Discover His heart: With purified speech, we will worship Him one day with one voice
It’s a thrill for me to worship in some of the International Churches of Europe. It’s like enjoying an appetizer to the feast we will have when all nations and all tribes worship and praise the Living God together in Heaven. The worshipers who attend International Churches are from every continent, representing dozens of language groups with English as their second language. Their proficiency in English varies a great deal, and I quickly learned to cut out the American colloquialisms, slow my speech down and make every word count when I speak with them. These precious people are patient and responsive; and at the end of the day, God’s presence touches our lives. Zephaniah prophesied that one day, and probably one day soon, language will no longer be a barrier for us.
@ Zephaniah 3
“Then I will purify the speech of all people, so that everyone can worship the Lord together. My scattered people who live beyond the rivers of Ethiopia will come to present their offerings. On that day you will no longer need to be ashamed, for you will no longer be rebels against me. I will remove all proud and arrogant people from among you. There will be no more haughtiness on my holy mountain. Those who are left will be the lowly and humble, for it is they who trust in the name of the Lord.” (9-12) Many scholars believe that this passage only references a reversal of the language division at the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11, but I tend to agree with others who believe that this purification of speech has an even greater meaning.
The Israelites at the time of Zephaniah’s prophecy had tainted their speech with the worship of many idols, as did all the nations of that day. But a day is coming when Israel and all others will come through the fire of purification where the speech from their lips will only worship the Living God in humbleness and unity.
One day we will not be concerned about language barriers. All who love Him will worship the Lord around the throne in one voice, one tongue and one heart. “He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon!’ Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! (Revelation 22:20)
Moving Forward: I will be certain that my speech is pure today and that it gives glory and honor to the true and living God and Him alone.
Tomorrow @ Acts 11-12
Phyllis Benigas 