Third Sunday of Advent

Intro

Advent is a season of anticipation. In 2024, we await the Lord's return in glory, as we have been told. But what does this truly mean? What is it that we yearn for? Today, we will explore this question through the lens of the prophet Zephaniah, offering a brief glimpse into our collective longing.

Exaltation of the Humble

Zephaniah 3:12–15

If you look back to verse 1 of Zephaniah 3, it pronounces 'woe' to the rebellious, defiled, and oppressive city. Pride, I would submit, is at the root of rebelliousness, defilement, and oppression.

Moving to verse 12:

Zephaniah 3:12–13 “I will leave a meek and humble people among you, and they will take refuge in the name of the Lord. The remnant of Israel will no longer do wrong or tell lies; a deceitful tongue will not be found in their mouths. They will pasture and lie down, with nothing to make them afraid.”

So, to pride, woe is pronounced, but to the meek and humble, they will find refuge in the Lord. The humble, in this passage, are associated with integrity and truthfulness, and for these virtues, they are granted peace. In humility, we find our fortress; in meekness, our peace. We see in verses 14 and 15 that this humble 'remnant' has their punishment removed and can sing for joy.

Christ's ministry on Earth exemplified meekness in its purest form. With His divine power, He could have easily crushed the entire universe, yet He chose to enter the world in a humble manger, take on feeble humanity, and become crushed by it in order to to purify it. He rebuked the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, calling them a brood of vipers, but He also displayed profound humility by inviting children to come to Him. This striking contrast reveals the essence of true humility. During Advent, as we reflect on Christ's meekness, may it inspire our own pursuit of humility. And when our Lord returns, may we stand with the humble remnant, rejoicing together in song.

Christ the Warrior

Zephaniah 3:16–17 “On that day it will be said to Jerusalem: “Do not fear; Zion, do not let your hands grow weak. The Lord your God is among you, a warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will be quiet in his love. He will delight in you with singing.””

Interestingly, author Palmer Robertson refers to verse 17 as 'the John 3:16 of the Old Testament'. It is indeed good news that Christ is the warrior who saves instead of you or me. But even though there is a warrior who secures victory for us, the Prophet reminds his audience: "do not let your hands grow weak". Even as we rest in the strength of our divine warrior, we must keep our hands busy in the work of the Lord; after all, we are His hands and feet. In other words, in our second advent, our second waiting on the Lord, do not sit idly, do not be passive, do not drift. The way is narrow and it takes intentionality to stay on it. Fight for personal holiness, share the light and the gospel message with the world.

Hope of Being Gathered

Zephaniah 3:18–19 “I will gather those who have been driven from the appointed festivals; they will be a tribute from you and a reproach on her. Yes, at that time I will deal with all who oppress you. I will save the lame and gather the outcasts; I will make those who were disgraced throughout the earth receive praise and fame.”

One thing about the ancient Jewish religion was that there were many festivals that had to be observed. Most festivals required a pilgrimage. Many Jews were scattered across the land and it was actually impossible for them to attend the feasts. For others, they could take the journey, but it was a burden, and they did it out of obligation; their worship had no joy. For both those who couldn't make it, and for those who came out of obligation, there is reproach—a great shame upon them.

One of the glorious truths of the gospel is that in His first coming, Christ took on the shame of humanity. He experienced forsakenness and separation from the Father so that His people one day will not. In Christ, the burden of shame is lifted, and the joy of gathering is restored.

At the second coming of our Lord, He will gather up all of His people and take them to the land of feasting. It will no longer be a burden for them. They will no longer experience shame.

And we have a great hope, that if we come to the Father through faith in His Son, and if that faith is proven out by righteousness, then we, too, may be found in that humble remnant. The Lord will raise us up with Him, and He will wipe away every tear from our eyes, and death will be no more.

This is what we wait for. This is what we long for. In Advent, I pray the Spirit jolts our minds into remembering this throughout the rest of the year. When we forget this, this is when we become proud, this is when justice and oppression become old news, this is when the homeless, the widow, the orphan become inconveniences and annoyances as they interrupt our day; this is when love for building our own kingdoms outgrows love for our neighbor. This is when we become our own gods and fail to worship the one true God with all of our hearts, souls, minds, and strength. So may we fight to remember the loving faithfulness of God, and may we remember it always, so that we may be found in Him at His return. God, have mercy on us and help us. Amen.