Opening Prayer
Gracious God, I put myself before you in this moment with waiting heart, expectant desire. Open my eyes that I may see your promise fulfilled; open my ears that I may hear your word whispered to my deepest being.
Amen.
Passage
Zephaniah 3:14-20
Sing, Daughter Zion; shout aloud, Israel!Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy.The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm. On that day they will say to Jerusalem,“Do not fear, Zion; do not let your hands hang limp. The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves.He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, ut will rejoice over you with singing.”
“I will remove from you all who mourn over the loss of your appointed festivals, which is a burden and reproach for you. At that time I will deal with all who oppressed you.I will rescue the lame; will gather the exiles.I will give them praise and honor n every land where they have suffered shame. At that time I will gather you; at that time I will bring you home.I will give you honor and praise among all the peoples of the earthwhen I restore your fortunesbefore your very eyes,”says the Lord.
Reflection - Dave Pritchard
This passage gives the believer hope, WELL-FOUNDED hope. Hope for God’s people during King Josiah’s reign 2,600 years ago and hope for Christians today. God’s promise through Zephaniah was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Thousands of God’s promises have been fulfilled since, plus the example of many faithful believers as a pattern for us to follow. We can sing, shout, be glad, and rejoice with all our heart! We’ve been pardoned, the enemy defeated! We've been rescued! He called it, and it happened just as He said it would. God is rejoicing as well, and we can join Him in the celebration, filled with gratitude, and a desire to serve Him today.
How? By sharing the Good News! It’s hunting season...so get in the hunt. Find someone who is lost and bless them with HOPE!
Closing Prayer
My Lord, may all that I have seen of you and all that I have heard from your word now enflesh itself in me. Send me from this place as the incarnate promise of life to all whose life I will touch this day.
Amen.