15 December 2020

They shall seek refuge in the name of the Lord—
   the remnant of Israel;
they shall do no wrong
and utter no lies,
nor shall a deceitful tongue
be found in their mouths.
Then they will pasture and lie down,
and no one shall make them afraid.
Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-3, NRSV

The prophet Zephaniah foresaw that there would be a day of judgement for the people of Judah who had not kept faith with the Covenant God made with Moses. Jerusalem had become a rebellious city where corruption was rife.  Zephaniah urged the people to repentance and obedience to God but knew that many would not respond. However, he did offer the hope that the nation would not be completely destroyed but that a faithful “remnant” would remain. By seeking forgiveness and relying on God, these humble and lowly people would not only survive but also flourish.

• • Why did so few – just a “remnant” – pay attention to the prophet’s warning? 
  • Who are the prophets of our own times and what might they be trying to tell us?

Pray today for the gifts of honesty and integrity and give thanks for people you know who share these gifts with you.