“I WILL GATHER THE OUTCASTS” MAY 6, 2022 SCRIPTURE AND SONG

ZEPHANIAH 3:18-20

18. I will gather those belonging to you (those Israelites in captivity) who yearn and grieve for the solemn assembly (and the festivals), on whom their exile and inability to attend services at Jerusalem have brought a derision and the reproach of it is a burden.

19. Behold, at that time I will deal with all those who afflict you; I will save the limping and gather the outcasts, and will make them a praise and a name in every land of their shame.

20. At that time I will bring you in; yes, at that time I will gather you; for I will make you a name and a praise among the nations of the earth, when I reverse your captivity before your eyes, says the Lord. Amp.

The 3rd chapter of Zephaniah is about Jerusalem and her condition and her restoration. He does not mince words but says she refused instruction and did not listen to God. Her priests have profaned the sanctuary saying their word is God’s Word when it is their own.

Therefore, He brings the fire of His zeal and jealousy, verse 8. But He promises in verse 12 that He will leave an afflicted people in the midst who shall seek refuge in the Lord. He will deliver them and cast out their enemy. They will not fear evil anymore, verse 15.

We cannot skip verse 17 that says, He will rejoice over them with joy and exult over them with singing. Can you imagine hearing God singing? And singing about you? How wonderful is He. How wonderful would that be? He is setting the stage for what He is about to do!

He will bring in the outcasts and those who have been treated badly by the church. He will bless them in a special way that He does not tell. He will make them a name and a praise by reversing their captivity. He is going to give them victory in their life, and all will see the Lord in them. He shall make it known before all the nations. How special is that?

Isaiah 62:3 You shall also be so beautiful and prosperous as to be thought of as a crown of glory and honor in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem exceedingly beautiful in the hand of your God. Amp.

The most special!!!