Zephaniah 3:1-20 |
We're in the final chapter this evening . what a chapter it is! What a wonderful way to finish a book. It reaches a glorious finale, a rousing crescendo-what started out as a message of doom and gloom, ends with a robust message of love, and joy, and peace. If it does nothing else, this chapter makes much of the faithfulness of God.
We read in verse 20 in the NLT: 'On that day I will gather you together and bring you home again. I will give you a good name, a name of distinction among all the nations of the earth. They will praise you as I restore your fortunes before their very eyes. I, the Lord, have spoken.'
Zephaniah 3 is a chapter of contrasts, let me show you what I mean-to quote Dickens, we have 'the worst of times' and 'the best of times'; on one hand, there is unprecedented judgment and, on the other hand, there is unsurpassed joy; we have deep sadness followed by singing; there is widespread dereliction in one city, and unflappable hope in the hearts of one people . it doesn't matter how we look at it, there are just so many glaring contrasts.
Through all the changing scenes, with the pendulum swinging from end to end, one factor is constant. That is God! He's at the centre, he's up front, he's behind it all. You see, the Lord is God . he's into multi-tasking big time. He can juggle a lot of things at the same time and, when we read a chapter like this, it serves to prove that point.
He has his finger in every pie. That same finger is also on the pulse for, all across the world, he knows what's going on. The good news is, he keeps his eye on the big picture. And, at the same time, he's up to speed with the small print.
That great truth has the potential to boost our confidence - it should strengthen our faith and resolve to be the kind of people God wants us to be - it should fire us up with renewed zeal and enthusiasm to see God's work going forward - it's one of those truths that gives us a bit more oomph - it's something to excite us, something to rouse passion in our hearts.
The chapter divides neatly into three sections - one: we see the Lord's jealous anger in dealing with Jerusalem (vs. 1-8); two, we see God's gracious forgiveness in relation to the Gentiles (vs. 9-10); three, we see God's bounteous blessing dispensed to the remnant (vs. 11-20).
The prophet lifts the lid on what God's plans are for Jerusalem, it's not too promising. It has often been called 'the holy city' - the reality is, in his day, it was far from holy. It had a name but didn't live up to it. It's worth noting that the prophet wasn't alone in that assessment. Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel were all singing from the same page in the songbook.
The first two verses give us a little idea as to how far they have slipped from their moorings. They are all-at-sea spiritually. He describes them as oppressors, rebellious, and defiled. In other words, they are going their own way and doing their own thing. God doesn't figure in their calculations. Basically, the people were a law unto themselves.
In spite of all their privileges, in spite of their illustrious past, in spite of God's revelation of himself to them, they didn't want to know. So far as they were concerned, God may as well be ten million miles away-they didn't want a relationship with him. They felt they were able to run their own lives, they didn't need the Lord to help them, they're big enough to stand on their own two feet-sounds a bit like Mr Average in today's world.
That's not only true for Joe Public in Jerusalem - take a look at verses 3 and 4 and you'll notice it also applied to their leaders. The government officials were milking the situation for all it was worth, bribery is one word that springs to mind; they were taking the people to the cleaners by riding roughshod all over them.
Bad enough when you have civil leaders who are corrupt and in it for what they can get out of it, it's a lot worse when it spreads to religious leaders, then we have every reason to be worried. A look at the prophets and Zephaniah doesn't have much to say in their favour-they were unfaithful to the Lord and his word, they were two-faced in dealing with the people; when it came to ministry, they failed to proclaim God's word, they only told the people what they wanted to hear.
The priests didn't fare any better-their ministry was toxic and polluted the sanctuary. These guys twisted the Law of Moses to please themselves, they were only interested in looking after Number One. They had no heart for God, no heart for people, no heart for biblical truth. That's how far gone they were! It was only a job to them.
The character of God is seen in verse 5 - when we look at the people and look at the Lord, what a stunning difference! The people have blown it big-time, they've got it badly wrong-on the other hand, the Lord is righteous, he does no wrong, and the Lord is right for he never gets it wrong. He gets it right first time, every time. The Lord is impeccable in his character, and unimpeachable in his integrity.
