love, for the purpose of giving love, with the hope of receiving love in return. Today, to walk in the love of Christ is to look beyond ourselves to the needs of others and simply do the right thing. That requires us to not allow our feet to slip from the narrow path, but with courage find every opportunity to fulfill the needs of others as we walk in our purpose. Today, for those who are being abused, what they need is freedom.

Matthew Green, Ekalesia Kelisiano Tuvalu

Prayer We pray for the member churches of the East Asia region. We lift up the many areas of ministry and mission they are actively engaged in. We pray for the rising to life over religious, racial and political tensions.

East Asia Region

47 | Sunday Devotions 2020

9 August

Human Trafficking

Reflection

Scripture: Genesis 37:1-4;12-28

J

acob lived in the land where his father had stayed. The entire family of Jacob is living in Canaan. Joseph is the 11th son of Jacob and first son of his mother Rachael. Rachel was barren for a long time before she had Joseph. She died while giving birth to her second child, Benjamin. Jacob loved Joseph more than any of his other sons. Then, Joseph was being sold into slavery by his brothers. In his young age, he had to leave Canaan, his homeland, taken by the Ishmaelites, and later sold him to Potiphar the Egyptian. Joseph’s brothers sold him for twenty shekels of silver. Joseph was trafficked by his very own brothers into slavery. Twenty shekels of silver is equivalent to eight ounces of silver. It was the price for one head of oxen, even the price lower than the selling price of a slave at that time. Then, he was abducted, trafficked for domestic work, brutalized, sold and resold to bounded labor, a victim of attempted rape repeatedly by a woman, abused, imprisoned, and ignored.

Nowadays, human trafficking continues to occur around the world. Children are being sold by their parents into slavery, primarily due to poverty. Like many domestic servants, Joseph was sexually abused. The world has declared that human trafficking is the largest crime.

Today we pray that the gospel of hope for them that there is a way out. Someone can be their voices. Someone cares to redeem them. Someone is there to restore hope to their lives. Maybe we can act and respond to the realities of human trafficking. Share God’s vision for how they can be redeemed despite of what seemed like a hopeless situation like Joseph’s.

Janet Ng, Council for World Mission Board Member

Prayer Prayers for a sense of vibrancy and spiritual awakening among the youth in the UCJCI. This is with the hope for a renewed sense of purpose and direction in their lives. The Church asks for continued prayers for the leadership of their churches to inspire and innovate change in the church and their communities.

United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands

Sunday Devotions 2020 | 48

16 August

Human Trafficking

Reflection

Scripture: Genesis 45:1-15

J

oseph’s story (Genesis 37-50) is a useful biblical text to foreground the issue of human trafficking or modern day slavery. The biblical story parallels the modern day experience of human trafficking and provides a helpful framework through which the issues of human trafficking can be explored within the life of the church today. But caution must be made not to make too easy a leap to Genesis chapters 40-50 whereby God’s blessing to Joseph and his family unfold. This quick leap can too easily make light of the deep pain, and the demeaning and dehumanizing experience of human trafficking. Unlike the many experiences of human trafficking, Joseph’s story has a happy ending. Joseph is reunited with his brothers (the focus of Genesis 45:1-15). His family are saved from the famine and given a new home in Goshen. At the end of Genesis we are told Joseph forgives his brothers for selling him into slavery. Joseph is reconciled with his family and accepts that his experience of slavery is part of God’s unfolding plan for the Hebrew people. The story of Joseph is part of a broader narrative of God’s redemptive story. There is no divine purpose for human trafficking. Many of those who are trafficked do not have a neat happy ending. Many do not experience the leap from slave to royal advisor as Joseph does.

Instead many continue to relive the horror and pain of their experience. Some will never be able to overcome their trauma. As a church and as a community of Christians we are called to pursue justice by continuing to highlight and end this form of modern slavery.

Seforosa Carroll, Ecumenical Partner

Prayer Prayers for the Church as they respond to the conditions and needs of their communities.

The Church prayers for more opportunities to listen to the voices of experts in areas such as agriculture, mental health and social policy alongside the individuals who share their experiences of working in vulnerable communities.

Presbyterian Church of Wales

49 | Sunday Devotions 2020

23 August

Economic Justice

Reflection

Scripture: Exodus 1:8-2:10 or Psalm 124; Isaiah 51:1-6 or Psalm 138; Romans 12:1-8; Matthew 16:13-20

G

enesis 1:28 where the Creator says, “Let us make human in our image to rule…” points to the creation of humans as God’s representative tasked to protect, preserve, and promote all that the Creator had ordered to be by word of mouth with justice for all, equal treatment, fairness for peace to prevail and perpetuate. This includes social and economic justice for all without discrimination, without taking liberty for exploitation and in all fairness irrespective of gender, race, color, and status. It has to be a rule of justice for God’s kingdom is a kingdom of justice, including economic justice.

