Zephaniah

People in the world are known for the way they look for a religion that gives them access to God, but without too many restrictions. Most people only cry out to God when they are suffering, or when they are fed up with the way their world is not working.

The truth is that God’s Way includes how we treat others, and often times our lives are not working because of the way we treat others.

The prophets stepped into history to interrupt our selfish ways and to point us toward God’s will. The prophet Zephaniah’s urgent voice was heard during the reign of king Josiah.

Zephaniah admonishes the people to seek God and repent. He foretells that the idols of their enemies will be broken and the Gentiles shall worship God. “Then will I purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the Lord and serve Him shoulder to shoulder.” (Zephaniah 3:9)

Two wicked idol worshipping kings preceded the new young king. At only sixteen years old Josiah inherited a kingdom that was filled with evil. He became one of the most beloved kings of Judah.

Josiah personally took a hatchet and destroyed altars and images. The king listened and acted upon what God was speaking though this prophet.

Zephaniah was a voice of reform as he speaks of God as both loving and severe. Zephaniah also foretold the doom of Nineveh. You may be asking yourself “Why do so many books declare such dire threats of God’s wrath?” God answers that in this. “Because the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes everyone He accepts as a son.” (Hebrews 12:6)

The book begins with sorrow and it ends with the Lord singing over us. “The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zep 3:17)

God watches over Judah and you and me. He pronounces doom on all those who worship idols. Our holy God cannot allow such abominations to remain. When the word says “the day of the Lord” it means a time when God is moving.

God is moving now and if you ask Jesus to come into your heart and be Your Lord, He will! “At that time I will gather you; at that time I will bring you home. I will give you honor and praise among all the people of the earth when I restore your fortunes before your very eyes, “ says the Lord.” (Zep 3:20)

Our Father promises to restore what has been lost or stolen. Our fortune includes the Salvation that Jesus brings, the joy of the Lord, and His peace.

“then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where he scattered you.” (Deut 30:3)

God also promises that He will shake all the nations, and the desired of all nations will come, and He will fill this house with glory. (Zep 2:7)

“It is finished.” 4/18/19