Political and religious wars have faithfully raged on throughout history, eventually bringing about times of reformation. Equally, Our Creator has been faithful in raising up 'Voices' during dark and difficult times to speak wisdom to His people to get our attention and bring us 'about'. These are indeed again, dark and difficult times.
Zephaniah was the only prophet of royal descent, the great-great-grandson of King Hezekiah, king of Judah. Around 630 B.C. he prophesied to Judah and the nations that the Day of the Lord, the day of judgment was coming. As a contemporary of Jeremiah and Habakkuk, Zephaniah was one of the eleventh-hour prophets to Judah.
The Book of Zephaniah discusses the Day of the Lord and describes the coming day of judgment upon Judah and the nations. God is holy and must vindicate His righteousness by calling all the nations of the world into account before Him. The sovereign God will judge not only His own people but also the whole world; no one escapes from His authority and dominion.
The Day of the Lord will have universal impact. To some degree, that day has already come but there is also the future aspect, which affects us and those we know and love, when all the earth will be judged. Zephaniah's prophecy is also a warning and a call to repentance.
God wants to spare us because He loves us, but we as a people, even those who call on his name, are unwilling to see our own altars to Baal, false prophecies, carved images, and molten images. These can be the works of our own hands, prejudices, lukewarm beliefs of so-called Christianity, food, drink, and anger. Would you be willing to ask God where you have worshipped idols and repent?
The Day of the Lord is imminent, and it will be characterized by terror, desolation, and distress, are we in that day now? Only God knows, but we can and must be sober and vigilant, watching. But God's Grace.......appeals to us to repent and humble ourselves to avert the coming disaster before it is too late.
We will be regathered, redeemed, and restored:
On that day you [Israel] will feel no shame Because of all your acts By which you have rebelled and sinned against Me; Then I will remove from among you Your rejoicing ones who delight in their pride; And you will never again behave arrogantly On My holy mountain [Mount Zion]. But I will leave among you A humble and lowly people, And they will take refuge and trust confidently in the name of the Lord. The remnant of Israel will do no wrong Nor speak lies, Nor will a deceitful tongue Be found in their mouths; For they will eat and lie down With no one to make them tremble and feel afraid.” Shout for joy, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Israel! Rejoice, be in high spirits and glory with all your heart, O Daughter of Jerusalem [in that day]! The Lord has taken away the judgments against you; He has cleared away your enemies. The King of Israel, even the Lord [Himself], is in your midst; You will no longer fear disaster. In that day it will be said to Jerusalem: “Do not be afraid, O Zion; Do not let your hands fall limp. The Lord your God is in your midst, A Warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with joy; He will be quiet in His love [making no mention of your past sins], He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy. I will gather those [Israelites in captivity] who grieve about the appointed feasts— They came from you, [O Zion]; On whom the reproach [of exile] is a burden. Behold, at that time I am going to deal With all your oppressors; I will save the lame And gather the scattered, And I will turn their shame into praise and renown In every land [where they have suffered]. At that time I will bring you in, Yes, at the time I gather you together; For I will make you a name and a praise Among all the peoples of the earth When I restore your fortunes [and freedom] before your eyes,” Says the Lord.
Zephaniah 3:11-20 Amplified Version
Yes, we will rejoice in our Redeemer, and He will be in our midst. Zephaniah opens with idolatry, wrath, and judgment, but closes with true worship, rejoicing, and blessing.
On a journey of Healing and Hope with you,
Terri Lynne
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