Monday, March 31, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Zephaniah 2:4–7

For Gaza shall be deserted,
and Ashkelon shall become a desolation;
Ashdod’s people shall be driven out at noon,
and Ekron shall be uprooted.
Ah, inhabitants of the seacoast,
you nation of the Cherethites!
The word of the Lord is against you,
O Canaan, land of the Philistines;
and I will destroy you until no inhabitant is left.
And you, O seacoast, shall be pastures,
meadows for shepherds and folds for flocks.
The seacoast shall become the possession
of the remnant of the house of Judah,
on which they shall pasture,
and in the houses of Ashkelon
they shall lie down at evening.
For the Lord their God will be mindful of them
and restore their fortunes. (NRSV)

Reflection

The book of Zephaniah begins with a warning. It describes in detail the wrath of God’s destruction to various lands across Jerusalem and throughout Israel all the way to its coasts because of people who had turned their backs on the ways of God. This foretelling prophecy of devastation displays God’s hurt and disappointment in those who had fallen into the sinful ways of pride, reviling of others, and seeking refuge in the wrong people and in the wrong things.

As you read the scriptures, God’s anger is palpable, but even through this rage God’s grace is present. For those who humble themselves, seek God’s ways, and live righteously God promises “I will give you honor and praise among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your fortunes before your very eyes” (Zephaniah 3:20).

We all fall short of God’s grace at times, but if we can remember just how special and valuable we are to God, we can humbly go to God, seek God’s forgiveness, and follow God’s ways.

Prayer
Lord, we thank you for your eternal love and mercy. There is so much going on in our world today that displeases you, but you still have compassion for those who seek you, and because of that we are grateful. Help us to remember your promises even when the world seems to be falling apart. For even in the chaos your love and grace towards your people will prevail. Thank you. Amen.

Written by Michelle Epps, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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