Reflections with Andy – God is Good – Zephaniah 3: 8-20

Today, we see what we always see in the prophets and in all the Bible. We see grace. We see that God intends to save His people, to give them life and goodness. God’s way is good, y’all. God is good. He will renew us with His life. He will rejoice over us. He delights in us. But the path of life that God offers is a path of humility. Life is not found in power or in greatness. Life is found in humility, in service, and in God’s love. God wants that goodness for us. God wants us to truly live. His life, His commands are good, beautiful, and life-giving. God is always good.

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Good morning! It’s good to be with you today as we conclude our time in Zephaniah. I hope you’ve enjoyed exploring this Minor Prophet as much as I have. Zephaniah is often overlooked, but it holds profound messages of judgment and hope. Today, we’re going to read Zephaniah 3:8-20, which contains some of the most beautiful promises in the Minor Prophets.

This passage transitions from a message of judgment to a promise of restoration and hope. We see God’s ultimate plan to purify the nations (v. 9), gather His people (v. 10), and create a community characterized by humility and honesty (v. 12-13).

Verses 17 and 18 are particularly famous and beloved:

“The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”

This imagery of God rejoicing over us with singing is profoundly comforting. It depicts a God who is not distant but deeply involved in our lives, finding joy in His people, and bringing renewal through His love. The idea of God singing over us, quieting us with His love, is like a parent soothing a child, highlighting the tenderness and care of God towards us.

In verse 9, the promise of changing the speech of the peoples to a pure speech, enabling them to call on the name of the Lord and serve Him with one accord, reminds me of Pentecost. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit enabled people of different languages to understand the apostles, symbolizing unity and the breaking down of barriers.

The vision of a humble and lowly remnant in verse 12 echoes Jesus’ teachings about the blessedness of the meek and the humble. True freedom and strength come not from worldly power but from humility and reliance on God.

God’s plan for us is rooted in love, humility, and community. His commands and guidance are not burdensome but life-giving, leading us to true freedom and joy in Him.

Tomorrow, we will start reading the book of Haggai, another profound and insightful Minor Prophet. Have a wonderful day, and see you tomorrow!

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