Day 204 – Zephaniah: Introduction
“Seek the Lord, all who are humble, and follow his commands. Seek to do what is right and to live humbly. Perhaps even yet the Lord will protect you – protect you from his anger on that day of destruction.” Zephaniah 2:3 NLT
Overwhelming grief, prolonged distress, incessant abuse, continual persecution, and imminent punishment breed hopelessness and despair. “If only”, we cry, as we search our minds for a way out and look to the skies for rescue. With just a glimmer of hope, we would take courage and carry on.
Hope is the golden shaft of sun breaking through the storm-darkened sky, words of comfort and in the intensive care unit, the first spring bird perched on an ice-covered twig, and the finish line in sight. It is a rainbow, a song, a loving touch. Hope is knowing God and resting in his love.
As God’s prophet, Zephaniah was bound to speak the truth. This he did clearly, thundering certain judgment and horrible punishment for all who would defy the Lord. God’s awful wrath would sweep away everything in the land and destroy it. As we read through the book of Zephaniah, we can sense the oppression and depression his listeners must have felt. They were judged guilty, and they were doomed.
Prayer: Father, thank You for giving us Your Truth to boldly proclaim to a broken world. This world is desperate for the Truth. I pray that Your children become the voice in the wilderness, proclaiming for all to repent because the Kingdom of God is near. Amen.
