Some thoughts from Zephaniah

Zephaniah, like many of the other minor prophets, is not one of the books I regularly read. However, a while back I opened up to that book and decided to read it. What I found were some interesting insights into the nature of God and how we should behave as his children.

Zephaniah 1:4-6
The importance of seeking the Lord and inquiring of Him.

I will stretch out My hand against…
Those who have turned back from following the LORD,
And have not sought the LORD, nor inquired of Him.

Zephaniah 1:12,13
This is a picture of God actively seeking out who should be punished. Our God is an active God. Do not make the mistake of thinking that he sits idly by and watches.

And it shall come to pass…
That I will search Jerusalem with lamps,
And punish the men
Who are settled in complacency,
Who say in their heart,
‘ The LORD will not do good,
Nor will He do evil.’
Therefore their goods shall become booty,
And their houses a desolation;

Zephaniah 2:1-3
The first thing mentioned in the call to repentance is to “Gather yourselves together”. This shows the tremendous importance of unity. Also important to note is that the call is to the “meek… Who have upheld His justice”. What’s the definition of meek? And the actual calling is to seek righteousness and humility. That shows how vital those two traits are.

Gather yourselves together, yes, gather together,
O undesirable nation,
Before the decree is issued,
…Before the LORD’s fierce anger comes upon you,
…Seek the LORD, all you meek of the earth,
Who have upheld His justice.
Seek righteousness, seek humility.
It may be that you will be hidden
In the day of the LORD’s anger.

Zephaniah 3:1,2
A nice laundry list of what NOT to do.

Woe to her…
She has not obeyed His voice,
She has not received correction;
She has not trusted in the LORD,
She has not drawn near to her God.