Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Rejoicing in God’s Redemption

Bible Reading: ::Zephaniah 3:14-20

Key verse:  

Bible Verse::“For I will make you renowned and praised…..when I restore your fortunes before your eyes, says the Lord.” (v.20)

DEVOTION

The book of Zephaniah speaks about Israel’s and Judah’s relationship with the Lord. They had turned away from Him and suffered the consequences of their disobedience. Zephaniah reminds them of the importance of being watchful for the Day of the Lord. All people are called to revere Him and turn back to the Lord. When you return to Him, your sins will be forgiven, He will dwell in your midst, and the Lord will restore your fortunes.
The Joy of Returning to the Lord
Zephaniah assures us that the Lord will not reject those who return to Him. The boundless possibility of forgiveness is emphasized in the teachings of Jesus, and Zephaniah echoes this same theme. The Lord loves the sinner and is always willing to forgive when he or she turns back to Him. The father in the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11–32) beautifully reflects the compassionate and kind-hearted nature of our heavenly Father.
Treasures Found in the Presence of the Lord
The Lord stays with you and loves you (Zephaniah 3:17). He is gracious toward you. The presence of the Lord is the greatest treasure one can possess in life, and that is the promise given here. The prayer of Moses in Exodus 33 offers a good example: when the Lord shows His favour to Moses, Moses asks for the continued presence of the Lord among the Israelites. Let us always remember this: “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). 
The Lord Restores our Fortunes
Because of their disobedience, Judah and Israel suffered pain and exile. Yet here we find a wonderful promise: “The Lord will restore your fortunes” (Zephaniah 3:20). The Lord Himself will make you renowned and praised. Through the love of Jesus, you can be made new. Christmas is a reminder that God brings good news to the poor and hope to the broken ones. No one is outside the love of God and there is always the possibility of redemption.

PRAYER

: Lord, we have erred a lot. Forgive us. Help us to return and receive your pardon and blessings, Amen.

Thought for the DAY

Even in loss, trust leads to restoration, because God’s wisdom and goodness never fail.


Mrs. Liba Varghese 
W/o Rev. Sam Philip, Ph. D Studies
Mar Thoma Seminary Kottayam

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