0640. In the Midst Singing

In the Midst Singing

"The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing" (Zep_3:17).

Zephaniah gives us the picture of Christ in the midst of His people, Israel. The time is the millennium–Christ has returned to the earth and has taken the Davidic throne. Israel’s judgments are taken away, her enemy is cast out. Christ sits in her midst as King of Israel (see Zep_3:15). He tells His people "Fear thou not."

When Christ comes back to Israel and when He reigns, then He gathers them that are sorrowful; He undoes them that afflicted His people; He gathers her that was driven out; He gives her (Israel) fame in every land where she had been put to shame. He brings Israel, He gathers Israel; He makes Israel "a praise among all people of the earth."

Review the scenes which precede this one. (1) Christ was in the midst, on earth, serving,–going about doing good. (2) Christ was in the midst suffering, between two thieves and surrounded by His persecutors. (3) Christ was in the midst comforting the disciples and doubting Thomas. (4) Christ was in the midst, "hearing" the two or the three gathered together in His name. (5) Christ was in the midst, observing His Churches. (6) Christ was in the midst of the gathered hosts above, being worshiped. (7) Christ was in the midst shepherdizing the tribulation saints and now last of all Christ is in the midst of Israel, singing.

1. The parable is told of the two sons. When the prodigal came back the father rejoiced. He said "This my son was dead, but is alive again; he was lost but is found, and they began to make merry." And so will Israel be brought back again, she will be made one nation in the land, and one King shall be king over her, and she shall no more be two nations in the land any more.

2. None need marvel that Christ in the midst is singing. Did He not weep as He looked over Jerusalem and as He foretold her sorrows? And shall not He Who wept when He saw her despoiled, sing when He sees her restored?

3. None can fathom the real depth of the love of Christ for His people Israel. But He shall yet set His soul made glad. He shall shout and sing and rejoice as Israel comes back into her own.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR