| Spending time in the Scriptures Zephaniah | by A. Kimber | |||||
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Well, if we’ve had some harsh judgements in previous months I’m tempted to say that ‘you ain’t seen nothing yet’, as you read Zephaniah’s prophecy you have judgement following judgement for the first two and a half chapters, the mood only being lifted in the second half of the third chapter where we are shown God’s plan for Israel. Zephaniah firstly traces his lineage and earthly authority back to king Hezekiah, then launches into his unbridled attack on the wicked and ungodly people that were all around. They are warned that all their riches and wealth will not be able to save them from the judgement of God. God's wrath and anger is far ranging as Zephaniah preaches the wrath of God against many nations and peoples, preaching destruction, desolation and spoil. Their main crimes, we are told are their pride and their threatening of the Lord’s people. How different God’s prophets were to those around, Zephaniah brings a message from God with truth, sincerity and honesty, yet we are told that the prophets of Jerusalem are insolent and treacherous. Acting against the law they are contrasted with the Lord who will act without iniquity or failure. As we come to the faithful remnant we are told that they will call upon the Lord with a pure language; trust and act with consenting service. As the Lord reigns in righteousness all evil shall be done away with and all fear shall depart, those who were driven apart shall be reunited and they shall have a name that is revered throughout the earth. Again these are words directed to the Lord’s people Israel but we should take note and care as we seek to serve the Lord and bear a testimony for Him in the world in which we live. As I’ve commented many times before we serve a righteous and just God. As believers we trust in the all sufficient blood of Christ shed on the cross at Calvary but should we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid! Key Verses I will utterly consume all things from off the land, saith the LORD. Zephaniah 1:2 Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD'S anger. Zephaniah 2:3 Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the LORD, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy. Zephaniah 3:8 The LORD hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: the king of Israel, even the LORD, is in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more. Zephaniah 3:15
All quotes are from the King James version of the Bible unless otherwise specified. | ||||||
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