Before Reading.
- Centering prayer— Pray for illumination, “Lord, open my heart and mind by the power of the Holy Spirit,” and remain in silence.
Reading.
- Read slowly, keeping any words or phrase that come to your mind, and mark on them.
- Close eyes and meditate on what you read.
- Take a note if you have question, inspiration.
Read Zephaniah 3
Overview
The future of Jerusalem.
Chapter three, a concluding chapter of the book, is composed of three parts. The first part is woe to the city of Jerusalem because of her officials, judges, prophets, and priests are corrupt and do not fear the righteous Lord, though he warned them (v 1-7).
The second part is God’s call to repentance and promise for a righteous remnant will be left in Israel, making their heart pure, forgiving their sins, and removing the curse of Babel (v.8-13).
The third part is doxology of the salvation of God, promising the joy of restoration to Jerusalem by ingathering of the exiles, returning to the Holy Land, and by making Israel renowned, praised among all the people of the earth. (14-20)
The Lord will fulfill his promise to their ancestors. (Genesis 12:2-3)
1. What does this passage tell you about God?
2. What does this passage tell you about people.?
3. What does this passage tell you about yourself and God’s will for you?
