Sermon - 12/12/21

<p>It is good to be back with you, even though we gather online. Last week, Pastor John compared the circumstances in which we presently live to a wilderness experience. I will be honest with you, I deeply feel that wilderness experience, and so I <strong>need</strong> to hear the word God gives us on this day because I have been discouraged. I have been discouraged by living with four weeks of illness, by struggling with Covid-19, by the cavalier and careless attitude people are taking toward this deadly virus, and by the lack of respect, love, and care for neighbor exhibited by far too many. I have also been <strong>deeply</strong> distraught by the horrific killing that took place at Oxford High School less than two weeks ago. And then, when only days later, some elected leaders posted <strong>Christmas</strong> messages with pictures showing each member of their family, some children, holding a gun, we saw how deeply the <strong>idolatry</strong> of gun worship is infecting our culture. <strong>Our nation’s worship of guns is dangerous and wrong!</strong> Yes, I desperately need to hear the word God gives us on this day.</p> <p>Richard Rohr writes, “<strong>The word of God</strong> <strong>confronts, converts, and consoles us – in that order</strong>.” In today’s readings, God’s word comes to us and does just that, it <strong>confronts, converts, and consoles</strong>. From the prophet Zephaniah, we hear: “Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem!” However, prior to today’s passage, Zephaniah has just confronted and condemned Israelite <strong>idolatry</strong> and society’s oppression of the poor. Zephaniah told the people that God has commanded obedience to the covenant, and God will punish offenders. Then, after that <strong>confrontation</strong> and call for <strong>conversion</strong>, a call for people to change their ways, the prophet <strong>consolingly</strong> sings about God’s promised salvation. Zephaniah says that as people return to the covenant, God stands inside the city, e