Contemplative Bible Reading

Zephaniah 3:19 (New Living Translation)

And I will deal severely with all who have oppressed you.
I will save the weak and helpless ones;
I will bring together
those who were chased away.
I will give glory and fame to my former exiles,
wherever they have been mocked and shamed.

Per tradition, it is Christmas time and Apple makes a heartwarming commercial that isn’t really a commercial but is a short story set in the Christmas season. This year’s best-ever-yet ad features Frankenstein. The frightened villagers, led by an innocent little girl, accept the once outcast Frankenstein into their community. All is well.

This brings us to the verse from Zephaniah, in particular the phrase:

I will bring together
those who were chased away.

Of course this is a bit sentimental; it may be too sentimental. Still, this is God and this is the Gospel. The Gospel is for all. Sometimes the Gospel highlights our shameful practice of casting some out of our community. That is ungodly and very much un-Gospel-like.

Thank you Apple for reminding me. Thank you Zephaniah for reminding me. Thank you God for your good news and your grace. Please God, help me with my unbelief.