09
Jan '25

January 9, 2025

Posted on 9Jan CATEGORIES: General

09
Jan '25
God is in the business of newness and restoration. God shows us how He will do both of these to the remnant of Israel in the book of Zephaniah. Chapter 3 tells us how God allowed certain things to happen so his people would look to him; instead, they chose to sin and rebel. He describes future destruction that ultimately leads to the remnant of his people being set apart. He calls them to sing because, “The LORD has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy. The LORD, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm.” Zephaniah 3:15. 

There are powerful promises that God delivers in this chapter known as the “I will” statements: 

“I will remove” (3:18). 

“I will deal” (3:19)”

“I will rescue” (3:19) 

“I will give” (3:19). 

“I will gather” (3:20).

“I will bring you home” (3:20).

“I will give you” (3:20).

“I [will] restore (3:20).

GOD DOES THE WORK! HE removes mourning and brings back celebration. HE deals with oppression and brings back freedom. HE rescues the lame, gathers those who are spread out through the nations, and gives them honor. HE gathers and brings people home. HE sings praises over the people of the earth, and HE is the one who creates full restoration. 

What a relief! Our job is to respond to this great love with obedience. We need only lean in and HE will do the rest. We can trust in the name of the LORD because “[we] will not be put to shame for all the wrongs [we] have done to [God]…The LORD has taken away [our] punishment…the LORD, the King of Israel, is with us.”

Kimberly Jewell
Family Ministry Director

^