September 10th 2024

Dear Friends,

A friend once asked me, after a worship service, “Where does it say in scripture that God ‘sings’ over his children?” I’d never really thought about it but I did a bit of research. The answer is, Zephaniah 3:17, which also happens to be our verse of the month. It’s a great and encouraging verse but more so when you study it in context.

Let me ask you a couple of questions. Have you ever taken God for granted and kept doing your own thing, assuming that he would bless it? Have you ever considered the implications of God’s holiness for this world as we know it, or for your life as you are living it?

These were the problems that faced Judah in the middle of the 7th century BC just after the long reign of the wicked king, Manasseh (696-642). Spiritual life was corrupt and syncretistic, mingling all sorts of beliefs and immoral practices. People were living like practical atheists, saying that God existed but going about their lives as if he didn’t. The country was full of spiritual and social problems. Life was characterized by the pursuit of riches and dependence on self. There was government failure, apathy, injustice, indifference, immoral leadership and deception.

After almost fifty years without a voice from God, Zephaniah bursts on the scene with a wake up call to a nation that believed that God wouldn’t, or couldn’t, intervene or do anything (1:12). Those who thought that God would do nothing would be forced to re-think their position. “The day of the LORD” was certainly coming and with it, horrible judgment because the people had rejected God’s holiness. God’s hatred of evil and his passion for justice would be realized. And this was very sobering bad news.

But the prophecy ends with good news and hope as Zephaniah highlights the world that God will usher in after judgment. He would restore and unify his people, free them from fear and oppression and deliver them from their pursuit of things that would ultimately corrupt and spoil. They would know his love and be secure in him.

The Lord your God is with you,

the Mighty Warrior who saves.

He will take great delight in you;

in his love he will no longer rebuke you,

but will rejoice over you with singing.”

So, today, how does God, as Mighty Warrior, encourage or strengthen you? In what aspect of your life does he delight today? What area of your life would he like you to change so that he could delight in you? Where is he lovingly rebuking you if you are willing to listen? Finally, what is it about the way you are living that would make God sing about you today?

Isn’t it cool to think that God wants to sing about you today? He loves you that much!

Blessings!

Doug