Today's Reading - Zephaniah 1-3
Background
Zephaniah prophesied in the days of Josiah, the great king who was the great-grandson of Hezekiah, who led Israel back to God after his father Amon's brief but evil reign. He is described as the son of Cushi, which could mean "Cushite" - Ethiopian - and could indicate that he was a Black Jew. It could also just be a personal name. Zephaniah's great-grandfather was Hezekiah, but it is unclear whether that is the king or just someone else of that name.
Zephaniah focuses on the "day of the Lord" - that moment in the future when the judgment of God comes on the enemies of God and things are set as they should be. This book focuses primarily on the judgment falling on the nations.
Devotional - The Day of the Lord
When you watch the news you might get the wrong idea. Bad people do bad things; people get hurt and things never seem to change. Things get worse and worse and nothing we do seems to make much of a difference. We hear the crowing of the doubters, deniers, and skeptics telling us that church is failing and Christianity is on its last leg in America.
What they forget is the "day of the Lord" predicted in Zechariah and in many other places. The "day" of the Lord is not a single day but is the moment in history in which God steps in and sets things right. On the day of the Lord God judges sinners and restores the righteous and protects his people. It is the day that God rises up and shows just how powerful and awesome he is.
It may look like evil is winning, but the day of the Lord is coming when evil will be judged. It may look like the righteous have no hope, but the day of the Lord is coming. His arm is not short and his power has not waned. He is awesome and glorious and will not be denied.
Anyone who ignores the power of God makes a huge mistake. We never understand the sovereign purposes of God but we know that no matter what it looks like in this world, our God is in control, he is working things according to his plan, and one day it will be HIS day.
Father, I thank you that I do not have to be afraid of the workings of evil men. You are in control and I can trust in you.
Think and Pray
Do you have full faith in the future glory of God, or do you allow the workings of evil in this world to cause you fear and doubt?
Trust in the Lord!
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