Tuesday 15 December 2020

Today is Tuesday the 15 December in the 3rd week of Advent.

The monks of Pluscarden Abbey sing Laetetur cor quaerentium. Let the heart of those who seek the Lord rejoice; seek the Lord and be strengthened, seek his face always. Entering into prayer today, I too am seeking the Lord, seeking his face, looking for the signs of his presence in my life, gently guiding me in truth and peace and love.

Today’s reading is from the prophet Zephaniah.

Zephaniah 3:11-13

On that day you shall not be put to shame

   because of all the deeds by which you have rebelled against me;

for then I will remove from your midst

   your proudly exultant ones,

and you shall no longer be haughty

   in my holy mountain.

For I will leave in the midst of you

   a people humble and lowly.

They shall seek refuge in the name of the Lord—

the remnant of Israel;

they shall do no wrong

   and utter no lies,

nor shall a deceitful tongue

   be found in their mouths.

Then they will pasture and lie down,

   and no one shall make them afraid.

The tables are turned for winners and underdogs here.  How does that idea strike you?   Who do you think are the ‘proudly exultant’, the ‘haughty’ ones these days?  Who are the ‘humble and lowly’? How would you describe yourself?

The writer makes a connection between being humble and telling the truth.  Is that a connection you would make too? Or does humility equate to being downtrodden?

As you hear the passage again, picture the scene where the humble are led to a place of safety where no-one will make them afraid. Can you place yourself in the scene?   

Can you allow yourself to be encouraged by these promises? Is there perhaps a change of attitude you long to see in yourself?  In this season of Advent, wait in the presence of God who wants to bring you to a place of safety.  Speak to Him openly, as one friend to another, about what is on your heart.

O Wisdom

Lord and Ruler

Root of Jesse

Key of David

Rising Sun

King of the Nations

Emmanuel

Come, Lord Jesus