Zephaniah 3:18;20

Zephaniah 3:18;20 (ESV): “18 I will gather those of you who mourn for the festival, so that you will no longer suffer reproach; 20 At that time I will bring you in, at the time when I gather you together; for I will make you renowned and praised among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes,” says the Lord.”

Restoration is one of God’s specialties. He can take something that has lost its luster and make it better than new. He does this with people and with nations!

Zephaniah speaks here of a future restoration of the nation of Israel. He refers to “the day” and “that day” as future events, and he declares that Israel will be regathered in her land (Zeph. 3:10), made renowned, and have her fortunes restored. The return of the exiles from Babylon is a partial fulfillment of this promise. Ultimately, this passage points to the Millennial Kingdom. God will restore all things one day—just wait and see.

But God doesn’t only want to restore Israel; He also wants to restore you. He desires to make you better than new. Keep the faith and allow the Potter’s hands to shape you into His beautiful masterpiece. Let Him restore the days that sin has stolen from you and renew your fortune. He is the Master Renovator, so look to Him to do a new work in you. Amen?

Father, You are the Potter, and we are the clay. Mold us and make us who You desire us to be. We pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.