The Hebrew word SHALOM refers to well-being and prosperity and includes a social and economic dimension. The word SHALOM, interpreted in English to imply peace, both passive and active. Peace is active when it embraces and includes almost everything, aspect and dimension of a dynamic life. Hence if a fraction is disjoined or removed, it cannot be peace anymore. If economic justice is absent or removed, or denied there cannot be peace at all.

The word KOINONIA carries the meaning of participation and partnership. It signifies practical and living equality. This includes economic equality. There should not be economic inequality. We participate in Koinonia by being engaged in ushering economic justice for everyone.

In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus raises our social and economic consciousness. The treatment of those who are hungry, homeless, poor, diseased and imprisoned cannot be ignored.

Social and economic issues cannot be divorced from the Christian walk. Jesus equates our treatments of those who are destitute or distressed with our treatment of Himself. What we do for them, is what we do for Him. We must not allow the Christian walk to be reduced to a spiritual enterprise, unrelated to the service of humanity, but includes the whole life.

Giron Samely Lyttan, Presbyterian Church of India

Prayer Pray for the new General Secretary who assumes office in the beginning of the year (2020).

United Congregational Church of Southern Africa

Sunday Devotions 2020 | 50

30 August

Worship & Discipleship

Reflection

I

Scripture: Psalm 26

do not sit with the worthless, nor do I consort with hypocrites; I hate the company of evildoers, and will not sit with the wicked.

I wash my hands in innocence, and go around your altar, O Lord, singing aloud a song of thanksgiving, and telling all your wondrous deeds.

Is this the kind of disciple we should aspire to be? The Psalmist is most indignant that the suffering he is experiencing could somehow lead others to think he deserves it because he is a sinner. Quite the opposite, claims the Psalmist, I am blameless, upright and full of righteousness. Self-righteousness it sounds to me.

It is hard to hear this Psalm and not think of Luke 18: 9 - 14 Jesus’ Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, where the Pharisee sounds all too like the Psalmist here. Or indeed the exchange between Jesus and the Rich ruler, which follows it in Luke 18:18-30. Can our worship become a means of self-worship? Would others looking in on us conclude we are disciples of ourselves, asserting through religious language attitudes and values which really just epitomise ourselves?

In a world of religious rivalry we need discipleship which is humble and self-giving, and seeks not to judge others but to become neighbours to others. Many see Christianity as a religion obsessed with judging other people as sinners and then deciding to either save them or damn them. White people thought they were sent by God to save the sinners and the ‘Heathen’ and just put up huge divine edifices to their own power and self-love. CWM was an attempt to stop this way of thinking and remind us that we come to each other not as saviours but as partners. But, are we any different to the Psalmist, the Pharisee or the Rich man or the old White missionary? I hope so.

Peter Cruchley, Council for World Mission

Prayer We join the UPCSA in praying that the church will be a missional church by bridging racial, sexist, ethnical and gender divides.

Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa

51 | Sunday Devotions 2020

September

6 September

Worship and Discipleship

Reflection

Scripture: Psalm 119:33-40

W

orship and Discipleship are two biblical themes that are inextricably intertwined.

Worship is to pay homage or give reverence (holy and righteous respect) to God who is the Creator and Sustainer of the world and humanities Redeemer. Such devotion is rendered by giving adoration and praise to God using a variety of forms and styles in ceremonies and rites where God’s worthiness is declared and extolled. Ps.149 speaks of singing new songs to God in an atmosphere of gladness and rejoicing because of the goodness God lavishes upon his people. It speaks of dancing with melodious praise and instrumental accompaniment – harps and tambourines. The psalmist here characterizes worship of God as activity which breaks the opposition of God’s adversaries and threats against God’s people. Worship of God by his faithful people results in their being clothed in glory.

According to Rom. 13:8-14; Discipleship is to acknowledge and accept Christ, to learn the Christs Way, and to follow and live the discipline of Christ. Couched in the graphic description of the apostle Paul, discipleship is to “put on the Lord, Jesus Christ.” This means to imitate Christ’s lifestyle of being loving and caring, being good and kind to all.

For the task of discipleship is that of knowing, living for and serving Christ and making Christ known.

Discipleship is to follow, imitate, learn and model the lifestyle of Christ while worship is to give adoration and praise to God, the two being inextricably bound together.

