Daily EncouragementSample

This is an amazing picture of God being present with his people. It is a daring anthropomorphism in which the Lord is likened to a gallant holy warrior, one whom medieval chivalry would have called a perfect knight. He has rescued and won the object of his affection, in which he delights. Held in his everlasting arms, the beloved is calm and enraptured by his songs of love. Wonder of wonders, the singer is not a mere angel but “the Lord your God”! Our minds go back to Moses’ blessing upon Benjamin: “Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all days long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders” (Deut. 33:12).

This is how it is for “the bride of Christ” today. “That day,” of which Zephaniah spoke, has dawned for us. What can we say to these things?

O Love Divine, how sweet thou art!
When shall I find my willing heart
All taken up by Thee?

Zephaniah had some practical advice for the Daughter of Zion long ago: “Do not fear . . . do not let your hands hang limp . . . Sing, O Daughter of Zion; shout aloud, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart . . . ” (Zeph. 3:16,14).