Scripture for Today | Zephaniah 3:14-20 (with Pastor Nick)

About this Episode

Opening Song: 

Prepare Him Room by Rebecca Elliott and Dave Fournier 

Lyrics:

O behold the mystery now unfolds

See the star shine on the virgin foretold

Angels sing and light up the sky

Hope rings out in a newborn's cry

Swing wide you ancient gates

For Christ is born today

 

Prepare Him room prepare Him room

Let the King of Glory enter in

 

God with us the promise has come to be

This the one the prophets were longing to see

In the darkness a blazing light

To the hungry the words of life

His kingdom now is near

For those with ears to hear

 

Oh our hearts as busy as Bethlehem

Hear Him knock don't say there's no room in the inn

Through the cradle cross and grave

See the love of God displayed

Now He's risen and He reigns

Praise the Name above all names

Passage: 

14   Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion;

shout, O Israel!

Rejoice and exult with all your heart,

O daughter of Jerusalem!

15 The LORD has taken away the judgments against you;

he has cleared away your enemies.

The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst;

you shall never again fear evil.

16 On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem:

“Fear not, O Zion;

let not your hands grow weak.

17 The LORD your God is in your midst,

a mighty one who will save;

he will rejoice over you with gladness;

he will quiet you by his love;

he will exult over you with loud singing.

18 I will gather those of you who mourn for the festival,

so that you will no longer suffer reproach.

19 Behold, at that time I will deal

with all your oppressors.

And I will save the lame

and gather the outcast,

and I will change their shame into praise

and renown in all the earth.

20 At that time I will bring you in,

at the time when I gather you together;

for I will make you renowned and praised

among all the peoples of the earth,

when I restore your fortunes

before your eyes,” says the LORD.

(Zephaniah 3:14–20 ESV)

Musical Reflection:

Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming (ES IST EIN ROS) by Michael Praetorius

Reflection Notes: 

Praetorius composed this tune in the early seventeenth century while working at various court and church appointments in Germany. The somewhat melancholy nature of the melody reflects the theological tension of the text: the rose of Christ is born to die, but will rise again in resurrection glory. 

Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, you sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Grant that the ministers and stewards of your mysteries may likewise make ready your way, by turning the hearts of the disobedient toward the wisdom of the just, that at your second coming to judge the world, we may be found a people acceptable in your sight; for with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.