Intro:
Zephaniah 3:7-8 The Day of the Lord is a day all must face. The
children of God thought that this judgment was only for the “other
nations” and they looked forward to the others being judged
harshly. Little did they know that they too would have to face God's
judgment and God was not very happy with their actions.
Remnant
of the faithful – Zephaniah 3:9-13
key
verse: v.12b
God
spoke here of an almost unimaginable time when the faithful remnant
will return to the destroyed nation of Israel. This is possible
because of God's amazing grace. This remnant consists of those who
trust in the name of the Lord and call upon it (v.9&12). If God
could restore a broken nation, then what would He do today if we will
choose to be part of His “faithful remnant”.
Reason
to rejoice – Zephaniah 3:14-17
key
verse(s): v.14b-15 Notice the reasons to rejoice...
-
punishment – has been taken away by the mercy of the Lord
-
the enemy – He has turned them back (or changed their course
away from you)
-
the Lord is with you – Is there a better reason to rejoice then
this! See also v.17
Notice
that these reasons applied to them but they are also still reasons to
rejoice today.
Restoration
– Zephaniah 3:18-20
key
verse: 20
Notice
all the things that God says “I will...”. Ultimately there will
be a total restoration of God's children. We can see from the Bible
and from history that God did restore Israel. But more importantly
than this temporary physical restoration of a nation, God sent His
Son into that very nation to bring about a full restoration of all
those who choose to be faithful to the Lord and call on His name.
Conclusion:
Most of the above passage is speaking of a time when the faithful
remnant of God will return from the exile among the nations and be
restored as a nation once again. However, the points God make are
very relevant to us today as well. This passage can also apply to God
giving us a reason to rejoice and praise Him in the time of the New
Testament.
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