Leander Warren, Guyana Congregational Union

Prayer We lift up the four member churches in the South Asia region. We pray for the leadership of these Churches as they provide direction, pastoral care and guidance. We pray that the Churches rise to life in Christ in the midst of growing social, religious and economic challenges. We pray that they will be instruments of God’s peace and wholeness.

South Asia Region

53 | Sunday Devotions 2020

13 September

Militarization and Conflict

Reflection

Scripture: Exodus 14:19 – 31

T

his is a Bible passage we tell our children. A bible story of our awesome God and how he saved his people by splitting the sea and allowing the Israelites safe passage on dry ground while their enemies, the Egyptians, were drowned.

As a child, I loved to marvel at the power of God and lose myself in the greatness of our God who can tame even the raging seas. As an adult I read this passage with sorrow as I think about the lives that were lost and the great glee I felt as a child singing songs like ‘Pharaoh, Pharaoh’ with lyrics of “all Pharaoh’s army did the dead man’s float”.

How easily we cheapen the lives of our ‘enemies’. Do we stop and think about those that mourn the loss of a spouse, the parents who have lost children and the children who have lost parents? It is easy to say that our enemies deserved to die because they were fighting for the wrong side. It is easy to say they chose to fight for the wrong side. Or that they knew that they were in the wrong. But did they? We are so much more aware of how easily it is to be indoctrinated, wrapped up in a cause and to believe with all our hearts and minds that we are right and ‘they’ are wrong and that ‘they’ will get what they deserve. The Israelites had tried many options to bring about justice but Pharaoh would not listen and his army and their loved ones paid the price for it.

As children of Christ, do we celebrate the deaths of our ‘enemies’ or do we mourn the loss of life, the stubbornness of humanity and the divisions we have created on this earth?

Kim Brown, The Uniting Presbyterian Church In Southern Africa

Prayer To the God who sustains and gives life, we lift up the women in Churches. We celebrate the gifts and graces women bring to both Churches and communities. We give thanks for the ongoing work of women’s empowerment that takes place throughout the various CWM member churches.

Women’s Empowerment

Sunday Devotions 2020 | 54

20 September

Economic Justice

Reflection

Scripture: Exodus 16: 2-15;Jerremiah 52:33-34; Mathew 20:1-16

T

he readings today remind us of God’s grace and generosity. These virtues are shown foremost through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. But we see them as well in our daily life.

In Exodus 16 the Israelites were grumbling about their situation in the desert. They complained to Moses and Aaron because of the scarcity of food and water. Some of them went as far as to say that it was much better being in captivity in Egypt. “There we could at least sit down and eat meat and as much other food as we wanted,” they said. But God in mercy supplied manna for them every morning so that they could eat and feed their families. But God gives them daily supplies. They are not given weekly or monthly rations.

Why is this?

1. Because God wanted them to live through faith in him. They had to believe that God would give them daily sustenance. This is echoed in the words of Jesus in the Lord’s Prayer. “Give us today our daily bread.”

2. This portion of scripture also helps us to deal with our greed. All of us desire more than what we have. In some ways, greed is one of the basics of modern consumerism and economics. Companies spend millions to persuade us that we need more. The grass is always greener on the other side. The principles of the Gospel are different from the world and it teaches us to appreciate what we receive as a gift and to be satisfied.

3. This, in turn, leads us to our last point, that we are to be good stewards of what we are given. When we are satisfied, we are freed to think of justice and to entertain practical ways to use our resources to help others who are deprived within society. This brings social and economic justice.

Alun Tudur, Union of Welsh Independents

Prayer To the God who knows us while we were formed in our mothers’ wombs, hear our heart’s cry for the youth of our Churches. We pray that You will lead and guide them as they explore the meaningfulness of their lives. We pray that they will come to experience the fullness of life through Christ.

Youth Programs

55 | Sunday Devotions 2020

27 September

Inclusive Communities

Reflection

Scripture: Matthew 21:23-32

B

y what authority are you doing these things...and who gave you this authority?” In this scripture reading Jesus challenges the chief priests when they inquire about his teachings.

“

More importantly, today’s scripture reading tackles “authority”. Jesus’ works and mentality caused a shifting in the way people understood God’s love and power. In the Bible passage, the chief priests approached Jesus as “authority regulators”; as though only specific people could share, experience, and bask in God’s love and power. This relates deeply to the strain and struggle some Christians may have. There are some (like the chief priests) who want to regulate the morality of their church members and community, the sexuality of others, and even the religious preferences some people may have. Jesus’ clear contesting of this (through his example of John the Baptist), leaves the chief priests baffled because his response expresses that God’s love is not exclusive, and is not only for the Christians who believe they are the “holy of holies”.