The God we meet here is someone who is actively working in men's hearts. He's a God of justice - one of the reasons why he dispenses justice is because he is a jealous God, he guards his glory and the purity of his name. His honour is at stake and that is what motivates him to deal with men and nations. It's not something he does in fits and starts, it's a daily exercise - his mercy is new every morning and his justice is dished out at the break of dawn.
When God works like this, it's obvious he's doing something. The tragedy is, it makes little or no difference with the vast majority: they carry on as before, they take no notice, it runs off them like water off a duck's back, they have a blas attitude as they press the self-destruct button. Basically, they couldn't care less-the prophet says they know no shame.
The Lord gives them a dressing-down in verses 6-8. He tells them a few home truths when he reminds them of his power to wipe nations off the face of the earth. He spells it out to them in clear language-there's no mistaking his message. If they go his way, he'll bless them; if they keep on going their own way, he'll deal with them efficiently and effectively. If they survive his judgment, they will not emerge unscathed, they'll be left to pick up the pieces! History confirms what happened next. The Babylonians came!
A look at verse 8 takes us into a courtroom in which the Lord is testifying against his people. Serious stuff! This is where we have a twofold application-initially, it referred to the rampage of Babylon over Jerusalem, we know what happened there and then-there is also a reference here to the end-times.
I think it zooms in on the great campaign of Armageddon that we read of in Revelation 16, it's that conflict when the nations of the world converge on Jerusalem. We know from Zechariah 14 that God will pour out his wrath upon these nations, he will deliver his people, and establish his kingdom. In that day, the Lord will be hailed as king over all the earth.
To quote Isaac Watts: 'Jesus shall reign where'er the sun, does his successive journeys run, his kingdom stretch from shore to shore, till moons shall rise and set no more.' That's a pivotal day towards the end of time-a day the prophets dreamed off, a day when the glory of God will cover the earth like the waters cover the sea. It's one of those special days when God is, once again, in the midst of his people [more about that later].
The repercussions of this event are staggering-the impact on people and community is unbelievable. There is cleansing in verse 9, as well as people engaged in worship and adoration of the living Lord. But there is also keen and enthusiastic service; and, on top of that, there is partnership in service-people are standing shoulder to shoulder in their work for God. There is unity of heart and purpose. It's Jew and Gentile pulling in the same direction. To me, that's what it's all about and that's the way it should be in our churches. That's what grace achieves in human hearts, it is what God can do with people consecrated to him. We're in it together!
The worship of God extends far beyond the confines of the city of Jerusalem, it reaches way beyond her borders, it embraces all those dedicated to his cause-the gospel is for all men, in every land. It doesn't matter where we are as a scattered people, if we are a worshipping people, the Lord is looking for us to bring him an offering in verse 10; it's a reflection of our love for him and our loyalty to him. It seems to me, that's what a redeemed people are supposed to do.
There's a new sense of humility in verses 11 and 12. The fact is, we have nothing to write home about, there's nothing good in any one of us; it doesn't matter how impressive our CV may be, it doesn't matter what credentials we have-when it comes to worshipping the Lord, we're only sinners saved by grace. In his presence, I am nothing, I am a nobody. The Lord looks for humility of heart and, when we come to him like that, we enjoy him, we experience him. He richly blesses us.
Not only does God remove pride from the city, he also removes it from his house-his desire is for his people to worship him in a way that gives him all the credit. He's looking for a people to trust him, not their past, not their genealogy, not their religion, a people who will rely and depend totally on him. When we come before the Lord with that kind of attitude, he lifts us up. That is the genius of God's amazing grace!
There's also a new sense of holiness in verse 13 for God's own people are walking close with the Lord. There's a huge change in their outlook-no longer do they twist and distort the truth, no more do they wilfully sin, there's nothing hypocritical about them-they are a different people, a redeemed people.
There's a deep awareness that God is with them, a sensitivity to the needs of others around them, and a deep settled peace in their hearts and lives. They're not running scared-they are at peace-at peace with themselves, at peace with each other, and at peace with the Lord.
The picture is one of satisfaction and contentment. They're not under threat, they're not looking over their shoulder. They are safe and secure. What a transformation! There's only one way to explain it: it's grace, and God!
