“As for those who grieve because they cannot attend the festivals—I took them away from you;
they became tribute and were a source of shame to you.
19 Look, at that time I will deal with those who mistreated you. I will rescue the lame sheep and gather together the scattered sheep. I will take away their humiliation and make the whole earth admire and respect them.
20 At that time I will lead you—at the time I gather you together. Be sure of this! I will make all the nations of the earth respect and admire you when you see me restore you,” says the Lord.” Zephaniah 3:18-20
God who will,
I was struck by how many times You, God, say ‘I will’ in these last few verses of Zephaniah. I will take away, I will deal with, I will rescue, I took them away, I will lead, I will make all the nations . . . Some scholars say this is about bringing back those who were exiled in Babylon others that it is about a day yet to come. We have not seen a day yet when Jews or Christians are respected by the whole earth. Far from it.
Rituals were taken away from us during Covid. Some floundered in their faith because they relied on them. We all missed the familiar pattern of worshipping together and taking communion. But it also forced many of us to strengthen our own relationship with You. And to not place faith in anything else. And to appreciate it when it was possible again.
You have always been faithful to Your Word and so we trust You will lead us and will one day gather us together and will restore us to life everlasting. We pray that Your people, both Jews and gentiles will recognise Jesus as the Messiah in that day. There will be no more persecution or prejudice. Till then we will put our trust in You. The God who will.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God who will,
For our family and friends and neighbours. Deliver them from evil into Your glorious light.
For our church, Ministers, lay leaders, church members. Raise up people who will build church.
For the royal family. Deliver them to full health and strength.
For our Government. Raise up members who will.do what is best and right.
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 teachers and parents who help children to choose the best and know right and wrong.
For those who will be making decisions this week.
For all those who will choose to do good this week, help and serve.
For us to have a good start to the week and peace of mind and a will to do good.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 20th May 2022
When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound and time shall be no more,
And the morning breaks, eternal, bright and fair;
When the saved of earth shall gather over on the other shore,
And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.
When the roll is called up yonder,
When the roll is called up yonder,
When the roll is called up yonder,
When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.
On that bright and cloudless morning when the dead in Christ shall rise,
And the glory of his resurrection share;
When his chosen ones shall gather to their home beyond the skies,
And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.
Let us labour for the Master from the dawn till setting sun;
Let us talk of all his wondrous love and care.
Then when all of life is over and our work on earth is done,
And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.
Lyrics: James Black 1893