A Mighty Warrior

"The King of Israel is in your midst; you will fear disaster no more." Zephaniah 3:15b

"The Lord your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior." Zephaniah 3:17a

I just love the how Zephaniah illuminates the gift of God's presence in these passages. He is in our midst! And when He is present our fear is driven away. We have a mighty warrior standing beside us.

Just imagine: you are facing down the enemy, your greatest enemy. You look at them, gawk at them, terror ripping through your bones. And then you sense His presence. You look to your right and there stands the greatest warrior you've ever seen. He is not only in the finest garb, but He carries Himself as a soldier who has known victory, who has never faced defeat. He is strong, confident and most of all, at ease. This enemy doesn't scare Him, and His peace emanates from Him. You find that you now can't tear your gaze away from Him, for it is here, with Him, you find complete peace flood your soul. The enemy before you shrinks, not in size or stature, but in significance. They are no match for this Warrior. It is clear who the victory will belong to. And this, this picture, is the gift of God's presence. How can we not delight in this warrior? How can we not rejoice in the ever-present God who has vanquished our greatest enemies, even death itself, on His cross? He is WITH us. HE is with us. He is with US. The Lord is in our midst. Let us delight. Let us rejoice. Let us gaze on Him. And let us be at peace.