There is praise, and lots of it, in verse 14. They sing and shout, they make a joyful noise unto the Lord, they exult in his name, they rejoice in his faithfulness to them over many years, there is an upbeat atmosphere in the place-a real buzz. They're living on the crest of a wave of warm and expressive worship, they're riding high in their exuberant praise. They're singing from the bottom of their hearts. Isn't that what God does to people-he puts a new song in their hearts!
The big question is, why are they singing? Well, take a look at verse 15. It's because the Lord has done so many wonderful things for them-he has dealt with their sin, he has routed their enemies, he has given them a sense of his presence and they are conscious of his power. The sobs have gone, and the anguish is over. They have so much going for them, no wonder they sing! Hey, if you can't sing in a situation like that, you have lost your song!
These are tremendous promises that God is giving to his people - the assurance that he is with them 24/7, the fact that he rules and reigns over them, the knowledge that fear is banished into oblivion. They are totally secure, and perfectly safe. The good news is, that isn't only true for Israel in a coming day, for us, as the people of God, it's a reality in our lives right now!
Verse 16 is a poignant reminder that the Lord strengthens each of his people. There's no need for us to wilt and grow weary, no need for us to throw the towel into the ring and give up and give in. It's always too soon to quit, said one of old. Do not let your hands hang limp is the message!
It happens when we feel overwhelmed in life, discouraged and disheartened; when we feel exhausted and can't see a light at the end of the tunnel; when we feel out of our depth and unable to cope in the face of mounting crises-the message is: let's be strong in the Lord, he will see us through. He's there to enable us, he will equip us, and keep us pressing on.
Here's that marvellous declaration we've all been waiting for in verse 17: it shines the spotlight on God's unfailing presence for the Lord your God is with you; it reminds us that the Lord is a God who values and appreciates a relationship with his people, he's a God who specialises in the personal touch for he uses the word your in his promise; he's a God who can do anything, at any time, and anywhere for he is mighty to save-he's a God of deliverance, a God of redemption, a God for whom salvation is second nature.
He's a God who takes immense pleasure and satisfaction in his people for we read that he will take great delight in you; he's a God who tenderly ministers to us, he embraces us, he draws us near to himself and, when he touches our hearts and lives, it's an act of deepest love-his is a wonderfully soothing ministry that brings out the best in us for he will quiet [us] with his love. The fact that we belong to him brings him enormous joy and he can't contain himself, he breaks out singing, he bursts forth in spontaneous praise: we read that he will rejoice over you with singing. That tells me he's deliriously happy to have us in his global family, to be numbered among his children.
Again, it puts the main beam where it belongs-the focus in this verse isn't on us as the Lord's own people, the attention is on him, and rightly so! This is all about what God can do, and what God does in your life and mine.
The next couple of verses project us into the future for they are an indication of some of the cleaning up that God will do at the end of time. People will get their comeuppance in that day, all those who turned their backs on God will realise it's payday at last! Their evil has caught up with them, they can run but there is no place for them to hide, the roving eye of God has cornered them. God will deal with such folks-he's a God of justice and righteousness.
It's obvious that many folks have got the rough end of the stick in the course of their lives, they've been handed a raw deal and others have walked all over them-well, in that final day, the Lord will make it up to them, he will compensate them for God is no man's debtor. He never short-changes his people.
God has the uncanny ability of turning situations around for we read: I will give them praise and honour in every land where they were put to shame. The lesson is, be careful how you treat God's own people! God has a long arm and a long memory, he misses nothing: he picks us up, he puts us up! What a gracious God we have.
It's fantastic to realise that God has a blueprint for blessing his people-they will be the talk of the town, they will be exalted. It's payback time, and the Lord's people always come off the better! They are recognised globally for all that the Lord has done in them. Every ethnic group admires them because of the amazing turnaround in their fortunes-again, that is God, for he is the God who restores his people. It seems to me, the future is bright, the future is Christ.
Let me finish off by reminding you of one little phrase tucked away in the middle of verse 20: it's where the Lord says, I will bring you home. I know it has a special meaning to the Jewish nation, but it has a unique application to our hearts as well. It's where we're headed for-we're going home! Home to glory! A new day is dawning, the Lord is coming and soon, and very soon, we're going home! At home with the Lord.
The book began with a king-Hezekiah and Josiah, the book ends with a King, his name is Jesus. The King is coming!
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