Have you ever escaped the punishment for something you did that was wrong? I sure have. More often than I’d like to admit. God, in His grace has certainly disciplined me out of His great love. But, I am amazed at the extension of His grace to me. It has resulted in a great love in my heart for Him. And hopefully and abiding obedience as well. Zephaniah saw and predicted both the judgment of God upon His people and the restoration of the remnant as well. The great Babylonian empire would conquer Israel and Judah, but God would restore them afterwards. I love how God refers to His people and Jerusalem in such an affection way, calling them “Daughter Zion”. He wants to call us today His sons and daughters.
The Lord has taken away your punishment,
he has turned back your enemy.
The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you;
never again will you fear any harm.
On that day they will say to Jerusalem,
“Do not fear, Zion; do not let your hands hang limp.
The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:15-17 NIV
How has God been my Mighty Warrior who saves? In what ways does He “take great delight” in me?
God, (my heavenly Father), as this day begins, I have known far more of Your grace than Your correction and discipline. And for that I am so very grateful. May I walk today in righteousness and obedience to Your will and Your way. Thank you for the great blessings and protection and even delight. I can approach each day without fear of harm because You are with me. Or more appropriately, I am with You!
