There is a story about a pastor who was building a wooden trellis to support a climbing vine. As he pounded away, he saw that a little boy was watching him. The youngster didn’t say a word, so the pastor kept on working, thinking the lad would just leave. But he didn’t. F … More
Wait
In the face of such a dismal picture of human corruption, Zephaniah exhorts believers to “wait“ for the Lord to come as a witness, to pour out His wrath against all peoples, and to purify a remnant who will seek refuge in Him.
Although Jerusalem is not named as “the oppressing city” (v. 1) references to “her God” (v. 2) and “the law” (v. 4) leave us in no doubt. Four classes are specifically condemned: princes, judges, prophets, and priests (vv. 3-4). In each case, their conduct is a betrayal of their trust. In contrast, God is described as “righteous; “he will not do iniquity” (v. 5). The fate of other nations should have been an example to Jerusalem (v. 6). But the city persisted in its sin: “they rose early, and corrupted all their doings” (v. 7). Verse 8 is probably an appeal to any in Jerusalem who will respond to the prophet’s warnings by turning to God whose judgments are certain.
“Pure language” (v. 9) is literally “pure lips” will call out for himself a cleansed people who will come from far places to worship him (v. 10). The shame of past sin will be put away and pride will give place to a humble spirit (v. 11). He will defend his people over whom he will reign as king (v. 15). In the new Jerusalem there will be freedom from fear because “The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty” (v. 17)."He will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” “The phrase “for the solemn assembly” (v. 18) may be the conclusion to verse 17, which continues: “I will remove disaster from you, so that you will not bear reproach for it.” Because of this gracious relationship, God’s redeemed remnant will “get them praise and fame in every land where they have been put to shame” (v. 19). Zephaniah closes his message with a great promise: God will one day regather His people, punish the Gentile nations, and restore Israel and Judah to their land (v. 20).
Application
If I want to be happy I need to draw close to the source of happiness by obeying God.
Zephaniah 3:1-20 (English Standard Version)
Warning: MagpieRSS: Failed to parse RSS file. (Space required at line 39, column 24) in /var/www/html/familytimes/includes/magpie6-1/rss_fetch.inc on line 230
Warning: array_slice() expects parameter 1 to be array, null given in /var/www/html/familytimes/includes/rss/esvLookup.php on line 15
Exhortation to Wait
Zephaniah 3:1–20
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)
There is a story about a pastor who was building a wooden trellis to support a climbing vine. As he pounded away, he saw that a little boy was watching him. The youngster didn’t say a word, so the pastor kept on working, thinking the lad would just leave. But he didn’t. F … More
In the face of such a dismal picture of human corruption, Zephaniah exhorts believers to “wait“ for the Lord to come as a witness, to pour out His wrath against all peoples, and to purify a remnant who will seek refuge in Him.
Although Jerusalem is not named as “the oppressing city” (v. 1) references to “her God” (v. 2) and “the law” (v. 4) leave us in no doubt. Four classes are specifically condemned: princes, judges, prophets, and priests (vv. 3-4). In each case, their conduct is a betrayal of their trust. In contrast, God is described as “righteous; “he will not do iniquity” (v. 5). The fate of other nations should have been an example to Jerusalem (v. 6). But the city persisted in its sin: “they rose early, and corrupted all their doings” (v. 7). Verse 8 is probably an appeal to any in Jerusalem who will respond to the prophet’s warnings by turning to God whose judgments are certain.
“Pure language” (v. 9) is literally “pure lips” will call out for himself a cleansed people who will come from far places to worship him (v. 10). The shame of past sin will be put away and pride will give place to a humble spirit (v. 11). He will defend his people over whom he will reign as king (v. 15). In the new Jerusalem there will be freedom from fear because “The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty” (v. 17)."He will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” “The phrase “for the solemn assembly” (v. 18) may be the conclusion to verse 17, which continues: “I will remove disaster from you, so that you will not bear reproach for it.” Because of this gracious relationship, God’s redeemed remnant will “get them praise and fame in every land where they have been put to shame” (v. 19). Zephaniah closes his message with a great promise: God will one day regather His people, punish the Gentile nations, and restore Israel and Judah to their land (v. 20).Application
If I want to be happy I need to draw close to the source of happiness by obeying God.
Zephaniah 3:1-20 (English Standard Version)
Warning: MagpieRSS: Failed to parse RSS file. (Space required at line 39, column 24) in /var/www/html/familytimes/includes/magpie6-1/rss_fetch.inc on line 230
Warning: array_slice() expects parameter 1 to be array, null given in /var/www/html/familytimes/includes/rss/esvLookup.php on line 15
View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway) »