In the midst. Scripture, reflection and praise - 8 Oct

​Zephaniah 3:14-20 "So sing, Daughter Zion!
    Raise your voices, Israel!
Daughter Jerusalem,
    be happy! celebrate!
God has reversed his judgments against you
    and sent your enemies off chasing their tails.
From now on, God is Israel’s king,
    in charge at the center.
There’s nothing to fear from evil
    ever again!

Jerusalem will be told:
    “Don’t be afraid.
Dear Zion,
    don’t despair.
Your God is present among you,
    a strong Warrior there to save you.
Happy to have you back, he’ll calm you with his love
    and delight you with his songs.
“The accumulated sorrows of your exile
    will dissipate.
I, your God, will get rid of them for you.
    You’ve carried those burdens long enough.
At the same time, I’ll get rid of all those
    who’ve made your life miserable.
I’ll heal the maimed;
    I’ll bring home the homeless.
In the very countries where they were hated
    they will be venerated.
On Judgment Day
    I’ll bring you back home—a great family gathering!
You’ll be famous and honoured
    all over the world.
You’ll see it with your own eyes--
    all those painful partings turned into reunions!”
        God’s Promise." MSG

Reflection.  These feel like words written as a prophecy for the end of the  'exile' that is Covid.  

The Lord is bringing us through this evil time.  
The Lord will bring calm to us again. 
The Lord will delight over us with singing.

Who doesn't love the idea of being brought home?
Who doesn't love the idea of a great family gathering?
Who doesn't love the idea of the homeless being homed?

​Sorrows and burdens gone!

Prayer. Lord God, thank you for the great prophet Zephaniah. Thank you for timeless words. In Jesus's name. Amen.