Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! The LORD has taken away the judgments against you; he has cleared away your enemies. The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; you shall never again fear evil.

Zephaniah 3:9-20

Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! The LORD has taken away the judgments against you; he has cleared away your enemies. The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; you shall never again fear evil. Zephaniah 3:14-15

I continue 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 3:14-15, which is the text for the fifth division for the commentary's chapter on 3:9-20 (six divisions in total). Here the text continues to describe how God restores the faithful remnant of Judah (see post yesterday and text focusing on those "who are left").  God seeks for this remnant to rejoice and exult "with all your heart."  Why?  The text tells us why: (1) God has taken away the consequences of our sin, (2) He has taken away our enemies, (3) He is in our midst, and (4) we shall never again fear evil.  Of course such a message rings true for not just Judah but also all believers!  Excerpts from the commentary on this text:

• "The appropriate response to the redemptive work of God among His people is to throw a party. This is precisely what God is communicating. What’s more, this is not just a momentary celebration. The understanding here is that this is their new way of life. This is not just a fleeting, volitional choice to “sing for joy” or “shout loudly.” This is a transformation of the heart. Israel was heading toward certain judgment and death, but instead they have inherited the grace of God. There is much to be excited about!"
• Believers are referred to Hebrews 2:14-15 where the same message is described in the New Testament. 
• This message from Zephaniah serves as a prophecy for Jesus who is described in Matthew 1:23 as Immanuel, "God is with us."
• We are reminded that while some believe Heaven is ultimately our goal, this is not the case as Heaven is described as a benefit but not the goal.  Reconciliation with God as described in the text today is the goal. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of amazing grace and compassion for me.  Taking away my sin, loving me while still hostile and an enemy towards You...and saving me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  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 to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

 Leviticus 5

Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. Psalm 32:1-2

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - wrapping chapter five - Five Eternal, Counter Cultural Truths about God, Us and Our Sin - covering Leviticus 5:1-13, looking specifically at the final truth - After Confession and Atonement, God Forgives. The commentary this morning emphasizes how once sacrifice and atonement was offered - God forgives.  See this in v5:10 and 13. It is also emphasized how "atonement is available to everyone" and how regardless of social (see Leviticus 4:27 reference to "common people") or economic status - see Leviticus 5 for how less costly sacrifices are acceptable by God for those who cannot afford a lamb (v5:7) or even two turtledoves or two pigeons (v5:11) - everyone has access to God's forgiveness. The commentary states unequivocally "[n]o one was barred from God's forgiveness."  The commentary then pivots to how worshipers experience joy with forgiveness - we are urged to examine scripture where we see this joy. 

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and You forgive.  The joy of forgiveness!  I am grateful for how You forgive...yet I know I am undeserving because my sin - intentional and unintentional - continues....anger, worry, etc. Please reveal to me my sin, forgive me Jesus for my sin, 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 heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.