Gardens
For Gaza shall be deserted, and Ashkelon shall become a desolation; Ashdod’s people shall be driven out at noon, and Ekron shall be uprooted. Woe to you inhabitants of the seacoast, you nation of the Cherethites! The word of the LORD is against you, O Canaan, land of the Philistines; and I will destroy you until no inhabitant is left. And you, O seacoast, shall be pastures, with meadows for shepherds and folds for flocks. The seacoast shall become the possession of the remnant of the house of Judah, on which they shall graze, and in the houses of Ashkelon they shall lie down at evening. For the LORD their God will be mindful of them and restore their fortunes.
Zephaniah 2:4–7
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Gardens
When one plants a garden, it requires them to tend it. If left unattended then weeds and pest risk overrunning the garden and destroying it. When a weed first springs forth, it can be unnoticeable, that is, until it gets too big. The enemies of God were like weeds in the garden that had grown too big. They were destroying that which God had planted. So like a weed, they will be pulled up by their roots and left to die in the sunlight. And following the destruction of Judah’s enemies, a peaceful, productive garden would be maintained by God. The weeds of sin, death, and the devil continuously prop up in our lives, threatening to chock our faith and destroy the seeds the Lord has planted. But the Lord comes to us and waters us through Holy Baptism, feeds us through His Word and with His Body and Blood. And in holy Absolution, our enemies are ripped out by their roots and left to die in the light of the Son, Jesu Christ. Our lives are nourished and sustained by the blood of His cross. The Lord has remembered His people and restored our fortunes. God’s people, you dear Christian, will again enjoy forgiveness and peace.
Zephaniah 2:4–7
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Gardens
When one plants a garden, it requires them to tend it. If left unattended then weeds and pest risk overrunning the garden and destroying it. When a weed first springs forth, it can be unnoticeable, that is, until it gets too big. The enemies of God were like weeds in the garden that had grown too big. They were destroying that which God had planted. So like a weed, they will be pulled up by their roots and left to die in the sunlight. And following the destruction of Judah’s enemies, a peaceful, productive garden would be maintained by God. The weeds of sin, death, and the devil continuously prop up in our lives, threatening to chock our faith and destroy the seeds the Lord has planted. But the Lord comes to us and waters us through Holy Baptism, feeds us through His Word and with His Body and Blood. And in holy Absolution, our enemies are ripped out by their roots and left to die in the light of the Son, Jesu Christ. Our lives are nourished and sustained by the blood of His cross. The Lord has remembered His people and restored our fortunes. God’s people, you dear Christian, will again enjoy forgiveness and peace.
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2023
January
Responding to GodLamentationSeek GodThe Day of the LordA Matter of FaithThe Secure and the ComplacentThe Pride of the PeopleFrom Depths of WoeVisions of FireA Plumb LineAmaziahSummer FruitA Final VisionA Word of HopeA VisionHumiliationDisplacedStanding AloofHouse of FireRestorationHeeding God’s CallOverboardInside the Great FishFor a Second TimeMessage ReceivedNot FairA Lesson on MercyWho Is Like the Lord?O Earth!Then and NowLament
February
Courtroom DramaEnemies of GodThe Lord GathersFalse ProphetsZionRestorationWise MenIn, But Not OfGod’s ReproachSurvey the CrossLook to the LordVindicationThe Lord’s DeliveranceA Merciful HymnBack AgainLord’s Wrath and CareDoom and DeliveranceThe Enemies of GodOur ConquerorWoe to the City of BloodshedNo Other God’sAre You Better?Prophecy FulfilledThe Prophet SawHow Long?God in the MidstJustice ServedThe God of History
March
Waiting for an AnswerA Dire SituationA Twisting of the TruthIn His Image and In His LikenessThe Lord’s NameThe Sin of ManFear, Love, and TrustThe Day of SalvationThe Word of the LordThe Lord’s JudgmentClear and to the PointBe SilentThe Day of WrathSeek the LordGardensRunning After Other GodsSwordsThe Kingdoms of this WorldWhere is Your Trust?The Lord’s RemnantThe Truth of His WordThe Human HeartA Song of VictoryRebuildingObedienceSurpassing GloryA Faithful ResponseLooking to the FutureReturn to the Lord!