Love Song

<p>It&rsquo;s a quiet riverside park on a Saturday afternoon. Joggers pass by, fishing rods whirl, seagulls fight over fish and chip wrappers, and my wife and I sit watching the couple. They are dark-skinned, maybe in their late 40s. She sits gazing into his eyes while he, without a hint of self-consciousness, sings to her a love song in his own tongue, carried on the breeze for us all to hear.</p> <p>This delightful act got me thinking about the book of Zephaniah. At first you might wonder why. In Zephaniah&rsquo;s day God&rsquo;s people had become corrupt by bowing to false gods (1:4&ndash;5), and Israel&rsquo;s prophets and priests were now arrogant and profane (3:4). For much of the book, Zephaniah declares God&rsquo;s coming judgment on not just Israel, but all the nations of the earth (3:8).</p> <p>Yet Zephaniah foresees something else. Out of that dark day will emerge a people who wholeheartedly love God (vv. 9&ndash;13). To these people God will be like a bridegroom who delights in His beloved: &ldquo;In his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing&rdquo; (v. 17)</p> <p>Creator, Father, Warrior, Judge. Scripture uses many titles for God. But how many of us see God as a Singer with a love song for us on His lips?</p>