Changing Shame into Praise

A Living Faith
Who Understands Faith?
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch

Zephaniah 3:14-20

The Message

^14-15 So sing, Daughter Zion!
    Raise the rafters, Israel!
Daughter Jerusalem,
    be happy! celebrate!
God has reversed his judgments against you
    and sent your enemies off chasing their tails.
From now on, God is Israel’s king,
    in charge at the center.
There’s nothing to fear from evil
    ever again!

God Is Present Among You

^16-17 Jerusalem will be told:
    “Don’t be afraid.
Dear Zion,
    don’t despair.
Your God is present among you,
    a strong Warrior there to save you.
Happy to have you back, he’ll calm you with his love
    and delight you with his songs.

^18-20 “The accumulated sorrows of your exile
    will dissipate.
I, your God, will get rid of them for you.
    You’ve carried those burdens long enough.
At the same time, I’ll get rid of all those
    who’ve made your life miserable.
I’ll heal the maimed;
    I’ll bring home the homeless.
In the very countries where they were hated
    they will be venerated.
On Judgment Day
    I’ll bring you back home—a great family gathering!
You’ll be famous and honored
    all over the world.
You’ll see it with your own eyes—
    all those painful partings turned into reunions!”
        God’s Promise.

For Reflection

So many times Scripture reveals the intent of the new covenant which was sealed with Christ's blood.  Over and over again the message of transformation and the hope inherent in new beginnings is told.  So, believe it!  Sinners like you and me are given a new chance.  Nothing is held against us.  Praise God for His new covenant.

Pray

that you will take to heart the good news.  Pray that you will have the confidence, conviction and trust in the promise of hope.  Pray that people all over the world will experience the shalom of the new covenant.