This week is the commemoration of Jerusalem Day, a holiday remembering the reunification of the city of Jerusalem and establishment of Jewish control over the Old City in the war of 1967. The capital of Israel will erupt with jubilant celebrations, parades and chanting marchers in the streets. The Old City will be especially boisterous as throngs of patriotic youth groups will dance and sing and cheer their Jewish heritage within the ancient walls. But with all this revelry, there also comes a bittersweet note of the reality of the times we live in. There is still war in Gaza and almost daily missiles incoming from Yemen. There are still hostages held captive, whose families protest the government’s lack of success in attaining their release. There is corruption and dissention among the government offices, and antisemitism is wreaking tragic events worldwide. And so many are wondering where the answers to these conflicts can be found.
These days resound very similarly to the times of another kingdom, that of King Josiah. Josiah fought to repel the idolatry of Judah’s past monarchies and return prosperity and dedication to the Lord back to the land. Yet, even with all his efforts there was still an undercurrent of corruption that permeated the culture, a rebellious and wicked cancer that would lead to Judah’s captivity and the destruction of Jerusalem at the hands of the Babylonians. Many then, as now, were grappling for answers. And the Lord in His great mercy, wanting the people to turn back to Him in repentance continued sending His prophets with the answers, if only the people would listen.
Zephaniah was a succinct yet powerful prophet in the days of King Josiah of Judah. His prophecy cut to the very core of what was happening amid the nation and also looked forward to a time when God would infuse Himself in the midst of His people. We see a three-fold solution in the prophetic call of Josiah’s day that would also be so applicable today if only the words would be heeded.
In the Midst of Jerusalem…
Zephaniah called out the corruption and wickedness that was prevalent in the midst of God’s holy city, Jerusalem. “Her princes in her midst are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves…her prophets are insolent, treacherous people; her priests have polluted the sanctuary…” (Zephaniah 3:3-4) Yet, in the midst of all this corruption, God had still not abandoned His people. He was there, ever-present, calling His people to righteousness,
“The LORD is righteous in her midst, He will do no unrighteousness. Morning by morning He brings His justice to light; He never fails, but the unjust knows no shame.” (Zephaniah 3:5)
God in the Midst of His People
And what happens when a holy and just God stands in the midst of an evil and proud generation? The two cannot co-exist. His righteousness prevails over evil every time. His love and patience never fails! His pure holiness will repel those who do not bow to His authority and those who remain will be transformed into new creatures.
“In that day you shall not be shamed for any of your deeds in which you transgress against Me; for then I will take away from your midst those who rejoice in your pride, and you shall no longer be haughty in My holy mountain. I will leave in your midst a meek and humble people, and they shall trust in the name of the LORD…and no one shall make them afraid.” (Zephaniah 3:11-13)
God’s People in His Midst
And what will the Lord do with those who remain, who are cleansed of their sins and humble in His presence? He will turn to them and take them in His arms and comfort them. He will calm their fears and fill them with joy.
“The LORD your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17)
Where do you stand in this message? Are you repelled by the holiness and purity of the Lord? Or are you being transformed in His presence into a new creature? Are you humble before Him and trusting in His name? You do not need to be afraid of the hand of the Lord at work in you. He will make you fearless in the face of the corruption of this world. And the Lord Himself will sing and dance and rejoice over you like those who will be rejoicing over Jerusalem this week. Our prayer is that all—Jews, Arabs and all peoples of the world–will come to a knowledge of this grace and free salvation that is offered as an answer to all of life’s struggles. May the Lord take you up in His loving arms today and comfort you with His love. And may you hear the voice of the Lord Himself singing over you with joy.