“Beware to the filthy, stained city; the city filled with oppressors!
2 She is disobedient; she has refused correction. She does not trust the Lord; she has not sought the advice of her God. Her princes are as fierce as roaring lions; her rulers are as hungry as wolves in the desert, who completely devour their prey by morning.“ Zephaniah 3:1-3 NET
God who is merciful from everlasting to everlasting,
Reading Zephaniah I am struck how nothing really changes. We may think we are more sophisticated and ordered as a society but human nature is much the same. Zephaniah grew up under the reign of king Josiah’s predecessors: his evil grandfather, king Manasseh, and Manasseh’s son, the evil Amon. Surrounded by idolatry, child sacrifice, unjust killings. (2 Kings 21:16, 2 Chronicles 33:1010)
We are blessed with royalty who do not hide their faith and attend church. But over the years, members of the house of commons and Lords have hit the headlines for the wrong reasons. And society is not all well behaved or clean living. Today we are careful not to use such colourful language about sinful people for fear of slander! Sometimes the truth does not come out for years! And we are shocked by supposedly good people doing evil. Our cities do hold many today who worship anything else but You. Money, self, their own desires, the stars, science . . . We see children neglected, unloved and even murdered. Like Zephaniah we are horrified and reminded how seriously You, God, take our relationship with You. Zachariah in his first chapter reminds us that one day the unrepentant will answer to You.
Zephaniah reminds us we must choose sides. But in the midst be reminded You are still seeking and reaching out to the rebellious. Like the Good Shepherd who went after one small lost and wandering sheep (Luke 15). Our daily battle is to love the sinner, hate the sin and pray for the lost. Once upon a time it was us . . . we were sinners. We can never thank You enough that You saved us.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of miracles,
For our family and friends and neighbours. Health, safety purpose and salvation.
For our church, Ministers, lay leaders, church members. For renewal in the church.
For the royal family. To know You through the generations.
For our Government. Draw men and women with good hearts and good lives to take up the call.
For Ukraine, to stay free and lead Russia to desire peace and withdraw from war.
For Gaza, empower talks towards next step and give unity to all those in talks for peace.
For all who deal with sin, police, crown, magistrates and youth offending courts and prisons.
For teachers, tutors, carers, parents, mental health nurses.
For those who struggle with temper and poor mental health. Your love and power to change.
For a day to be grateful for whatever comes and look for You in our circumstances.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 17th May 2024
Everyone needs compassion
A love that’s never failing
Let mercy fall on me
Everyone needs forgiveness
The kindness of a Saviour
The hope of nations
Saviour
He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever
Author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave
So take me as You find me
And all my fears and failures
Fill my life again
I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in
Now I surrender
Chorus
Shine Your light and let the whole world see
We’re singing
For the glory of the risen King, Jesus
Shine Your light and let the whole world see
We’re singing
For the glory of the risen King
Lyrics: Reuben Timothy Morgan and Benjamin David Fielding