I will change the speech of the peoples
Sun, 11 December, 2005: Today’s Bible readings.
9 “For at that time I will change the speech of the peoples
to a pure speech,
that all of them may call upon the name of the LORD
and serve him with one accord.
10 From beyond the rivers of Cush
my worshipers, the daughter of my dispersed ones,
shall bring my offering.
In chapter 3, Zephaniah brings a word of judgment against Jerusalem because of her corrupt leaders. But then he turns to promise a great hope as the nations are converted and Israel is restored to prominence.
What do we learn from this?
Here is another passage of scripture that promises a time when there will be a mass conversion of people throughout the world. We are seeing this fulfilled to a certain extent today, as the gospel is preached across the world and people are being converted. But obviously, there is much yet to do. We have not arrived at a time when we can say that this passage is completely fulfilled. It does give us great hope as we work to bring the gospel to the people of the world, because we know that the gospel is going to have great success.
Where is Christ in this passage?
This passage promises a time when people throughout the world are brought into the church and join in the worship of God. They join with one accord, united in a way they never could never have been united before. Their unity is based upon what Jesus Christ has done for them, redeeming them from their sins and bringing them into the family of God.
And so they join the bride of Christ, and worship their redeemer, uniting with fellow believers throughout the world and throughout all time.
