MONDAY 11TH DECEMBER 2017 MORNING
Zephaniah 3:18-20 New International Version (NIV)
18 “I will remove from you
all who mourn over the loss of your appointed festivals,
which is a burden and reproach for you.
19 At that time I will deal
with all who oppressed you.
I will rescue the lame;
I will gather the exiles.
I will give them praise and honour
in every land where they have suffered shame.
20 At that time I will gather you;
at that time I will bring you home.
I will give you honour and praise
among all the peoples of the earth
when I restore your fortunes[a]
before your very eyes,”
says the Lord.
If you read from the beginning of chapter 3 you will see Prophet Zephania recounts how Jerusalem defied the lord and were then punished by invasion and destruction. In today's verses, God restores the remnants of the Nation of Israel by his mercies. God forgives those who have sinned and repented, by his Mercy.
JUMATATU TAREHE 11 DISEMBA 2017 ASUBUHI
Sefania 3: 18 - 20
18 Nitawakusanya wanaousikitikia mkutano wa ibada, hao waliokuwa wa kwako; ambao mzigo uliokuwa juu yake ulikuwa fedheha kwao.
19 Tazama, wakati huo nitawapatiliza watu wote wanaokutesa; nami nitamponya yeye achechemeaye, nami nitamkusanya yeye aliyefukuzwa; nami nitawafanya kuwa sifa na jina, hao ambao fedheha yao ilikuwa katika dunia yote.
20 Wakati huo nitawaingizeni, na wakati huo nitawakusanya; kwa maana nitawafanya ninyi kuwa sifa na jina, miongoni mwa watu wote wa dunia, nitakapowarudisha wafungwa wenu mbele ya macho yenu, asema Bwana.
Ukisoma kuanzia mwanzo wa mlango wa 3 utaona nabii Sefania akielezea jinsi taifa la Israel walivyomwasi Mungu na akawaadhibu kwa mataifa kuwavamia na kuiangamiza Jerusalem. Katika mistari ya leo tunanaona baadae Mungu anawakusanya mabaki ya taifa la Israel kwa huruma zake. Tunapoanguka katika dhambi, tukirejea na kutubu, Mungu anatusamehe.