The scripture reading ends with the parable of the two sons, where both sons are asked to complete a task. The first says no then changes his mind and the second says yes but does not do it. Today, which son are you? The chief priests reflect that of the second son.

Instructed by God to “love their neighbour” (Mark 12:30-31) yet chose not to do so because of their own self-righteousness. As people of God we have a habit of confining and limiting God, ultimately excluding others which we think are not deserving to be within our Christian communities. If Jesus was walking the Earth today, he may once again say “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone...” (John 8:7).

Have you made God’s love exclusive? By what authority are you doing these things?

Renita Barnes, United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands

Prayer Holy One, we give thanks to the many areas of shared partnership we have with our ecumenical partners. We pray that our shared commitment toward justice issues will lead to work that is life-giving and hope-filled.

Ecumenical Partners

Sunday Devotions 2020 | 56

October

4 October

Climate Change

Reflection

Scripture: Numbers 27:1-8

C

oming from Kiribati, a country that is known throughout the world as suffering the worst effects of climate change, I am always concerned for the future of my people and my country.

My land is my identity, my dignity and my wellbeing. So, if my land is washed away, my nation is at the same time wiped out. My nation cannot survive without the land I stand on.

We are the victims of injustice and ignorance inflicted by the rich and powerful nations; our lives represent the profits that they are reaping. As I look into my future, I fear that one day we will lose the right to live as indigenous citizens on our own lands. If you have no land, what kind of person are you in society?

The reading is also about a land issue argument; it involves a loss of land. Four sisters were ignored by their cultural norm to own the land of their father due to their gender. Who can challenge the injustice of the cultural norm of the society?

But the four sisters took action and challenged Moses for their right to hold their father’s land, and Moses yielded to their challenge. They gained an identity in their society because they did not fear to stand against what is not right.

The worst impact of climate change is taking the right of the poor and vulnerable to live as indigenous citizens in their home country. It is forcing millions to become refugees and slaves somewhere in the future. Who will stand in solidarity with the poor?

The scenario that the world is facing is a challenge to all God’s people to take action to uproot injustice and selfishness which makes the poor and the vulnerable suffer oppression and marginalisation. Our identity is in our land; we have the right to keep it.

Tioti Timon, Kiribati Uniting Church

Prayer We lift up the ten member churches of the Pacific region. We pray for the communities they provide pastoral care, discipleship and spiritual guidance. We pray that the Churches rise to life in Christ in the midst of economic instability, climate change and sea levels rising.

Pacific Region

59 | Sunday Devotions 2020

11 October

Human Trafficking

Reflection

Scripture: Isaiah 25:1-9. (See also Genesis

37:26-28; Revelation 18)

G

od is against the trafficking of people. Revelation 18 reveals lamentation against evil deeds of the Empire called “Babylon”. This heathenish empire is revealed as an economic system of trading human beings being sold as slaves (Revelation 18:13). Slavery has to do with exploitation, degradation, and cruel victimization of persons. This form of trade exists as a result of desperation and poverty amongst other things. It is motivated by money and greed by exploiting others. More than 2 million people are estimated as being trafficked yearly. Most are girls between 5 and 15 years. It is estimated to be an industry of $33.9 billion a year. Victims are seen as mere “objects” for financial gain through sexual exploitation, forced labour and murdered for body parts (human sacrifice).

As Christians we are called to be the light and salt of the world. Our world is becoming increasingly violent, exploitative and abusive especially to persons who are vulnerable and who cannot speak or protect themselves. The prophet declares, in Isaiah 25:3, that there are those “cities of the ruthless nations” that God is lamenting against. These “ruthless cities” are attached to this empire in that they are tyrannical to the poor, the weak, women, children and men alike. It does not see an image of God in humanity, Rather, it sees how it can gain financially through abuse of people. The church should never be silent on this great calamity. We should compassionately provide hope, love and comfort to those victimized even if it is risky. The promise of hope is that “the Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from all faces” (Isaiah 25:8). May that time be now, as the people of God, let us join in God’s work to wipe tears away by speaking and acting against the evils of human trafficking!

Tebogo Sewapa, Ecumenical Partner

Prayer We pray for the members churches of the Europe region as they live out their call to Christian discipleship. We pray that Churches rise to life in Christ by denying death-giving ways that takes away access to the fullness of life for all.

Europe Region

Sunday Devotions 2020 | 60

18 October

Economic Justice

Reflection

Scripture: Psalm 99;1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Matthew 22:15-22

P

salm 99 describes God, among others, as ‘lover of justice’ who has ‘established equity and righteousness’ (v.4). Moses, Aaron and Samuel are examples of people who ‘cried to the LORD, (and God) answered them’ (v.6). God, lover of justice, requires followers who love and uphold justice. To worship God is to live justly.

