Zephaniah 3:16

Let not thine hands be slack.

The Church of Christ exhorted to diligence

I. These words suggest to the Church of Christ that there is a work to be performed. The caution “not to be slack” implies an injunction to be diligent, and is supposed to refer first to the rebuilding of the temple, and then to the spread of the Church of Christ in Gospel days. To assertain the special work to be performed we have only to acquaint ourselves with the sacred character and required employment of the persons addressed. A people of holy character are called to exertion, and their work must be in unison with their character. The work to be accomplished by the inhabitants of Zion is a work of grace. As such--

1. The work to be performed is spiritual in its nature. Being a spiritual work, it has special regard to the interests of the souls of men, and embraces every duty calculated to promote the purity and happiness, the present and eternal salvation, of intelligent beings. The inhabitants of Zion, collectively or individually, ii they would promote the happiness of men, must lead them to an acquaintance with that Saviour, “whom to know is life eternal.”

2. The work to be performed is beneficial in its operations. Contemplate the effects in their immediate subjects. The dark mind is enlightened, the hard heart is softened, the perverse will is subjected, the drowsy conscience is roused, the inverted affections are rightly directed, the carnal nature regenerated, and the profligate life is changed into purity of deportment. Contemplate the effects in their direct tendency. The operations of grace are visible in all the kindred relations of life, and in all the relations of society. Contemplate the effects in their extended influence.

3. The work to be performed is important in its character. This is seen if we reflect on the exalted interest which it engages. The spiritual interest of man engages all the perfections of God, and all the persons of the sacred Trinity. Reflect also on the honour it secures to man.

4. The work to be performed is indispensable in its obligations. These arc numerous, powerful, and binding. The obligation arises from man’s misery, through sin, and should be felt and acknowledged by all who have found mercy in God.

II. The words under consideration also suggest unto the Church a power to be exerted. Hands, in Scripture, signify power. They are also expressive of an agent employed. Zion should employ--

1. The mighty power of truth.

2. The necessary power of union.

3. The extensive power of influence.

4. The consecrated power of wealth.

5. The prevailing power of prayer.

III. By this scripture we are further instructed that supineness of spirit must be avoided. “Slackness of hands” indicates a disposition that is most enervating in its influence.

1. Supineness of spirit is unworthy of a work of grace.

2. It is unequal to a work of grace.

3. It would fail to accomplish the work of grace.

4. It is very offensive to the God of Grace.

IV. From these words we are taught that an exhortation is to be given.

1. This is the voice of God from His sovereign throne.

2. This is the voice of ministers from the towers of Zion.

3. This is the voice of thousands whose state demands assistance.

In conclusion--

1. The work of grace is the work of Zion.

2. The members of Zion have a hand, a power for this work.

3. The members of Zion are called to unwearied exertions. (William Naylor.)