John 12:12-16
Recently we have been investigating the Word of God as given by the lesser prophets. Through the prophets we see
first-hand the sinful nature of humanity as it shows itself in its many forms. But underpinning this we are given a peek into the heart of God and the intention of God, that God will not quit because of humanity’s evil, until he has completed his intended purpose.
There is a purpose at work which is steadfast and relentless amid all the pestilence and problems of the world. A justice and righteousness that operates in, with, under and beyond any of our best intentions and which flows from and is grounded in the love of the creator. A purpose that gives hope because God has not abandoned us. All of the prophets point to the coming Messiah, to a salvific plan enacted in what we see as foolishness, because we
struggle with the wisdom of God.
The gospels that draw our focus to the Messiah who has come. Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week, begins the final steps toward the visible yet invisible raw power and majesty of God. God’s hiddenness, hidden in the man Jesus who rides on a donkey to the shouts of “hosanna” (save us please) is indeed very fitting in the times in which we find ourselves.
Pastor Darryl

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3:1-5
During the last few weeks, we have been enjoying God speaking to us through the words of the ‘lesser’ prophets.
One thing that has struck me as I read the texts is the various ways that the Word has been brought to us by the prophets. By that I mean, sometimes the prophet just tells it like it is – you did this and so deserve the
consequences. Other times poetry or other forms of picture language are used to bring the message. Last week, we heard a lament, the prophet pouring out his emotions to God “How long O Lord will you not hear….”

Although in all the books, God addresses his people through the mouth of the prophet, firstly in a disciplinary way due to their sin, his final word is grace and compassion. Even though we may not always realise it, God cares. Now in the final book of the Old Testament, Malachi, God speaks directly to his people, and that is you and me. Here, it is the way that he does that is different – more like a parent speaking to their wayward child. A parent who is so full of
love and compassion that they will go to the extreme giving of themselves to show it. All of which points to God’s extreme Easter suffering and sacrifice in Jesus who died on the cross for us.
Pastor Darryl

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Habakkuk Ch 1-3
It is not uncommon to express grief, sorrow, or disappointment about something. In other words, to lament.
Laments are our deepest expressions of how we feel. Many of the Psalms are written as laments, speaking to God
and questioning him, but they also demonstrate praise. Author Shane Hipps wrote “The two
complement each other.

Without lament, praise is little more than shallow sentimentality and a denial of life’s struggles and sin. Without praise, lament is a denial of hope and grace, both of which are central to our life of faith.” Of the prophets, Habakkuk is unique because he speaks directly to God about his issues, rather than being God’s mouthpiece to God’s people. The book is an intense dialog between the prophet and God, with Habakkuk arguing that God’s ways are unfathomable and even unjust. Sometimes I’m sure that many of us have felt that way also.

What Habakkuk demonstrates is that true worship is relational and embraces both lament and praise. It’s not unspiritual to declare your questions to God. He’s big enough to handle your cries and your concerns, your fears and frustrations. In Matthew 11:27-29 Jesus says “All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father… Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” 1 Peter5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” How easy it is to forget these things.

Pastor Darryl

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Zephaniah 1-3

As we have been studying some of the minor prophets, a number of similarities ought to have become apparent. Like so many prophetic writings, Zephaniah chapter 1, speaks of God’s determination to pour out his judgement on Judah and Jerusalem. Last week we noted 10 problems that Zephaniah speaks of, of which we looked more deeply at 5 of them, all culminating in the coming ‘Day of the Lord’. The “Day of the Lord” was not only related to Israel’s captivity in Assyria and/or Babylon, but it is also the coming future.
This week we enter Chapter 2 and 3 which firstly switches to other nations before returning to God’s people. They all also fall under God’s justice and righteousness. Not only is he a God of justice who will always punish sin, but the Lord is also protective towards His people and jealous for His holy name.
God in his grace takes and uses ALL things – both the good and the bad, and He works them together for the good of his people. God promised redemption and restoration for his people. One day this plan will be fully and finally complete – when Christ is ALL in ALL.

Pastor Darryl

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Zephaniah 1-3

Zephaniah, a book that I’m sure we have all worn out the pages reading it. The prophets Nahum, Habakkuk and Jeremiah were his contemporaries. Much of Zephaniah’s prophetic book warns of a coming time of judgment for those who had rejected God. Yet that’s not where it ends. There is a call to repentance before it is too late.
The season of Lent also echoes for us that same call. But as always the focus is not on us, but our Saviour, the promised Messiah – “The Lord your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing” (3:17).
How important that we, in good times or times of challenge, draw near to God’s loving heart to hear His voice and place our lives in His hands.

A troubled heart, a wearied mind
Are burdens hard to bear;
A lack of peace, a heavy load
Are lifted by God’s care – Fitzhugh

Pastor Darryl

Photo by Alexis Brown on Unsplash