When was the last time you read Zephaniah? My Sunday school class spent some time in this Old Testament book a few weeks ago, and parts of it still murmur in the back of my mind. Zephaniah is considered one of the minor prophets—“minor” because the book presents a brief message, but certainly not minor in importance! Zephaniah delivered a message of judgment, but some passages carry hopeful optimism that speak of God’s great ability to forgive and restore. Zephaniah speaks of “the day of the Lord,” when the wicked come to repentance. On that day, there would be rejoicing, restoration, and redemption from the LORD (the covenant God of Israel).

The nations were given three commands for that day. First, sing for joy! How many times, when people are full of happiness, do they burst into song? It was common then; it’s common now. So God said to demonstrate their happiness with joyful singing. Second, He said to shout loudly! This is another common response to joy (ask my neighbors what they heard when I got word of the coming of my first granddaughter—they’ll confirm there was a lot of “shout loudly” going on). Finally, He said to be glad (meaning abundantly happy) and to celebrate with all their heart. The Lord wanted all dimensions of the person to delight in the Lord’s goodness and mercy.

Sounds like a wonderful celebration breaking loose, doesn’t it? And why not? Restoration in God’s kingdom should compel us to worship with joy! Tomorrow we’ll look at reasons why the people should be joyous.