A Promise To Cling To

SCRIPTURE: Zeph. 3: 14b-20
Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O Daughter of Jerusalem!
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. On that day they will say to Jerusalem, “Do not fear, O Zion;
do not let your hands hang limp. The LORD your God is with you,
he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”

“The sorrows for the appointed feasts I will remove from you; they are a burden and a reproach to you. At that time I will deal with all who oppressed you; I will rescue the lame and gather those who have been scattered. I will give them praise and honor in every land where they were put to shame. At that time I will gather you; at that time I will bring you home. I will give you honor and praise among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your fortunes before your very eyes,” says the LORD.

OBSERVATION: In the book of Zephaniah the punishment that the Lord brought upon His people because of their disobedience is delineated. Then the Lord goes on to speak of how He will restore his people and punish those who have been their enemies after they have suffered and learned their lesson.

APPLICATION: The Lord is a Redeemer! It is His nature. His love compels Him to move to restore His people to a place of intimacy with Him. As if that were not enough, He promises that they will be honored and praised by the people around them as well. What a wonderful promise!

PRAYER: Father, I am a candidate for this promise and I am ready to receive it! Fulfill your Word in me, Lord. I am ready for my enemies to be defeated and to be restored to a place of honor. May my life bring honor and glory to Your Name. In Jesus' Name, Amen.