In 1 Thessalonians, Paul, Silvanus and Timothy commend the hospitality of the Thessalonians for the, ‘kind of welcome we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God’ (v.9). Hospitality is hereby upheld as a sign of genuine faith.

In Matthew, Jesus answers a trick question intended to entrap him. He answers by debunking the hypocrisy of compartmentalising life. He does not provide a neat formula to resolve the tension between honouring God and secular pressure.

Justice leads us to uphold moral principles and determine just conduct. We need that in a world that is fast retreating into narrowly defined ethnic, racial and national enclaves. By practising hospitality - a moral principle that leads us to just conduct - we show sympathy for strangers and live by a rule to welcome visitors. Our world is unequal. We speak of developing and developed countries and of emerging markets and mature markets. Such inequality between countries calls for a hospitality ethic.

One’s nationality could entail ruin. The deaths of Syrians and Africans in river boats on the Mediterranean Sea heading to Europe are instructive. Europe’s so-called refugee crisis in a continent of 500 million refusing to admit 1 million poor people who may end up as slaves. What does it mean to live out God’s justice, hospitality and a holistic life in our world today?

Kuzipa Nalwamba, Council for World Mission

Prayer Dear God, as participants gather for the program in Auckland, we pray that You will prepare their hearts and minds to immerse themselves in a different location of ministry. We pray that their time spent together as a group will be filled with joy, laughter and learning. God, be ever so present with them during the next six weeks.

A New Face

61 | Sunday Devotions 2020

25 October

Economic Justice

Reflection

Scripture: Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17

T

he Greek word for justice is tsedek meaning “equity”. As humans made in the image of God, all have rights of equity. Equity to get prosperous. Equity in the use of resources such as land. And equity as the means to live well. The UN Bill of Rights echoes this by saying that all have the right to own land individually and communally. This is how it should be.

The text in Deuteronomy 34 describes how Moses was shown by the Lord the land that would be given to the Israelite. After his death, Joshua rose up to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. Was this land then taken by force? Was this land given by God as of right though they were not there first? Surely this narrative raises questions of equity? Or do those who come first have more rights to the land than others? We can look all over the world to see that every nation, tribe and ethnicity has concerns about ‘land’ and whose inheritance it is. For many a deep sense of injustice and anger condemns them to bitterness and hatred, wars and ongoing discontent even 100’s of years and generations later.

Psalm 90:1 suggests that our true home is not on this earth. “Lord, You have been our dwelling place throughout all generations”. Yes, we have equal rights to land and economic prosperity as a gift of our heavenly Father, but if we do not personally experience of God as our “home”, then land, inheritance, rights and riches will become our pre-eminent goals. We will search for significance and satisfaction in them.

Injustice prevails, but the wisdom within this Psalm is the injunction to make Christ our dwelling place. We can become better by focusing on Christ. In Christ’s face we may be glad and at peace.

Helen Harray, The Presbyterian Church of Myanmar

Prayer God of love and justice, we lift up the DARE program as it gathers a rich and diverse pool of scholars, theologians and practitioners who are defiant to the ways of Empire. We pray that the work produced will contribute to up lift those whose backs are against the walls due to oppressive and dehumanizing ways. We join them in raising our fists to chant down Babylon, and for the risen Christ to be lifted high.

DARE Program

Sunday Devotions 2020 | 62

November

1 November

Worship and Discipleship

Reflection

Scripture: Luke 1: 46-55

W

riting this reflection more than a year before it will be read does make for some interesting questions. What will the world be like by then? Will Brexit have finally happened? Will our new Prime Minister have fulfilled his promises to fund all schools equally and solve the problem of providing adequate care to the elderly? It is difficult to know what injustices will be concerning you as you read this but I can be quite confident that there will be some.

Micah was active at a similar time to Isaiah and Hosea. Their messages echo one another with warnings about the state of society and the injustices being practised all around them. It would be easy to despair when we look around us and see an equally unjust world today. The details may be different but far too many are still struggling to make ends meet against structures that seem designed to help them to fail. All those years of prophecy and yet nothing seems to have changed.

Micah talks of Jerusalem becoming a heap of rubble and this indeed happened. Yet later it was rebuilt. Micah may have been just a single voice but it was a voice of one filled with power, with the Spirit of the Lord and with justice and might. He did make a difference, possible quite small. We too have just one voice each. None of us can change the world one our own. Together, and in the power of God, who knows what we can do. There may be injustice around you but do not lose hope. Your voice and the voice of your church can make a difference. I pray that this passage from Micah inspires you to tackle just one of the injustices you see around you.

