COURAGE THAT WORKS

On that day they will say to Jerusalem, “Do not fear, Zion; do not let your hands hang limp. The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” —Zephaniah 3:16, 17

The prophet Zephaniah was a contemporary of Jeremiah.

In his much more succinct book, he also warned of the consequences of the people’s unfaithfulness and rebellion, and he included God’s promises of redemption and restoration. The people of Israel would suffer through a time of destruction and exile, but God’s love toward them was enduring and extravagant. His love was portrayed both in His saving power and as delighting in and singing over His people. Both the strength and tenderness of this portrayal catch our imaginations and move our hearts.

These promises were intended as a source of comfort and hope for the people, even as disaster unfolded around them: “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees” (Hebrews 12:11, 12).

This restoration, this renewal of courage, and this affirmation of God’s generous love toward them would also renew their call to work for God and for goodness in the world. Their limp arms would regain their strength, and this would be a time of renewed action and activity. The people of Israel were always intended to be God’s partners in the work of caring for, healing, and restoring the world. This work would be part of the restored relationship between God and His people. Throughout the Bible, “Do not be afraid” was often a starting point for a new task that God gave to His people. It is also an important element of the renewal of His relationship with all humanity.