61, 62; 112, 115
Zeph. 3:14-20 Titus 1:1-16 Luke 1:1-25
“Lift up your voice with strength, lift it up don’t be afraid. Behold your God. Arise and shine for the light of the world is come. Behold your God!”
Honestly, I have never heard of nor listened to a sermon from Zephaniah in my life! However, this book, written centuries ago, encapsulates the world I encounter daily, based on my lived experiences.
Around the world it appears that once again God is not pleased with the behavior of the human family. Fire, wind, rain, earthquake, disease, death, isolation, trauma, protests of all kinds, a lack of humanity or understanding between siblings is evident.
Yet, Verse 14 begins with a song. There are times when it feels like God isn’t here and doesn’t understand the pain or injustice toward family members found on the edges of the ‘circle of life.’ People distrust the integrity of systems they encounter.
Zephaniah calms the people, telling them their God is with them and will rejoice over them in song!
Then God speaks directly to the people saying, “You are mine!! I got your back!” Yet what does the Lord require of us? According to Micah, “God has shown you, what is good. To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
God we are grateful that you are in our midst and watch over us even when we ignore your word. Please forgive us ~
Listen to Ora read her Advent meditation and prayer:
