Zephaniah 1:4 “I will stretch out my hand against Judah and against all who live in Jerusalem. I will destroy every remnant of Baal worship in this place, the very names of the idolatrous priests—
I’ve mentioned the fact that I grew up with a mental image of an angry, wrathful God and that this reading through the Old Testament was surprising because, instead of this angry, wrathful God, I found, again and again, a loving, compassionate, merciful God. However, in Zephaniah, we see that God’s mercy and compassion are not infinite. Judgement will come.
Zephaniah 1:5 those who bow down on the roofs to worship the starry host, those who bow down and swear by the Lord and who also swear by Molek….”
When we think we have all the time in the world, we tend to take it for granted. No worries if I don’t do it today (no matter what it is). I can always do it tomorrow. Zephaniah 1 is a reminder that tomorrows are limited, and it’s best not to put things off, especially getting right with God.
Zephaniah 1:6 …those who turn back from following the Lord and neither seek the Lord nor inquire of him.”
Lord, Thank You for loving us so much that You don’t force us into obedience but You also keep after us, trying to open the eyes of our hearts to You. Help us not to take You, Your mercy and compassion, for granted. Help us not to put getting right with You off until tomorrow because tomorrow isn’t promised. Draw us closer. Amen.
Zephaniah 1:7 Be silent before the Sovereign Lord, for the day of the Lord is near. The Lord has prepared a sacrifice; he has consecrated those he has invited.
Have a blessed day.