It is once again time for the sermon. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider it.
Last week, we began a short study on the Old Testament book of Zephaniah. We learned that Zephaniah ministered during the latter part of the history of the Kingdom of Judah. He told the people to turn away from idols and back to God, or God would send judgment. During the reign of Josiah, there was an attempt under this good king's leadership to bring about revival. It did not really take hold in the people's hearts. As soon as Josiah died, the people went right back to worshipping idols.
Shortly after the death of Josiah, God had had enough of the sinfulness of those in the land. The Babylonians invaded, destroyed the Temple and took people captive. This isn't the end of the story, and it isn't the end of Zephaniah's message.
In the final section of the book, Zephaniah gave a prophecy with a double fulfillment.
After a time, the Lord would bring a faithful remnant of His people back into the Land of Promise. Under the leadership of Nehemiah, the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt. The prophet Haggai, encouraged the people to rebuild the Temple.
However, Zephaniah had a deeper message. He said that a day would come when the Lord would reign over His people from within their midst. This was a prophesy concerning the reign of the Messiah upon the earth.
As followers of Jesus Christ, we believe that He is the Messiah foretold in the Old Testament. Jesus fulfilled multiple Old Testament prophecies during His earthly life and ministry. Because these prophecies were fulfilled, we can have completed confidence in the fact that Jesus will come again just as He said fulfilling the rest of what the Scriptures say about Him.
When Jesus returns in His glorious second coming, He will reign over the world from the New Jerusalem. His reign will have no end, and sin will be no more. There will be perfect peace and harmony, and He will wipe away every tear from every eye.
Whenever you begin to feel discouraged,
take heart that Jesus is the soon coming King. All will be well very soon. Praise be to God.
Prayer Requests and Other Matters
I have been having a lot of trouble with arthritis. Please pray that this will feel better soon.
Please pray for an end to the coronavirus pandemic. Pray that those who are sick will make a speedy recovery.
Pray that the fires in the Western US will be contained and brought under control.
Pray for peace in the situations between Greece and Turkey and Azerbaijan and Armenia. Syria and Yemen continue to need our prayers.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for Turkmenistan and Tunisia. Pray that many will hear about the love of Jesus.
Next week, I will once again post the sermon on Friday. The verses will be posted on Monday. I will try to post something on Wednesday. May God bless you all.
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