THE BLESSINGS OF THE LORD.
Zep_3:10-20.
The blessings here promised are, of course, for Israel, and will be completely fulfilled when the Lord will bring full deliverance to His waiting people at His Second Coming. But the spiritual import is for God’s people in every age. Shall we look at-
I. What He hath Done. In the light of our own experience as Christians.
1. He Hath Taken Away thy Judgments (Zep_3:15). The judgment hanging over us like a thick cloud, because of sin. He hath taken away because of the Cross. "There is therefore now no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus" (Rom_8:1). The judgment is past, and the true light now shineth upon the forgiven soul.
2. He Hath Cast Out thine Enemy (Zep_3:15). He hath dislodged that wicked spirit that still worketh in the children of disobedience. Satan’s sphere of operation is now outside the citadel of the justified soul. Therefore keep thy gates closed against him, and yield not to temptation.
3. He is in the Midst of Thee (Zep_3:15). The Mightier Spirit has come to take possession. He shall be with you and in you (Joh_14:17). Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. Ye are more than conquerors through Him. "God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved." "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the age."
II. What He Will Do. God is in the midst of thee.
1. He will Save (Zep_3:17). The salvation of God is a past, present, and future deliverance. One great whole in His eternal purpose. Don’t we need a daily salvation from sin and folly, from doubting and fearfulness, from spiritual apathy and ignorance, from self-assertiveness and fruitless testimony? He will save. There is none other Name under Heaven whereby we can be so saved.
2. He will Rejoice Over Thee with Joy (Zep_3:17). Yes, those who are daily being fully saved bring gladness to the Saviour’s heart. The Lord will not rejoice over a spoiled thing, or a marred vessel, or a professedly Christian life that is failing to fulfil His high and holy purpose. If your life is a sacrifice of joy unto the Lord you may rest assured that "He will rejoice over thee." "We joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom_5:11).
3. He will Rest In His Love (Zep_3:17). Oh, the sweetness of this thought, that our God can find rest in the greatness of His love for us: that love that never faileth, and is stronger than death. He will, and does, rest in that love that gave His beloved Son to the death for us all. Rest in His love as seen in the willing sacrifice offered by His Son. Rest in the triumph of that love that bringeth salvation to all men. What a resting place this is for our own hearts, now and ever. Rest in His love, not in our own.
III. What We Should Do.
1. Praise His Blessed Name. "Sing, O daughter of Zion. Shout O Israel. Be glad and rejoice with all the heart" (Zep_3:14). "Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men" (Psa_107:15). In that day Israel will be "made a praise among all people of the earth" (Zep_3:20). For many generations they have been a "sneer and a byword" among the nations, but their "crowning day is coming," when their King and the Church’s Redeemer shall take unto Himself His right and reign over the whole earth. O Christian, be glad and rejoice with all your heart, for He hath done great things for thee. For he hath delivered in the past, He doth deliver in the present, and will yet deliver (2Co_1:10). Thanks be unto God.
2. Fear Not. "Fear thou not" (Zep_3:16). There is no place for fearfulness and uncertainty in the Economy of Divine Grace. He who planned the Heavens, and the whole scheme of man’s salvation, and the movements of an atom, will not fail His own trusting children. "He hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my Helper, I will not fear" (Heb_13:5-6).
3. Be Diligent in Service. "Let not thine hands be slack" (Zep_3:16). Slack hands are an evidence of slack hearts. Slackness in God’s work is a prevailing weakness among His people. The "go slow" policy is largely practised in the ranks of Christian workers. Whatsoever thy hand finds to do, do it heartily as unto the Lord. Let us seek to serve our gracious Master just as if He were standing by our side looking on, and waiting to receive the finished article.
Autor: James Smith