Lesson for 6/19

Hey all, the Sunday school lesson for tomorrow comes from Zephaniah 3:9-14. Its titled, "Assurances and Joy for the Faithful" If you recall from previous lessons, we discussed the Lord's day, which expresses the day God will bring Judgment on this world. We read throughout Zephaniah 1 how God will wipe away the uncleanness, the idol worship, and those who did not actively seek and Trust Him. Today we find encouragement as written in chapter 3! Before we begin, let us meditate on the title. "Assurances and Joy for the Faithful" At times of trial or discomfort, we today may sometimes struggle to remain faithful. I honestly believe, we again as Christians ultimately want to fully rely on God, and trust His Will for our lives; but in the midst of the storm, it may be somewhat difficult for us to achieve this. At times, for example a newly proclaimed Christian has just accepted Christ, on fire and willing to do what it takes to please God; A tragic event occurs and he sits back and wonders why this is happening to him, and his non-believer peers are advancing, or having "easy" times. Here in this lesson, we will see how God reassures us for remaining Faithful and trusting Him in the midst of everything. Verse 9; again God is speaking through Zephaniah "I will purify the speech of all people, so that everyone can worship the Lord together." Pause, what encouragement for this newly proclaimed Christian in the above example! God is going purify, clean, do away with; judge, the uncleanness so that those who are faithful to Him, which would be everyone at that time, can worship the Lord together. It goes on to say that we will no longer be ashamed for all of our doings, in which we have transgressed or rebelled against Him. If you're any like me, or even most of Jesus' disciples, you may have experienced being ashamed of the sin you've committed. Some of us beat ourselves up and simply feel unworthy of the unmerited Love God has for us; As we mature in faith, we grow to the knowledge of God's unconditional love! Verse 11 simply brings out that this feeling of being supremely ashamed will no longer be! The Bible continues on; God will take those that rejoice in their pride and boast, and leave those who are humble. (purifying the speech!) Verse 13 says the Remnant!! of Israel, to translate for us today; those of us remaining! "Will do no wrong, it says "they will  never tell lies or deceive one another. They will eat and sleep in safety, and no one will make them afraid." What encouragement and peace of mind! Verse 14 tells us to be Glad and rejoice with all of our heart! Not some, but all! We know the greatest commandment is to "love the Lord our God with ALL of our Heart, Soul, and Mind" - Matthew 22:36-38. Here in this verse 14 of Zephaniah we are to do the same, with Rejoicing in the Day of the Lord!

Keep faith all, and rest assured that your faithfulness and due-diligence does not go unnoticed by our Heavenly Father! Joy comes in the morning!

I encourage you'll to read the entire book of Zephaniah for your own understanding and revelation from God! Share your comments, thoughts or questions below!

Thanks for reading and God bless!