Then I will purify the speech of all people...

October 29, 2021

​I have to record what I hear God saying in His word. Over and over again, God is giving me strong warnings for His people - the church.

"What sorrow awaits rebellious, polluted Jerusalem, the city of violence and crime! No one can tell it anything; it refuses all correction. It does not trust in the LORD or draw near to its God. Its leaders are like roaring lions hunting for their victims. Its judges are like ravenous wolves at evening time, who by dawn have left no trace of their prey. Its prophets are arrogant liars seeking their own gain. Its priests defile the Temple by disobeying God's instructions." (Zephaniah 3:1-4)

No one can tell us what to do. We refuse all correction. We do not trust God or draw near to Him.
"But the LORD is still there in the city, (our heart) and He does no wrong. Day by day He hands down justice, and He does not fail. But the wicked know no shame." (Zephaniah 3:5)

"I have wiped out many nations, devastating their fortress walls and towers. Their streets are now deserted; their cities lie in silent ruin. There are no survivors - none at all. I thought, 'Surely they will have reverence for Me now! Surely they will listen to My warnings. Then I won't need to strike again, destroying their homes.'" (Zephaniah 3:6-7)

God has done things in the past to try to get our attention. Over and over He has sent hardship. He was hoping that we would listen to His warnings so that He would not have to strike again and destroy our homes.

"But no, they get up early to continue their evil deeds. Therefore, be patient," says the LORD. "Soon I will stand and accuse these evil nations. For I have decided to gather the kingdoms of the earth and pour out My fiercest anger and fury on them. All the earth will be devoured by the fire of my jealousy." (Zephaniah 3:7-8)

All the kingdoms of the earth are about to be gathered together and devoured by the fire of God's jealousy. It is at our doorstep, but His eyes are always on us, His church first.

"From among all the families on the earth, I have been intimate with you alone. That is why I must punish you for all your sins. Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction? Does a lion ever roar in a thicket without first finding a victim? Does a young lion growl in its den without first catching its prey? Does a bird ever get caught in a trap that has no bait? Does a trap spring shut when there's nothing to catch? When the ram's horn blows a warning, shouldn't the people be alarmed? Does disaster come to a city unless the LORD has planned it? Indeed, the Sovereign LORD never does anything until He reveals His plans to His servants the prophets."

THE LION HAS ROARED - so who isn't frightened? The Sovereign LORD has spoken - so who can refuse to proclaim His message?" (Amos 3:2-8)

So here is the warning. But there is something else happening, too.

THEN

"Then I will purify the speech of al people, so that everyone can worship the LORD together. My scattered people who live beyond the rivers of Ethiopia will come to present their offerings. On that day you will no longer need to be ashamed, for you will no longer be rebels against Me. I will remove all proud and arrogant people from among you. There will be no more haughtiness on My holy mountain. Those who are left will be the lowly and humble, for it is they who trust in the name of the LORD. The remnant of Israel will do no wrong; they will never tell lies or deceive one another. They will eat and sleep in safety, and no one will make them afraid."

"Sing, O daughter Of Zion; shout aloud, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! For the LORD will remove His hand of judgment and will disperse the armies of your enemy. And the LORD Himself, the King of Israel, will live among you! At last your troubles will be over, and you will never again fear disaster. On that day the announcement to Jerusalem will be, 'Cheer up, Zion! Don't be afraid! For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty Savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs."

"I will gather you who mourn for the appointed festivals; you will be disgraced no more. And I will deal severely with all who have oppressed you. I will save the weak and helpless ones; I will bring together those who were chased away. I will give glory and fame to My former exiles, wherever they have been mocked and shamed. On that day I will gather you together and bring you home again. I will give you a good name, a name of distinction, among all the nations of the earth, as I restore your fortunes before their very eyes. I, the LORD, have spoken." (Zephaniah 3:9-20)

Can you see God's plan? All pride and arrogance is going to be gone. Our troubles will be gone. The LORD Himself will live among us and sing over us and delight over us with gladness and calm all of our fears. He will rejoice over us with joyful songs. This is His plan. If only we would listen. If only we would receive correction. If only we would draw near to Him and trust Him.

People, this is both a warning and a promise. Fix your eyes on Jesus, guard your heart, and give thanks. God is doing something good.

Terri