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Pure speech, service in one accord, no shame because of past mistakes, no longer enduring arrogant and haughty people…where do I sign up?!

These are promises we find in Zephaniah 3:9-20. And while this is another short book of prophecy, it is pretty clear that Jerusalem, all of the Jewish people, and the surrounding nations will experience God’s judgment and justice due to their many sins. Idolatry and lack of justice were chief among the failures of the recipients of this prophetic word.

A careful reading of this book suggests that it is not punishment but rather purification that God wants for his beloved creation. God is always pursuing his children in order that they might one day experience what Zephaniah wrote about in the third chapter.

The remnant of Judah did survive. God did send his son whose sacrifice allows us to be a part of his family and his plan for complete renewal and restoration when Jesus returns. But before we get to that moment, we should note that followers of Christ are called to live as Jesus taught his disciples while on earth.

Because of Christ, we have no shame. Because the Holy Spirit lives in us, our speech should be pure. Because we as the body of Christ work together to shine God’s light and love on the world around us, we live with humility and grace, not arrogantly or selfishly. Followers of Christ experience not judgment but favor from the Lord.

Zephaniah reminds us that the Lord is in our midst! And not idly, but actively saving us, rejoicing over us, and singing praises along with us:

“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.”

What an amazing blessing that God does not live far off but is literally in our midst celebrating us, comforting us by his love, and joining us in our daily worship.

God has never stopped working his perfect plans for you and me individually or for all of his creation. One day we will see him face to face and live beyond the thin line that separates heaven and earth today. But until then we can be confident that he is alive and active in his church as we extend his good news throughout the world.

Father, sometimes we see the harshness of certain passages of scripture yet miss how your justice is always working to purify and refine us in your image. As your image bearers today, we celebrate that you are with us and for us and want to use us to share your good news in word and deed to everyone around us. Thank you for your goodness and your grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.