July 28, 2022 - Zephaniah 1-3

Through his prophet, the Lord warned, “And at that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps and punish the men who settle down comfortably, who say to themselves: The Lord will not do good or evil” (1:12). It is a mistake to assume that God is detached, not involved in his creation, uncaring about how we live our lives, and that he does not act.

Zephaniah announced, for God, what he would do: “I will remove your proud, arrogant people from among you, and you will never again be haughty on my holy mountain. I will leave a meek and humble people among you, and they will take refuge in the name of Yahweh” (3:11,12). What a contrast, one we have seen over and over again: those who have nothing to do with God and those who take refuge in him.

For those taking refuge in the Lord, there is this: “The King of Israel, Yahweh, is among you; you need no longer fear harm. On that day it will be said to Jerusalem: ‘Do not fear; Zion, do not let your hands grow weak. Yahweh your God is among you, a warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will bring you quietness with His love. He will delight in you with shouts of joy’” (3:15-17). Can’t help but think of the Psalms: “In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me” (Psalm 56:11) & "The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do to me?” (Psalm 118:6). And, so, we can sing:

Rejoice, the Lord is King:

Your Lord and King adore!

Rejoice, give thanks and sing,

And triumph evermore.

Lift up your heart,

Lift up your voice!

Rejoice, again I say, rejoice! --Charles Wesley (1744)