Zephaniah 3
Jerusalem was an “oppressing city” rather than a
“light for the nations” (Isaiah 49:6). God had sent her many
prophets, but she was “rebellious and defiled” because she
listened “to no voice” but her own. Her leaders were at least as
guilty as the populace at large. Only “the Lord within her” was
“righteous.”
The Almighty had both defended His beloved from outside
forces and disciplined her in order to work toward necessary
“correction.” What was the yield from His wise and powerful
actions? “They were eager to make all their deeds corrupt.”
The Lord would judge His chosen ones, yet He also gave
them good news that He would usher in a glorious fulfillment of His
covenant to Abraham. The people groups of the earth would “call
upon the Name of the Lord and serve Him with one accord.” Jehovah's
“worshipers” would be used to collect an offering for Him. Their
gift would not be silver, gold, or sacrificial animals, but human
beings who would be part of a growing community of “pure speech”
who would discover a holy way of life in the Messiah. An assembly of
the “humble and lowly” would “seek refuge in the Name of the
Lord.” God's gathering of the redeemed would ultimately be
perfected in holiness, for in their number there would be “no
injustice” and they would “speak no lies.”
Yahweh spoke these great words through Zephaniah: “I
will bring you in” and “restore your fortunes before your eyes.”
Such truths should lead the church to raise voices in praise, for
Jesus has sealed these extravagant divine commitments in His blood.
“The Lord has taken away the judgments” against us and has
“cleared away” our worst “enemies” of sin, death, and hell.
Jehovah Himself will sing to His bride. “He will rejoice over you
with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you
with loud singing.” In His song we can find all the security and
happiness that our wounded and weary hearts could ever desire.
Prayer
from A
Book of Prayers
Father God, we hear
Your Word of correction. Speak to us day by day and grant us new
hearts by Your Holy Spirit. By Your grace, we will turn from our
iniquities. When You pour out Your indignation, You will keep us as
Your people. We will be with You on Your holy mountain. Our sin will
be removed far from us, and we will praise You forever. You have
taken away the judgments that were against us. You will be in our
midst, and You will save us. You will rejoice over us with singing.
This is our glorious hope. You will heal us and restore our fortunes
according to the promises that You have made to us in Your Son Jesus
Christ, our Mediator and our Atoning Sacrifice. Teach us to walk in
this faith today, for You will surely accomplish all of Your
purposes.
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