Then I will purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the Lord. (Zeph. 3:9)
Selecting a church to attend is a difficult task. My husband was in small market radio, which meant that we moved many times. Each move necessitated selecting a new church to attend. Some churches espoused unscriptural, culturally-accepted lifestyle choices and equality of all religions. Regardless of these, God faithfully provided a Bible-believing fellowship wherever we went.
God’s wrath toward the sins of humanity and his redemptive mercy are described in Zephaniah’s prophecy. Although God does provide his people with biblical instruction and warnings of consequences from sin, many do not listen. Zephaniah 3:2 states, “She [Judah] does not trust in the Lord, she does not draw near to her God.” Yet, there is a remnant who do trust God. This remnant is represented in verse 9. They practice sanctified worship through God’s touch, and he hears them.
Philippians 2:10–11 tells of a future time when “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord.” This kingdom age is coming. Are you ready? Are you willing to trust in and live by all biblical teachings, or do you compromise with the world and only follow those tenets society agrees with? God is waiting to touch you with the joy of holy worship.
Seek an unadulterated relationship with God.
Dale Witowski is a lay pastor, sanctuary steward, missions’ director, and Sunday school teacher at Horseheads Community Wesleyan Church (NY). She is also an artist and a poet.
© 2023 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
