The Emergence of Man (Manhood) by Gladson MusondaSample

PREPARATION – pre-pare /prēˈper/

“The action or process of making ready or being made ready for use or consideration.”

The world that we live in is in turmoil. The struggle for power, control, and influence is at an all-time high. You don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home to see the chaos that is around us. But in the midst of all that, there is a cry for authentic leadership. Who will rise up and point the way?

For our time together I’d like to focus on this and in particular the role that men play in this void of authentic leadership. What is our God-given assignment when leadership falls short? Who do we blame?

I believe that the time is so ripe for you and I as men to rise up and set in order the course of our world.

Let’s begin with some definitions because I believe that a good understanding of our terms of reference is critical to truly addressing the need or question hand.

EMERGENCE is defined as:

• The process of coming into view or becoming exposed after being concealed.
• The process of coming into being, or of becoming important or prominent.

PROCESS is defined as the “Progressive Course; Moving forward; Proceeding.”

PROCEED is the root word for process and it means...

• To move, pass, or go forward from one place to another. This word thus used implies that the motion, journey, or voyage had been previously commenced, and to proceed is then to renew or continue the motion or progress.

From the definitions above we can ascertain that the “process” for men to come into “being” and coming into “view” has already been set in motion and we have got to renew or continue on that journey.

My prayer is that this devotional stirs up aflame in you that God put there from the day you were conceived; that you will rise up to the call and need that the world we live in has of you.

So, what is involved in this process of EMERGENCE? I have broken this process into the following keywords; Preparation; Agitation; Formation; Transformation; and Action.

I’ll be using agricultural analogies to help drive the point.

Gentlemen! Let’s begin…

The story of creation found in Genesis 1 & 2 tells of a process of preparation for God’s Masterpiece to thrive. Before Man could ever be created God took time to prepare and create an environment that Man would thrive in. He set time, seasons, years, and months in place as well. These would be governed by light (the Sun, Moon, and Stars). (Genesis 1:3-5, 14-19)

Preparation is connected to SEASON(S) and seasons are responsible for the creation of an ENVIRONMENT. Season is defined as, the proper time, state of being, and bring to maturity. In order for you and I to prepare correctly, we must understand the season and the corresponding environment.

A farmer understands the importance of correctly discerning and interpreting the season along with its corresponding environment because this will aid in his preparation for the field for seeding. This will also inform him of what seed will thrive in that environment.

We are born of God; of the seed of Abraham. You are a seed that has been planted in an environment that is necessary for you to thrive. God (the Husbandman) is a Master Planner and the season of your emergence demands that you be put in the right environment. Have you embraced your environment or are you fighting it? Do you know that all has been prepared for you to thrive where you are?

CALL TO ACTION:

Take a moment and look back at the different environments that you have found yourself in.

1. What season would say that environment came with?
2. Have you been able to clearly discern the season and what action that season was calling you into on this journey of true and authentic masculinity?

This is not a place for guilt or condemnation; rather it’s a call to RENEWAL. You pick yourself up and get back on the road.

PRAYER:

Father, thank you for your love. Truly, it’s your kindness that is leading me to repentance and realignment. I acknowledge that I am Your Masterpiece created in Christ Jesus for the good works that You prepared for me before the foundations of the earth. Forgive me for straying from the path that you have set for me. I submit myself to the working of your Spirit in me. For you are at work in me both to will and act according to your pleasure.

Holy Spirit, you are my Helper sent from the Father to come alongside me as I pursue my God-given assignment. Help me to stay the course. Thank you for being with me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.