Zephaniah 3:14-20 – Jesus’ Promise

Read Zephaniah 3:14-20

The entire book of Zephaniah is only three chapters, so it’s a quick read. Zephaniah paints a harsh, maybe even terrifying, picture of how the people in Judah are facing doom. The tone of messaging changes in today’s reading to bring hope. It’s time to “be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem!” It’s a good reminder for us to rejoice amidst our temporary pain and affliction.

Oh, how wonderful those words would have sounded. At last, a prophecy the people would want to hear. Imagine hearing that your dread and fear would be taken away. The people who had suffered so long had something to hold on to—their hope for a savior. This prophecy even tells them to “cheer up!” Continue reading “Zephaniah 3:14-20 – Jesus’ Promise”

Isaiah 35:1-10 – Ultimate Hope

Read Isaiah 35:1-10

Isaiah delivers a powerful yet beautiful prophecy. His message of hope for restoration came just in time. In the preceding 34 chapters, Isaiah had delivered a message of judgment on both Israel and Judah for rejecting God. These positive words would have been more than welcome.

We can’t help but get lost for a moment in the flowers’ blossoming display this time of year. In many locales, like where I’m from in the States, there is snow, snow, and more snow for as far as the eye can see. I even wore my snowflake shirt in their honor. I don’t miss a cold Christmas. I thought I would. Continue reading “Isaiah 35:1-10 – Ultimate Hope”

Malachi 3:1-4 – Refining Fire

Read Malachi 3:1-4

This reading is another great example of how God used the prophets of old to speak about the coming judgment. The timing of Malachi, the last book in the Old Testament, is after the exiles return from Babylon and the temple has been rebuilt. Malachi speaks of a messenger, believed to be John the Baptist, preparing the way for Jesus, and a second messenger to bring the new covenant.

The people must be getting a little lazy in their faith and allegiance. The priests weren’t leading the people into the knowledge of the one true God. God was sending a wake-up call through Malachi to get their attention. There would be a gap of several centuries between the Old and New Testaments, and it would be wise to pay attention to these prophetic words. Continue reading “Malachi 3:1-4 – Refining Fire”

Mark 1:1-8 – The Greater One

Read Mark 1:1-8

How seamlessly Zechariah’s prophecy in our last reading flows into seeing John the Baptist’s purpose up close and personal. The Gospel of Mark doesn’t waste any time in recording Jesus’ ministry becoming known. Mark skips past the Christmas story and jumps to Jesus’ grand appearance in the world he created. (Yes, Jesus was extremely active during creation – but that’s a totally different reflection.)

John the Baptist had been born to be that voice “shouting in the wilderness” about the coming Messiah, King Jesus. What a magnificent honor John had. I think that all of those early followers must have been a bit starry-eyed at being around Jesus once they discovered his identity as the Messiah. John did call him the “greater” one. Continue reading “Mark 1:1-8 – The Greater One”

Luke 1:67-79 – Path of Peace

Read Luke 1:67-79

This is the passage we read this week at the orphanage during the lighting of our second Advent candle on the Advent wreath. It was the candle of “peace.” These verses speak of our Prince of Peace, Jesus, the Savior of the world.

Picture the scene: Zechariah was finally able to speak after months of being unable. His son had just been born, and because of an angelic encounter earlier, Zechariah knew that his child would become a great prophet of God. He had to be beaming with pride as well as giving thanks to God. Continue reading “Luke 1:67-79 – Path of Peace”

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