9For then I will purify the lips of the peoples, that they may all call on Yahweh’s name, to serve him shoulder to shoulder. 10From beyond the rivers of Cush, my worshipers, even the daughter of my dispersed people, will bring my offering. 11In that day you will not be disappointed for all your doings in which you have transgressed against me; for then I will take away out from among you your proudly exulting ones, and you will no more be arrogant in my holy mountain. 12But I will leave among you an afflicted and poor people, and they will take refuge in Yahweh’s name. 13The remnant of Israel will not do iniquity nor speak lies, neither will a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth, for they will feed and lie down, and no one will make them afraid.”
14Sing, daughter of Zion! Shout, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, daughter of Jerusalem. 15Yahweh has taken away your judgments. He has thrown out your enemy. The King of Israel, Yahweh, is among you. You will not be afraid of evil any more. 16In that day, it will be said to Jerusalem, “Don’t be afraid, Zion. Don’t let your hands be weak.” 17Yahweh, your God, is among you, a mighty one who will save. He will rejoice over you with joy. He will calm you in his love. He will rejoice over you with singing. 18I will remove those who grieve about the appointed feasts from you. They are a burden and a reproach to you. 19Behold, at that time I will deal with all those who afflict you; and I will save those who are lame and gather those who were driven away. I will give them praise and honor, whose shame has been in all the earth. 20At that time I will bring you in, and at that time I will gather you; for I will give you honor and praise among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your fortunes before your eyes, says Yahweh.
In these verses we truly see the heart of God and the hope and love he has for his people. He calls for his people to worship him as they come together. Their shame has been lifted and no longer do they rebel against God. They are humble before God and they trust in his name. They have returned to him and they rest without fear. There is no judgement on the heads they belong to God! God is living among them and he is the mighty saviour.
Do you know that these are still God’s hopes and plans for us? That we would bear no shame because he is our saviour and he is with us. It is easier to think of the Hebrew people benefitting from this great love and mercy of God after all they were in the bible. Sometimes we look at others and picture in our minds that they have everything sorted and God must love them more than us. It is important to know that God does not compare us with anyone. He knows us, every bit of us, even the bits that we preferred no one knew and he loves us.
Did you know that God delights in you, you are his child? He wants to pour his love over you and calm your fears. Zephaniah tells us that not only does God rejoice over us but that he rejoices over us with singing. God has written a song and it’s about you, he sings it over you every day. He is delighted that you have given your heart to him. You make God glad!!