The entire book of Zephaniah is only three chapters, so it’s a quick read. Zephaniah paints a harsh, maybe even terrifying, picture of how the people in Judah are facing doom. The tone of messaging changes in today’s reading to bring hope. It’s time to “be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem!” It’s a good reminder for us to rejoice amidst our temporary pain and affliction.
Oh, how wonderful those words would have sounded. At last, a prophecy the people would want to hear. Imagine hearing that your dread and fear would be taken away. The people who had suffered so long had something to hold on to—their hope for a savior. This prophecy even tells them to “cheer up!”
It’s hard to stay miserable when you look toward the happy ending. When we’re going through those valleys in life, it can be hard to imagine happier times. A glimmer of hope releases the grip of fear. God’s promises are always a good remedy for our dismay.
Just like the wayward people of Judah, we, too, can lose our way and be influenced by the wrong messages. Judah was punished by God for their disobedience. This prophecy was their promise that their exile wasn’t forever. This hope would sustain God’s people for generations before Jesus came to be that savior.
Jesus lived among the people, experienced human emotions, and encountered his creation up close and personal. Jesus brought together his faithful ones. Did you know that Jesus delights in you? With our flaws and all, Jesus loves us. His perfect love erases our fears and prepares us for a future with Him.
The suffering of God’s people continued after Jesus left this world. But Jesus’ promise remains that he will avenge our enemies and set us free. He will fight our battles so that we don’t have to. If we have been wronged, Jesus will make it right. This prophecy is not fulfilled completely.
When you’ve been lost and then find your way back to God, you know you don’t want to go back into darkness. There will be plenty of temptations and instances where the darkness seems alluring. Hold firm. Jesus will be gathering us all to take us home. We need to be ready. That’s our Advent message today.
Let’s pray. Father God, thank you for coming to live among your people. I can only imagine what being around your holiness would have been like. Even now, you are near, providing for me and guiding me. You are my all in all. I want to glorify you in all I say and do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
