Zephaniah 3:9 For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call on the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent. I. THE FIRST PRIVILEGE WHICH GOD GIVETH HIS PEOPLE IN THIS PROMISE IS PURE LANGUAGE. Pure Hebrew had become degenerate Hebrew in Zephaniah's time. The language of Adam in the garden had no sin in it; it was not capable of expressing falsehood, rebellion, or error. We speak the human language, but not as God gave it. We have learnt some of the language of demons. Let man alone, and his language would be a constant opposition to the Divine will; it would be full of envy, greediness, covetousness, murmuring, rebellion, blasphemy against the Most High. When grace comes, God will restore the pure language. What is this pure language, and how may we know it? By its very letters. In those letters Christ is Alpha, and Christ is Omega. Give the soul once the pure language, and it begins to talk of Christ as its beginning, and Christ as its end. Christ becomes all in all to that man who has received Christ into his heart, You may know that language by its syntax, for the rules of that language are the law of God. Its hardest words are such as these, — implicit trust, unstaggering faith. It is the language which Jesus spoke. You may know it by its very ring and tone. Wherein does its purity lie? You may discover its purity — 1. When it is used towards God. Then a man must be humble, confident, and filial. There is a pure language with regard to providence. The child of God talks about God's providence as being always wise and good. 2. When it is used concerning the doctrines of the Gospel. 3. In reference to our fellow-men. Where is this pure language spoken? In the Bible; from the pulpit; in Christian society. II. OUR COMMON WORSHIP. All converted men and women do call upon the name of the Lord. 1. In public. 2. In private prayer. 3. In making Christian profession. III. WE SHOULD SERVE HIM WITH ONE CONSENT. When the Lord saves souls, it is that they may serve Him. "Serve and save" are two good words to put together, but you must take care which you put first. Note that the service is, and must be, altogether voluntary. It is not "with one constraint," but with one consent. ( C. H. Spurgeon.) Parallel Verses KJV: For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent. |
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