The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

Zephaniah 3:9-20

The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3:17

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 3:16-20, which is the text for the sixth and final division for the commentary's chapter on 3:9-20. Here the text concludes with great encouragement for the faithful remnant in Judah:

• God is with us - v17
  
• He saves - v17
• He rejoices over us with gladness - v17
• He quiets us with His love - v17
• He exults over us with loud singing - v17
• We no longer suffer reproach - v18
• He protects us from our enemies and oppressors - v19
• He saves the lame and gathers the outcast; their shame will turn into renown - v19
• His people will be renown and praised among all peoples of the earth - v20
• He will restore our fortunes - v20

 Excerpts from the commentary:

• "The vast majority of this book has been filled with condemning language. By the time the reader gets halfway through chapter 3 it feels as if we have been beaten up, along with Judah, over and over again. This is not to suggest that they did not deserve the judgment, because they did, but this book levels the judgment in ways no other book does. It is swift, it is intense, and it is certain. On the heels of that comes the end of the book, particularly verses 17 and following. God is with them. God is for them. God is celebrating over them. These would seem the most unlikely of thoughts after the vast majority of the book, but these are exactly what God communicates through Zephaniah here."
• "[O]ur salvation, like the salvation of Israel, is not just a gift of grace (though it is), but is a hard fought victory over the forces of evil."  See also Ephesians 6:12
• "Salvation is accompanied by a bloody price tag. Forgetting that can make it easy to dismiss or diminish salvation."
• "The disobedient people of God have repented, so God celebrates with rejoicing. Israel dishonors God by living as if He does not exist but they turn back, so God pours out His love on them. The people of Judah chase after their own happiness, trusting only in themselves, but then become humbled and contrite before God, so God shouts with joy over their return."  See also the story of the Prodigal Son - Luke 15:20.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God indeed and Your grace is amazing as well - Your mercies are new every morning and they never cease!  Thank You Jesus for Your amazing grace and for my salvation.  I am not deserving.  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.

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.

[T]hose who are left in Israel; they shall do no injustice and speak no lies, nor shall there be found in their mouth a deceitful tongue. For they shall graze and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.”

Zephaniah 3:9-20

[T]hose who are left in Israel; they shall do no injustice and speak no lies, nor shall there be found in their mouth a deceitful tongue. For they shall graze and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.” Zephaniah 3:13

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 3:13, which is the text for the fourth division for the commentary's chapter on 3:9-20 (six divisions in total).

• Once again, as Judah's story of restoration continues to unfold, we see God in all of His glory and attributes turn from anger and wrath towards love and grace - which is of course the core theme of the gospel.  We all sin and need a savior and Jesus Christ is that Savior and He willingly died on the cross - taking God's wrath for our sin upon Himself - so that we could be free of the sting of sin and death.
• The text starts by referring to a remnant - God will keep His promise made to Abraham by saving the faithful few (narrow door).
• The faithful few experience incredible blessings; among them include obedience to God - righteousness - rest and peace.
  

Excerpts from the commentary relating to 3:13:

• "[God's]...promise underlines what we ought to know but so often miss. So much of our stress and turmoil is a result of sin. As sin is eradicated from our lives, we find ourselves able to rest in the peace of God. God’s presence, His holiness, His righteousness, brings us peace." See also Isaiah 53:5.
  
• Christ's "wounds from the crucifixion are the gateway to our peace."  This is imputed righteousness. See also 2 Corinthians 5:21.
  
• Freedom from fear in the text is also referenced in Psalm 23:1-5.
• "That God would love us so much that He would go to the lengths He did in order to secure our redemption, and then would go on to secure the restoration of all things, allowing us to lie down in peace with no fear of danger, speaks to His infinite grace and mercy. However, all of this becomes even more meaningful when you realize that God had to satisfy His own justice in order to extend grace, which means that God Himself would suffer, through His Son, in order that He might accomplish this grand work of redemption among His people and the rest of His creation."
  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are SO good and You took God's wrath upon Yourself - that needed to be paid for the sin of humanity - so that I could be saved.  Thank You Jesus!  And you give me rest and freedom from hear.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor these 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 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.

[F]or then I will remove from your midst your proudly exultant ones, and you shall no longer be haughty in my holy mountain. But I will leave in your midst a people humble and lowly. They shall seek refuge in the name of the LORD[.]

Zephaniah 3:9-20

[F]or then I will remove from your midst your proudly exultant ones, and you shall no longer be haughty in my holy mountain. But I will leave in your midst a people humble and lowly. They shall seek refuge in the name of the LORD[.] Zephaniah 3:11b-12

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 3:11b-12, which is the text for the third division for the commentary's chapter on 3:9-20 (six divisions in total).

Excerpts from the commentary relating to 3:11b-12:

• God has already passed judgement on how Judah (and all of humanity) suffers from arrogance and pride, relying on their own powers for all of their needs - trusting in self vs God. 
• As an act of grace towards Judah, God transforms his people and their heart by giving them humility.  This transformation is "simply acknowledging the truth about ourselves—namely that we are not good by nature, nor are we able to save ourselves. We are mortal, fallible, and in need of help, and because of God’s grace, that help is provided."
• As we do this, we can take refuge in God for all of our needs as the text describes in v12. We are referred to Psalm 91:1-2, 46:1-3. Psalm 46:1-3 in particular describes how, "[a]s a result of their position, under God’s refuge, they were able to face whatever might come with great confidence, peace, and resolve. In a very real sense this is one of the most prominent distinguishing characteristics of the children of God. Our ability to trust in God when the world crashes around us is radically different from the response of the world."
• We are encouraged to seek refuge in God in response to fear and anxiety. See also Psalm 56:3. 

