11-12-13 Podcast Script

11-12-13 Podcast script

[Prepare]
Think about how well you cope in an unfriendly environment.

[Bible passage]
Zephaniah 2:4–11

Gaza and Ashkelonwill be desertedand left in ruins.Ashdod will be emptiedin broad daylight,and Ekronuprooted.To you people of Philistiawho live along the coasttheLordhas this to say:“I am now your enemy,and I’ll wipe you out!”Your seacoast will be changedinto pasturelandand sheep pens.TheLordGod hasn’t forgottenthose survivors in Judah,and he will help them—his people will take your landto use for pasture.And when evening comes,
they will restin houses at Ashkelon.

TheLordAll-Powerful,the God of Israel, said:I’ve heard Moab and Ammoninsult my peopleand threaten their nation.And so, I swear by my very lifethat Moab and Ammon will end uplike Sodom and Gomorrah—covered with thornbushesand salt pits forever.Then my people who survivewill take their land.This is how Moab and Ammonwill at last be repaidfor their pride—and for sneering at the nationthat belongs to me,theLordAll-Powerful.I will fiercely attack.Then every god on this earthwill shrink to nothing,and everyone of every nationwill bow down to me,right where they are.

[Explore]

The Philistines were public enemy number one. They had invaded the coastal plain of Israel or Canaan from the Aegean Islands (hence their other name of Kerethitesor Cretans) and enjoyed nothing more than to harry the people of Israel, inland of them. They could be insufferable, as Samson and David found to their cost. From the east also came threats from the peoples of Transjordan, Moab and Ammon. Most of the time little Israel felt squeezed until David and Solomon established themselves in strength.

We too, as Christians living in this world, feel the squeeze – of hostility, criticism, mockery. We shall never be universally popular. ‘If the people of this worldhate you, just remember that they hated me first,’ said Jesus in John 15:18. The comfort comes when we discover that even our enemies come under God’s judgement because of what they have said and done, and for their pride. Our God is an awesome God.

There are parallels here with the current situation in the Middle East, with Israel surrounded by states that live alongside her in varying degrees of hostility. It is difficult not to take sides but the better way is to pray for a change of heart in all concerned, so that peace may have a chance.

[Respond]
Every Christian needs to work out a strategy for dealing with teasing and hostility. Work out ways in which you can improve your defences and strengthen your witness.