Barbara Bridges, Congregational Federation

Prayer Pray for the Church’s continued work as they proclaim the good news of the gospel to communities such as domestic helpers, new immigrants, refugees and people living with disabilities.

Hong Kong Council of the Church of Christ in China

Sunday Devotions 2020 | 64

8 November

Worship and Discipleship

Reflection

Scripture: Joshua 24:1-3a

T

here are times when I wonder why I born in India? Why not in a Christian majority country? What is my responsibility in here? What can I do here? What’s His plan to me? I remember the verses which Mathew wrote which reminded me that I am the salt and the light to make tasty and bright. I could be Christ’s disciple in this country; our lifestyle is a witness on behalf of Christ to our neighbors.

The verses in Joshua 24:1-3 is significant whereby the Lord called Abraham to leave his family and the land he had known. Living in that place, it would have been difficult for Abraham to break the ties to his family’s gods. God called Abraham to a land that he would show him—a land where Abram’s descendants would one day live—a land that is still called holy today.

God gave us land as our country to live and to be Christ’s witness in every situation. We should love and care our neighbors and our country as Christ love mankind.

David Anjan Hira, Church of Bangladesh

Prayer Prayers as the Church is confronted with the need to seek alternative ways of communication, interaction and engaging in missional work due to the increasingly chaotic weather and climatic conditions which make travels risky and often life-threatening.

United Church in the Solomon Islands

65 | Sunday Devotions 2020

15 November

Economic Justice

Reflection “

Scripture: Matthew 254-30

E

conomy of Life” is a call for “common values: honesty, social justice, human dignity, mutual accountability and ecological sustainability,” (WCC Statement on Just Finance and an Economy of Life), and “challenging wealth accumulations and systemic greed and promoting anti-greed measures” (Report of the Greed line Study Group).

NIFEA colloquiums in the regions, believe that the current financial and economic architecture does not addressed poverty eradication. People who are living in poverty are deprived of basic human rights to the gifts of God’s creation by the self-indulgence of the few at the expense of the many. Our master has no room for us to hide our talents in the ground, while others are working. This is not a good practice. God gave us our talents -which represent our abilities, time, resources, and opportunities to serve God while on earth.

Our Lord Jesus teaches us the principle of our present commitment to God’s ways will determined our future reward in heaven. However, God expects us to be good and faithful.

If we have been faithful over a few things, God will make us ruler over many things and we will enter into the joy of our lord (v21, 23 rephrased). In other words, we are responsible of our actions while we are on earth.

We are reminded of our mission in the context of Empire; to be faithful servants in our own respective communities, challenging polices that do not support an economy of life, but continues to oppress the majority and advance the few. The best practices in real life is real economy, as it was with our forefathers long ago, that were disregarded and almost forgotten by today’s unsustainable consumerism activities of greed.

Jezza Valentino Agadio, Nauru Congregational Church

Prayer To the God of new beginnings, we lift up this year’s TIM participants and hosts. We pray for journey mercy as the group travels from one location of learning to another. We pray for lives to be positively transformed during the program.

Training-In-Mission

Sunday Devotions 2020 | 66

22 November

Inclusive Communities

Reflection

Scripture: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24; Psalm 100; Matthew 25:31-46

D

ue to its weather and topography, “green pastures” (Psalm 23:2) in Israel does not refer to lush meadows, but to blades of grass growing sporadically among the rocks.

Hence, shepherds play a critical role in leading the sheep to places where there is enough nourishment, just for each day.

Throughout the history of Israel, God has appointed specific people to leadership position.

By granting them the role of a shepherd, God was expecting them to take charge of the welfare of the Israelites. Sadly, as described in Ezekiel 34, these shepherds acted like self-seeking hired hands (John 10:12) and exploited the powerless people. Therefore, God declared that He will be the Shepherd of his people and promises, “I will seek the lost and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak” (Ezekiel 34:16). Furthermore, God promised to set up his servant David over them to shepherd and feed them (Ezekiel 34:23). This promise was eventually fulfilled in Christ Jesus.

As the hands and feet of Christ Jesus, we play the role of shepherds to seek and feed God’s sheep that are lost, strayed, injured and weak. This would include people of lower socioeconomic status, people with disabilities, and children with special needs to name a few. It is of no wonder that in the parable of the sheep and goats, Jesus would say that those who did not meet the needs of the weak will “go away in eternal punishment” (Matthew 25:46).

Therefore, it is a must for our Christian communities to be inclusive, not merely accommodating the marginalized, nor merely viewing them as God’s way of molding our character, but to recognize and appreciate their spiritual gifts, creating platforms and ministries to empower them to contribute to the Body of Christ.

