Zephaniah 3:17

DISCOURSE: 1232
GOD’S DELIGHT IN SAVING SINNERS

Zephaniah 3:17. The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty: he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy: he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

HOW wonderful are these expressions, as uttered by Jehovah himself, in reference to such a worthless and sinful creature as man! But they are the very words of the Most High God addressed to his Church of old, and, in them, to us also. Behold then,

I. What bright prospects are here for the Jewish Church!

[Greatly had they sinned against their God and raised his indignation against them. Hence they are threatened with utter destruction [Note: Zephaniah 1:12.]. But their enemies too had grievously offended; and therefore they also are threatened with the visitations of his wrath [Note: Zephaniah 2:1.]. But in the midst of judgment God remembered mercy towards his ancient people; and by his prophet announced his purpose to bring them back unto himself, and to make them happy in the enjoyment of his love [Note: ver. 9–13]. But, scattered as they are over the face of the whole earth, this seemed to be almost impossible. He therefore reminds them how “mighty” he is to save, even as in the day that he delivered them from their Egyptian bondage. And, as he had rejoiced over her to do her good in former days, so would he again in the latter day, taking away all her judgments, casting out all her enemies, and so perpetuating his mercies towards her that she should not see evil any more [Note: ver. 15 If this were the subject of a Jewish Sermon, the four hints in this last sentence should be distinctly considered, and largely amplified, by appropriate citations from Holy Writ.].” — — —]

But let us notice also,

II.

What bright prospects are here for every individual believer!

“Fear not, believer, nor let thy hands be slack,” but consider for thine encouragement what thy God has here so graciously set before thee; namely,

1. His power to save—

[He who was in his Church of old, is equally present with thy soul: and he, even “the Lord thy God, is mighty” See what he wrought in the days of old, when he brought forth his people out of Egypt, delivering them from all their enemies, [Note: Exodus 14:27; Exodus 17:14.] and supplying all their wants [Note: Psalms 77:15.]. And “is his hand now shortened that he cannot save, or his ear heavy that he cannot hear [Note: Isaiah 59:1.]?” Be assured, there is not any thing which he will not accomplish for you also, through the care of his providence [Note: Romans 8:28.] and the operation of his grace [Note: 2 Corinthians 10:4.]

2. His determination to save—

[“He will save;” and none shall hinder him. Having bought you with the blood of his dear Son, and committed you to him, he will suffer “none to pluck you out of his hands.” Under all circumstances, “the grace of Christ shall be sufficient for you,” and “the strength of Christ be magnified in your weakness.” Only “be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might,” and “nothing shall be impossible unto you [Note: Mark 9:23.].”]

3. His delight in saving—

[You may see in the parable of the prodigal son, what are the feelings of Jehovah towards returning penitents. But if that convey not an adequate idea to your minds, call to mind the image under which God has condescended to set forth the joy which he feels in his believing people. Nothing that a natural man can experience, can exceed the joy with which a bridegroom, after a long season of suspense and fear, is animated in the possession of his bride. Yet to that does Jehovah refer as most fitly illustrating the delight which he has in manifesting his love to his chosen people [Note: Isaiah 62:5.]

4. His immutability towards those whom he intends to save—

[Man is often alienated from the object of his affections, either by means of some unexpected evil he has discovered, or through his own fickleness and inconstancy. But God changeth not [Note: Malachi 3:6; James 1:17.]. Whom he loveth he loveth to the end [Note: John 13:1.]. He hateth putting away [Note: Malachi 2:16.]. And, as he loved his people from eternity [Note: Jeremiah 31:3.], and chose them without any reference to good, either seen or foreseen, in them [Note: Deuteronomy 7:7; Deuteronomy 9:5.], so will he not forsake them on account of their infirmities [Note: Isaiah 54:7.]. He will indeed punish their transgressions with all needful severity [Note: Psalms 89:30.]; but his gifts and callings are without repentance [Note: Romans 11:29.]; nor will he cast off the people whom he has chosen in Christ, and given to him [Note: 1 Samuel 12:22.Hosea 2:19.]

See, Brethren,
1.

How marvellous the compassion of your God!

[Call to mind the wickedness of God’s ancient people through the whole course of their conduct, till they completed it and filled up the measure of it in crucifying their Messiah, the Lord of glory. Yet to them is my text more immediately addressed, and in them shall it ere long be certainly fulfilled. How utterly does such love pass all human comprehension! But look back to your own ways, my brethren, and ye will have reason enough to adore and magnify the grace of God, when ye consider, that you also are interested in these promises, and that in you shall they receive a speedy accomplishment. Dear brethren, I would have this to be, if I may so say, the constant subject of your devoutest meditations. It is this that will set your hearts at liberty, and cause you to go on your way rejoicing. Nothing can obstruct the happiness of a mind habituated to such contemplations as these.]

2. How ardent should be your zeal in his service!

[Is his mind so set on you, and his power so engaged for you? how devoted then should ye be to him; and how entirely should your souls be occupied in endeavours to fulfil his holy will! Does he “rest in his love” to you, and will ye suffer one moment’s intermission in your love to him? O stir yourselves up more and more to serve him; and let your every faculty, whether of mind or body, be in constant exercise for the advancement of his glory.]