Gather together, yes, gather, O shameless nation[.] Zephaniah 2:1
I resume my study of Zephaniah using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book. For this morning, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zephaniah 2:1, which is the text for the first division - entitled A Return to Worship Is Necessary to Recall and Repent - per the commentary. Excerpts from the commentary:
- The commentary focuses on how chapter 2 emphasizes repentance vs chapter 1 which emphasizes judgement. God calls us to gather in corporate repentance...and individually.
- Repentance may have a worldly appearance of shame, as depicted in v1, but in God's eyes repentance is an opportunity for grace. The commentary shares: "As we acknowledge our disobedience and humble ourselves before Him, we are able to experience grace and God’s affection."
- God's desire for and offer of repentance means that He still loves us and desires a relationship with us.
- While we are not absolved of responsibility for our sins, God offers to "comfort us and remind us of why we should return to Christ. As this verse reminds us, with its call to gather and repent, God is gracious and, in spite of our rebellion, He is calling us to repentance as a sign of His affection for us."
If you don't already believe and feel shame, repent and confess Jesus as Your Savior and be saved! If you are already saved, rejoice in the freedom from the sting of sin and death!
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for Your amazing grace and the blessing of never being separated from Your love. I am not deserving of my salvation, nor any of the blessings You pour out for me. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and You God. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
