May 3, 2020, Zephaniah 3:14-20 – Post 3 – ISSL Reflections

VII.
Before we end our time with Zephaniah, let’s notice what he says about homecoming.

“… The Lord, your God, is in your midst …
… I will remove disaster …
… I will save the lame …
… [I will] gather the outcast …
… I will bring you home …
…. I [will] gather you …
… when I restore your fortunes ..,. “

Restoration, returning to Zion, is a theme in many of the prophets.

How many times can you recall the lame, the outcast, the despised being included in this homecoming, this reclaiming of Zion?

I suspect you will find it is often mentioned in the prophets, in the Torah, and in the Gospel.

VIII.
This passage began with the invitation for the people to “Sing … shout … Rejoice and exult.”

Then we told,

“The Lord, your God, is in your midst,
a warrior who gives victory;
he will rejoice over you with gladness,
he will renew you in his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing
as on a day of festival.”

This homecoming finds the people rejoicing and God rejoicing and singing with them.

It seems to me this kind of time “when [God] restores your fortunes” must extend far beyond material fortunes.

How does it strike you?

Take time today to envision the time and place Zephaniah calls – Home.

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}


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