Scripture Study for

Zephaniah’s oracle of salvation directs the people to “Shout! . . . Sing! . . .  Be glad and exult!” The reason for this rejoicing is their deliverance from enemies. The misfortune they endured may have been punishment for their sins, but  God has removed that judgment and now dwells in their midst as King of Israel and as a mighty savior. “On that day” is an allusion to the day of the Lord, a time in the future when the justice of God will be executed throughout the world. This passage describes the tenderness God has for this restored people and the joy that their restoration evokes in God. 

The joy that Paul advocates is not merely the happiness that comes from enjoyment of life. It is joy in the Lord, joy that is grounded in faith in Jesus Christ.  Paul calls the believers to live lives of kindness, of gentle forbearance, of willingness to forego retaliation. Such genuine Christian behavior should be visible to all. “The Lord is near” is an end-of-time watchword, acclaiming the future coming of the Lord to set all things right. If the people have lived righteously, the  Lord will come to them as a compassionate savior rather than as a severe judge.  Finally, the fruit of such righteousness is peace. 

The Gospel reading recounts instructions given by John the Baptist to those who came out to see and hear him and to be baptized. In response to their question “What should we do?” he challenges them to carry out their daily responsibilities with concern for others, honesty, and integrity. The people were looking  for the Christ, the “anointed one.” Lest they mistake him for this Christ, John contrasts himself with the one who is to come, insisting that he is not worthy to undo the sandals of that long-awaited one. John’s baptism with water was a ritual of repentance and cleansing. The Christ’s baptism of the Spirit will purge and transform our very souls.