Daniel Ng, Gereja Presbyterian Malaysia

Prayer Prayers for all 18 districts of CCCS as they continue to fulfil its mission of ‘revealing the power of the most High’. Pray for greater job opportunities and a better economy as there is a rise in unemployment among the youth and adults. Pray for improved relationships based on the Samoan notion of respect, ‘fa’a’aloalo’.

Congregational Christian Church in American Samoa

67 | Sunday Devotions 2020

29 November

Economic Justice

Reflection

Scripture: Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37

‘

O

that you would tear open the heavens and come down’.

Ever despaired of the way the world is? Ever got angry about the status quo? Ever wanted to tear things up? Good. Me too.

For some years the church I serve as minister in Sheffield, UK has run a centre to help people complete benefit forms which are available online. More than once I’ve felt angry with systems that don’t take account of people’s real needs. I’d like the immoveable mountain of bureaucracy to tremble.

The word ‘tear’ in Isaiah is a visceral word. You can hear the rip in the Hebrew word pronounced ‘ka-ra-ta’. It is a deep cut across time and space. I can understand the despair that wants to forcibly, even aggressively make the powers-that-be quake in their boots for once.

Yet, in the systems and power-plays of this world I can be victim, bystander and offendereven all three. It is uncomfortable to think so, but there may be someone who is looking at my practices hoping that the heavens would rip open and a new order would come. Isaiah shifts from ‘out there’ (the enemies of God) to the ways of the people of God themselves.

None of us are righteous. Will God tear up what I possessively cling on to? Should I quake?

Yes, there are big apocalyptic images in our passages - except one. The image of God as a potter working the clay. A touch that, as anyone who has worked with clay knows, is consistent, firm but not aggressive. At times the potter needs to be gentle with the clay to form it into the desired shape.

The question is whether to tear things up or shape things like clay? There is a time for each of those methods but I take comfort that God is described as a potter. The yielding to his shaping is not always comfortable. I don’t escape the ways I have fallen short but God’s touch always brings about something good and new.

In the face of injustice, I will join with Isaiah in crying for the heavens to tear open and the mountains to tremble. I will also pray that God the potter will shape hearts, lives and minds - including mine.

Prayer

Suzanne Nockels, Congregational Federation

Pray for the continued development of the Church’s contextual resources which relates to the indigenous culture of Maohi-Nui as well as to the current struggles for life and justice.

Etaretia Porotetani Maohi

Sunday Devotions 2020 | 68

December

6 December

Worship and Discipleship

Reflection “

Scripture: Isaiah 40:1 - 11

C

omfort, O comfort my people, says your God” – Spoken to a people in exile, these were the first prophetic words they heard after 150 years of silence. To a people who felt abandoned by God or who doubted God still existed these would have been words of hope.

Listening to the news or reading the newspaper will leave you in no doubt that we live in a troubled world. How many people caught up in the injustice, violence, hatred and inequalities that have invaded our communities feel, like Judah, that God does not exist, or God has abandoned them? What words of hope does this passage have to offer them?

Walter Brueggemann describes comfort “not simply the offer of solace, but a powerful intervention that creates new possibilities” ¹ . This definition sets a challenge for us as disciples. Where are we called to intervene in the world to create a new future for those who need comfort? What hope can we give those who feel distant from God because voices of opposition are whispering rather than crying out?

Verse 8 gives us a place to start. “The grass withers, the flower fades” – things of this world, people, political regimes, conflicts, businesses and false gods of money and ambition are all fleeting when measured against the everlasting nature of God and God’s word. There is where we find hope – in Scripture are words that speak of compassion and grace, repentance and love, and above all hope.

In this season of Advent when the secular threatens to silence the sacred, may we raise up to the challenge of comforting those God calls us to help.

Catherine McFie, Former ANF Participant

Prayer Pray for the CUNZ as they seek ways to partner with government and other stakeholders to address the growing problem of homelessness in the context of rising property prices beyond people’s affordability level.

Congregational Union of New Zealand

Sunday Devotions 2020 | 70

13 December

Evangelism

Reflection

Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11

T

hese are Sundays full of good news, full of signs that God does not leave this world to its ‘sufferation’ under empire. Shepherds, foreigners and young women are rising up with good news and are pointing to the new world God is inaugurating amongst us. A world which is not for the Emperors and kings unless they fall from their thrones.

All deeply ironic of course. Evangelism was empire’s word for telling its conquered citizens and vassals that all was good and there was no reason to be anything but grateful. Empire would celebrate great tidings of military victories and royal births so that the rebels would despair and the loyalists rejoice.

