Are You Living Up To The Vision?
Zeph. 3:9-13
Jay Horsley
Many of the Old Testament prophecies concerning the church are of the “all is right with the world” variety. Prophecies of “lions laying with lambs,” “the exile is set free” and “the sun will not beat down on them” are both familiar and common. But Zephaniah has a wonderful vision by revelation describing the repentant and converted under the new system. The prophet does not see the establishment of a physical, conquering kingdom, as so many mistakenly read many prophecies. But He sees a grand vision of pure, moral and spiritually minded saints. His description could almost be one of Paul's exhortations from the Prison Epistles.
“Purified Lips” (vs. 9) Degenerate minds are marked with evil manners. Idle conversation, double talk, filthy words, course jesting, foul insults, and every other kind of reproachful and uncharitable speech, reveals the wickedness in the heart. This is just as the apostle Paul instructed Christians to “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt.” (Col. 4:6) Note that these pure lips call on the name of the Lord. In the book of Romans Paul uses this phrase to speak of the good confession made that results in salvation. But we also see that these lips now call only on the Lord. They are not polluted with the name of other gods, as the Jews in the Old Testament so often were. “Who bow down and swear to the LORD and yet swear by Milcom (Molech)” (Zeph. 1:5) This corrupt practice is left behind.
“Serve Him Shoulder To Shoulder” (vs. 9) All those who call on the name of the Lord are together in their service to God. They are in step, acting together, with each bearing his load in concert. Zephaniah foresaw the same thing that Jesus prayed for, “that they may all be one.” (John 17:21) The first fruits of this were seen in the early days of the church when the disciples were “continuing daily with one accord.” (Acts 2:42) And Paul prayed that it continue, “Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus; that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Rom. 15:56) This is real, voluntary, appreciative service to God. It is not the formalistic, outward service that many fall into when their heart isn't in it.
“Feel No Shame Because of Your Deeds” (vs. 11) The great blessing of a pure mind and pure conscience comes from putting aside the things that cause shame. The wicked don't care if their conduct is shameful, “the unjust knows no shame.” (Zeph. 3:5) But those who strive to do right are acutely aware of their shortcoming. With the help of God to forgive our sins and change our lives by “cleans[ing] your conscience from dead works to serve the living God” (Heb. 9:14) and then continuing to “guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus,” (Phil. 4:7) we have purity of mind and peace at heart that none else can.
“Never Again Be Haughty” (vs. 11) The Lord promises to remove the proud and exultant from among this purified people. The first device to insure this is that the arrogant simply do not respond to the gospel call, and so are left behind in the world. “Consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble.” (1 Cor. 1:26) What pride is resident in the heart of the repentant is driven out the the recognition of God's grace and the constant teaching of the scriptures against it. The result is as Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 5:3)
“They Will Take Refuge In The Name Of The Lord” (vs. 12) Religion true to God brings a lowly spirit, a dependence and true trust in Him. These are people who know who God is and who know that God knows them. From this comes the fully confident assurance of hope. “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom. 8:38,39)
“Do No Wrong, Tell No Lies” (vs. 13) The marvelous blessings and assurances of God do not come without responsibility. Honesty and truthfulness are absolute requirements of those who serve the true God. If God be true, so must His followers be. The hypocrite who pretends to be righteous, the blusterer who pretends to be better than he really is, and pretenders of every sort, are vanquished in a system that appeals to the pure in heart, encourages character development and chastises the sinner. The whole moral atmosphere is radically changed when corruption is replaced with purity. “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.” (Phil. 4:8)
Result: “Secure and Well Pastured” (vs. 13) Sheep won't feed or lie down unless they feel safe. Christians are securely pastured by the “great Shepherd of the sheep” (Heb. 13:20) and “Shepherd and Guardian of your souls” (1 Pet. 2:25) Spiritual safety and prosperity are the great result and blessing for us. As Jesus prayed, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32)
Does this wonderful vision describe you and the Christians you know? If not, why not? It is a predictive prophecy, so does prophecy fail? Or are we failing prophecy? Are we really, fully living up to our calling?