He is Back!

O. T. #2251  "He is Back!"

August 5, 2022

Zephaniah 3-Part 5

Sing, O daughter of Zion: shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem. (Verse 14)

LET IT GLOW

I remember what a joy it was to return home after 17 years of serving the Lord elsewhere. A church opened up for my husband to pastor, only 10 miles from our present house. Mom was thrilled, too. (Only 6 weeks later she passed away. Still, I was there for her.)

Now it is a joy to write today's lesson. After 70 years of captivity in Babylon, the Jews would have reasons to rejoice-restoration, peace, and security. Israel is exhorted to sing, shout, be glad, and rejoice, according to our key verse. Don't you know Zephaniah was happy to write these final words of his prophesy.

What were the 4 causes for rejoicing?

1. God was removing His judgment. (verses 15-16)
2. Jehovah dwells among His people. (verses 15, 17-18)
3. God will deal with all enemies. (verses 15, 19)
4. He will restore His people. (verse 20)

Yes sir, those are reasons to rejoice. The King of Israel is the LORD. (He is back with them.) Oh, how wonderful it is, after you have strayed away, to have God back in your life!

Of course, this is all prophesy by Zephaniah, but did happen.

After Solomon's kingdom split into two nations, Israel (north) and Judah (south), it was 345 years of good and bad kings for Judah. Then add another 70 years of captivity, that totals 415 years of good and bad kings for Judah, which was not the LORD. Generations. 

But God promised rejoicing and gladness. You know, there is rejoicing ahead for us believers in Jesus Christ-heaven forever. In the meantime, can we be glad and rejoice today and until that day comes or Jesus returns to earth to get His children?

LET IT GROW

Taking that into account, history tells us Persia conquered Babylon, and king Cyrus allowed Jews to return to Jerusalem in 538 BC. Zerubbabel and Joshua led about Jews 50,000 of them on a long journey back to the place where they originated. They had to rebuild the Temple, cities, homes, and commerce. What a task! If my memory is correct, Cyrus appointed Zerubbabel as their king.

Then, 80 years later, Ezra the priest led the second group, about 3,500 Jews on the trip home. We read about that in the book of Ezra. Thirteen years later, the third group of Jews returned, led by Nehemiah. The Lord did it, folks.

So, not only were the Jews back home, but God was back with them. No idols, only Almighty God.

LET IT GO

We sing Hallelujah, the Lamb has overcome!

Forever He is glorified!

Forever He is risen, alive!