When the Lord Comes (Zephaniah 3:14-17) // December 16, 2018

When the Lord Comes (Zephaniah 3:14-17) // December 16, 2018

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Zephaniah 3:14-17 (Common English Bible)

14 Rejoice, Daughter Zion! Shout, Israel!  Rejoice and exult with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem.

 15 The Lord has removed your judgment;  he has turned away your enemy.  The Lord, the king of Israel, is in your midst; you will no longer fear evil.

16 On that day, it will be said to Jerusalem: Don’t fear, Zion.  Don’t let your hands fall.

17 The Lord your God is in your midst—a warrior bringing victory.  He will create calm with his love; he will rejoice over you with singing.

Summary:  

Advent does not just look backward to the first coming of Christ, but also looks forward to the Second Coming of Christ.  In this season, there is a strong reason for joy. Zephaniah promises that the people’s fortune and future have been changed from judgment to hope, from destruction to restoration, from oppression to liberation and from dread to praise. In this season, we took look forward to Christ’s coming and we must be prepared and refined for what God has in store!

Reflection Questions:

  1. The hearers of Zephaniah’s message are invited to sing and rejoice. What is the cause of their singing and rejoicing?
  2. What causes you to sing and rejoice?
  3. What is God doing in your life that brings you joy?