“The Lord has taken away the judgments against you; he has cleared away your enemies. The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall never again fear evil. On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: ‘Fear not, O Zion; let not your hands grow weak. 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.’” – Zephaniah 3:15-17
What makes you happy?
For me, I like hanging out with my family. I also enjoy a good comedy or sci-fi movie. I like the mountains, too. All of these things can make me happy. Seeing someone receive faith or reconciliation in a relationship make me very happy.
Here, God tells Israel to rejoice.
Why?
This is more than just a message for the people of Israel hundreds of years ago. This message is for you, too, who have been grafted into Israel by faith.
The Lord has taken away the judgments against you.
Jesus’ blood has cleansed you of all your sins and removed the guilt of that sin. There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus!
God has removed your enemies.
Jesus’ resurrection has defeated sin, death, and the devil. Our enemies are defeated and we have been made victors in Christ Jesus!
Your King is in your midst.
By Faith, Jesus has claimed you as His own and now lives within you. You shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
So, rejoice!!
Dear Jesus,
You have forgiven me, saved me, and brought me into Your presence. Thank you! I praise Your Name above all else. You alone are worthy of praise.
Amen.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Kurt
Copyright 2022, Faith Lutheran Church, Wesley Chapel. All Rights Reserved.