And so, Isaiah speaks from a broken nation about the only hope a broken people want, which is that God is working towards a world uprising. They see the full reality of Babylon, or empire and know its ugliness despite all its claims of power and peace. So, Isaiah foresees the fall of Babylon in the good news of the poor rising up for each other, bathing each other in a spirit of love which heals and empowers them to stand anew in the face of all who despise and exploit them.

This is the evangelism of Christmas. The good news of the Christ child born to an occupied people, soon to be a refugee in the face of extra judicial killing. So, let’s make room for those who embody this pain and speak alongside them in ways that announce their hope.

Peter Cruchley, Council for World Mission

Prayer Prayers for the Church as they develop a new focus for children and youth work. We join the Church in praying for those in pastoral ministry, that they will be refreshed and rejuvenated for the continued work they are engaged in.

Congregational Federation

71 | Sunday Devotions 2020

20 December

Economic Justice

Reflection

Scripture: Luke 1: 46-55

T

o some, the bible is considered to be the most powerful weapon when it comes to fighting against the injustices of the world. However, it is important to understand there are two worlds that is at war with unjust systems - the world of the reader and the world of the author. In Luke 1: 46-55 we see Mary’s song also known as the Magnificat. In the world of the reader, this scripture can be interpreted in countless ways, this is largely dependent on who the reader is. For instance, feminist theologians interpret that these scriptures speak of how the saviour to all of humankind is proclaimed from a woman.

In the world of the author, Mary’s song preaches against the economic injustice that was happening during the time this text was written. Injustices that oppresses women such as Mary herself. Mary’s song spotlights the huge eco-religious arms that feeds off the impoverished. Mary’s song stands up for the hungry against the rich. Her gratification towards the Lord is based on the reign of a messiah who will dismantle the oppressive, unfair and unjust economic system that marginalize the minority groups that are suffering from poverty and hunger that leads to social problems that prevents God’s fullness of life.

Jesus was not praised in this song by Mary to be a man of heavenly magic, but to be the one who will speak for the voiceless, a bearer of support for those who live with disabilities, and a beacon of hope for the Jewish community who suffers from the economic injustices of that time.

Despite the thousands of years that separates us from the world of the author, these same issues of injustice continue to occur in our world today. As Christians, it would be hypocritical to find ourselves contributing to unjust economic systems that disconnects society from having fullness of life. We must follow in Christ’s example and create a world that is just for all of humanity.

Timasi Bird, United Church in Solomon Islands

Prayer Prayers for all who are impacted by the unpredictable severe droughts and erosion to coastal areas. Pray for the strengthening of the pastoral ministry of all EKT’s congregations from the islands of Tuvalu to New Zealand and Australia.

Ekalesia Kelisiano Tuvalu

Sunday Devotions 2020 | 72

27 December

Children and Young People

Reflection

Scripture: Luke 2: 22-40

R

ituals to welcome children into the world have been prominent throughout the course of recorded human history. When the son of God became flesh, it was no different for him. At the right time, Jesus was brought to the temple, according to his community’s traditions, for purification and consecration.

Yet, what happened during the ceremony indicates that things are going to work out somewhat differently for this young man.

Imagine how Jesus’ earthly parents must have reacted when the person presiding, a wise and respected old man, said that he was now ready to die because he had seen the long-promised Messiah alive and well, in this little child!

Imagine what must have been going through their heads as a long term, devout believer, who had worshipped God through joy and sorrow for many years, spoke of the hope He would bring to the whole people of Israel, this little child!

Imagine the emotions filling their hearts as they returned home with their child to bring him up, knowing that God had such amazing plans for His life, this little child!

Throughout Scripture, God is renowned for choosing people that no-one else would even consider to carry out the most important work; prophets who couldn’t speak properly, leaders who got drunk, followers who committed adultery. In calling tax collectors and sinners, God inverts everything we know. Weakness is strength, less is more, last is first.

God didn’t choose a mighty king or experienced warrior to be His presence on earth, but fresh, new, little child.

Let us notice the youngest in our midst. Let us always celebrate and encourage our children and young people, listening closely to them and responding to what they have to offer with gladness. It is through them that God choses to appear to us.

Simon Peters, United Reformed Church

Prayer God of grace, we give thanks for the newly appointed board of directors. As they step into their roles as CWM directors, we pray for wisdom and good health. We lift up the worshipful work they will do. As they provide leadership and direction to CWM’s secretariat, we pray that they will find profound meaning and joy in this shared work.

New CWM Board of Directors

73 | Sunday Devotions 2020

Notes

Notes

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