IMMANUEL, GOD WITH US, SINGING OVER US
Near the end of Zephaniah’s prophecy of trouble and tribulation for Israel, he prophesied the coming of a Mighty Savior. Like a mighty hero, He would abide with them and rescue them. Like a husband, He would receive and rejoice over His bride. Like a mother, He would quiet their weeping with His love and sing a joyous song over them to help them forget their tears.
Surely, this prophesy has been fulfilled in Christ’s first coming. Yet, not so. For as John wrote, “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him” (John 1:11). The Messiah has come, but His own people rejected Him. Remember how Jesus grieved that Jerusalem would not let Him comfort her? “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, …How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” (Matt. 23:37). Jesus sang with His disciples (See Mark 14:26), but not over Jerusalem.
Zephaniah’s prophecy therefore points to a coming not yet fulfilled. His prophecy points to Christ’s Second Coming. The First Advent was preparation for the Second Advent. Christ has come. Christ is coming again. And He will come singing.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we celebrate Christ’s first coming. His birth, sacrificial death and resurrection. Yet, we look forward in hope to His soon return. Until then, strengthen us to proclaim Him to the nations with our praise and singing. In Jesus’ name, amen.