The Joy of Arrival
(Zephaniah 3:14-20)
As children, we dreaded the wooden spoon that hung above the fridge, a symbol of discipline in our home. It was large, heavy, and wielded with authority by our mother. I can still remember the dread that filled me when I heard, “Bring me the spoon!” The weight of that moment was unbearable. But something unexpected happened—when the spoon broke in my mother’s hand, the punishment was over. The fear turned to relief, and joy replaced the dread.
In many ways, the book of Zephaniah mirrors this experience. It begins with a stark declaration of judgment against sin. God, in His holiness, must deal with rebellion and idolatry, and His judgment is certain. But just as the broken spoon ended my fear, Zephaniah shifts from a message of judgment to one of joy and restoration.
What We Deserve – Bring Me the Spoon
In Zephaniah 1:2-4, God announces the devastation that will come to Israel due to their sin. The people had turned from God, worshiped idols, and broken the covenant. The punishment was just; they had earned it. It was like my mother’s call for the spoon—a reminder of what we deserve.
What They Get
However, Zephaniah’s prophecy doesn’t end with judgment. In Zephaniah 3:14-20, we find a dramatic shift. The people, instead of facing their deserved punishment, are called to rejoice. God promises to remove their sin, deal with their enemies, and bring them back to the land with honor. Their shame will be turned to praise, and they will experience the joy of God’s love. The breaking of judgment gives way to the gift of peace.
What Happened?
So, how did this shift occur? How did judgment turn to joy? It wasn’t because Israel earned it or deserved it. It was because of God’s mercy and grace. He placed their judgment on Himself through Jesus Christ. At the cross, the wooden spoon of judgment was replaced by the wooden cross, where God’s justice met His love. Jesus took on the punishment we deserved so that we might experience peace, forgiveness, and joy.
What Makes Us Sing
The joy Zephaniah speaks of is not only a future hope but a present reality in Christ. When we understand that we deserve punishment but receive grace and mercy instead, our hearts are transformed. This joy is not fleeting—it’s the deep and lasting joy of salvation. It leads us to sing as Isaiah did: “For the LORD has become my salvation… With joy, you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”
This joy is what we celebrate during Advent—the arrival of Jesus Christ, the One who came to turn our mourning into dancing, our sorrow into joy. Because of Jesus, we can sing with the joy of those redeemed, knowing that the cross—our greatest symbol of judgment—has become the greatest symbol of joy.
No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found.
Let this be our song and our joy as we look to Christ this season.
Happy Advent!
