Devotions this week based on The Prophets Week 9 – Zephaniah (WATCH HERE)
“Then I will purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the Lord and serve him shoulder to shoulder.” — Zephaniah 3:9 (NIV)
The purpose of Zephaniah’s is to communicate God’s justice on sin and straying from the Lord and call his people back to him. From the beginning of time, God has desired a people that trusts in him and his promises, walks committed with him, and brings the influence of the Gospel to the world. So as Zephaniah’s prophecy nears its close, God reveals His ultimate purpose “to purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the LORD and serve him shoulder to shoulder.
God’s desire is that his Spirit captures the hearts and lives of people. The lips represent not only speech but the heart from which words flow. When God purifies lips, He is transforming the inner life of His people. Calling on the Lord is the expression of the lips of faith that God has worked in hearts. Service is the heart of faith driving the hands of effort to bring glory to God.
Zephaniah gives us a vision of the Church redeemed, purified, and empowered. Through Christ, the Spirit purifies our hearts so that our praise becomes sincere, and our lives reflect His glory. The end of wrath is not silence, but singing.
God is still purifying His people today. He works through conviction, Scripture, and the Spirit’s guidance to cleanse what is impure in us, not to condemn, but to renew.
Our words reveal much about our hearts. Gossip, complaint, or criticism show where God still needs to heal us. But when our lips are touched by His grace, our speech becomes a channel of blessing. We begin to speak life, encouragement, and truth.
Purified lips also mean a unified mission. Zephaniah says God’s people will serve Him “shoulder to shoulder.” That’s a picture of unity and cooperation. The Church is strongest when believers stand together, unified in faith, worshiping with one voice and working with one heart.
Every time we speak of God’s grace and call people to repentance we are joining in that divine purpose. From wrath to rejoicing God is creating a people who sing His praise across every nation and tongue. As one’s blessed by God’s grace, let’s join them!
Apply: What needs to be purified in your speech or heart today? How can your words build unity and joy among God’s people?
Prayer: Holy God, purify my lips and my heart. Forgive me for careless words and attitudes that do not reflect Your love. Fill me with Your Spirit so that my speech gives grace to others and honors You. Make me part of the people who serve You shoulder to shoulder, united in purpose and filled with praise. From wrath to rejoicing, may Your song resound through me and through Your Church. Amen.