Take refuge in the Lord and experience a peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7)!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me - giving me a heart for You and for saving me!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings and grace.  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 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.

On that day you shall not be put to shame because of the deeds by which you have rebelled against me[.]

Zephaniah 3:9-20

On that day you shall not be put to shame because of the deeds by which you have rebelled against me[.] Zephaniah 3:11a

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 3:11a, which is the text for the second division for the commentary's chapter on 3:9-20 (six divisions in total).

Excerpts from the commentary relating to 3:11a:

•  All of humanity is created in God's image but we are also marred by sin since the Fall (Genesis 3); fortunately, the death of Christ offers hope for sinners, and this requires us to confess our sins, acknowledge our fallen spiritually-dead state, and to accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior.  
• Today's text shares how we deserve shame and the consequences of our sin.  "Through serious and persistent disobedience, we have constantly rejected God and run away from His presence. Yet God, in His grace, has been just as persistent in His pursuit of humanity." See also Genesis 3:9. "From that point forward God has been pursuing humanity, in spite of our sin, in an effort to redeem and restore us. That is breathtaking love!"
  
• God's response to Judah (and our sin) that they "shall not be put to shame" is described in the commentary as "indescribable grace and forgiveness."  We are referred to Hebrews 2:11 where Jesus is not ashamed of believers.  This is also noted for how "astonishing" it is. 
• "We were lost, helpless, and rightfully covered in shame, and through the grace of God we are able to be restored and made free from shame."  We are referred to Isaiah 61:7 where the prophet describes God's favor on His people.   

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are great indeed as Your grace IS indescribably incredible!  I am completely undeserving of the grace that pours out like a river daily for me.  My sin 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. 

“For at that time I will change the speech of the peoples to a pure speech, that all of them may call upon the name of the LORD and serve him with one accord. From beyond the rivers of Cush my worshipers, the daughter of my dispersed ones, shall bring my offering.

Zephaniah 3:9-20

“For at that time I will change the speech of the peoples to a pure speech, that all of them may call upon the name of the LORD and serve him with one accord. From beyond the rivers of Cush my worshipers, the daughter of my dispersed ones, shall bring my offering. Zephaniah 3:9-10

I continue my study of Zephaniah using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zephaniah 3:9-10, which is the text for for division of the commentary for the commentary's chapter on 3:9-20 (six divisions in total). The commentary's introduction for 3:9-20 includes the below main idea for the entirety of the text:

Main idea: "God is rich in mercy and will restore His people to a place of prominence and blessing.

Excerpts from the commentary relating to 3:9-10:

• Division title: "God Will Restore His People"
• "Arguably the most painful book in the Bible, it has not left us excited and hopeful for more. In what has surely felt like one body blow after another, God has chastised His people, called them to repentance, and threatened them with judgment. In all of this, however, we have maintained that His love and justice are the motivating factors for His behavior."
• "This claim of restoring pure speech means much more than just clean language. This is a reference to being purified. It speaks of repentance being accomplished in the hearts of God’s people. From rampant rebellion to penitent humility, the people of Judah have been rescued and redeemed. To be purified means to be cleansed. Purification occurs when we are both forgiven and repentant. The old sin is gone and the future behavior is not the same as the past. The result of this purification, then, will be a readiness to call on Yahweh and worship Him with their lives."
• "Notice two specific ways in which they will respond to His grace. First, they will call on His name. For a people who had previously struggled to trust God, this is a marvelous turnaround. By calling on His name, they are indicating trust in Him."  See also Luke 9:23.
  
• "Second, not only are they trusting God, they are now committed to serving Him—but not just serving Him, they are committed to doing so with “single purpose.” This is, again, far different from the message we heard throughout the rest of the book. These had been a people who were focused on themselves and whose focus was scattered across a host of different ideals and goals. Instead, they are now united in their focus on God and His commands."
• "Gathering us together from around the world, God is redeeming a people for Himself."  See also Revelation 7:9-10.
  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are SO good as Your forgiveness and mercies are new every morning and they never cease!  Your grace - amazing grace - never ends!  Thank You Jesus for my salvation and Your amazing grace.  Of course I am undeserving.  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.

He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.

Hebrews 11:26

He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. Hebrews 11:26

Today, once again I traveled - this time home from WV...thus I am mindful again of how I did not offer time to the Lord in the morning (my first fruits) as I'd like do, but I am also mindful that I need to go to God daily and while it is late in the day it is my first opportunity to get online and not just focus my mind on God's message, I do want to document my time.  For this opportunity, I go to DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, which today explores Hebrews 11:26.  Here, John describes the purpose of suffering for believers as "to manifest, in childlike faith, the infinite preciousness of [Christ's] all-satisfying promises — the all-satisfying greatness and beauty of his own glory as the fulfillment of all of them."  Using Hebrews 11:25-26, Piper points us to Moses who "[chose]...to be mistreated with the people of God [rather] than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin."  Moses chose to share in the suffering of Christ even though He did not even know of Him...He was called by God in obedience and to live by faith expecting something greater.  Piper then describes this as Christian Hedonism, where "[i]n the pursuit of joy through suffering, we magnify the all-satisfying worth of the Source of our joy. God himself shines as the brightness at the end of our tunnel of pain...If we do not communicate that he is the goal and the ground of our joy in suffering, then the very meaning of our suffering will be lost. The meaning is this: God is gain. God is gain. God himself is gain. That’s the meaning of our suffering. The chief end of man is to glorify God. And it is truer in suffering than anywhere else that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him."

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You are the greater reward...You are the gain...above all things.  Thank You for Your faithfulness and that I can never be separated from Your love...despite what may and will happen to me.  I am not deserving of such faithfulness and salvation.  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.