Dear Family at Christ Community,

     This week we will hear God’s gracious and sovereign call to seek Him with righteousness and humility in Christ alone. The stark warning in Zephaniah 1:1-18 now gives rise to a sober call to seek the Lord in 2:1-3. What joy there is in knowing that our God not only warns us of His coming wrath and judgment against sin but also sovereignly calls us to seek refuge in His abundant mercy! What rest and refuge do we find by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone!

As you prepare to come to the Table, consider biblical scholar Iain M. Duguid’s reflections on the rest and refuge that all who seek the Lord find in Christ alone:

Ponder often the truth that the wrath of God has been completely satisfied for you in Christ. Your judgment day has been swallowed up in his; no anger is now left in the cup that he drained for you. The loud thunder of God’s judgment has been hushed once and for all in Christ, silenced by the prospect of perfect peace. In that reality is your rest, both now and forever. (Reformed Expository Commentary: Zephaniah, Haggai, Malachi)

     Take time this week to consider the awesome reality of Christ giving His body to suffer the judgment that you deserve. Ponder the truth that He drank every drop of the cup of God’s righteous wrath for you. As you consider these things, ask the Holy Spirit to draw you out of the shadows of sin and pride where you hide parts of your heart from God. Pray that we would all taste and see the Lord’s goodness in the bright refuge of Christ our Savior as we come to His feast together!

Yours in Christ,
Matt O’Sullivan