The Royal Prophet

This morning I had the opportunity to meet with former State Representative Steve Tool. Steve ended his legislative tenure in 2000; but served on the powerful reapportionment committee that established new House and Senate boundaries for the 2012 election.

This afternoon I went to Greeley and enjoyed lunch with Gil Moon and Erin Soard-Pivonka of KFKA radio, Michael Buckley of 50 Plus Market Place News and Mark Langness of Senior Soul Care. After lunch I wen to the radio radio and taped an interview for an upcoming program directed toward Northern Colorado seniors.

I got back to Fort Collins in time for a doctor’s appointment. My health issues I have been dealing with this week don’t appear to be anything too severe and the good news was my white blood count was down to zero for the first time in over two years.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… How terrible for the wicked, stubborn city of Jerusalem, which hurts its own people. It obeys no voice; it can’t be taught to do right. It doesn’t trust the Lord; it doesn’t worship its God.” Zephaniah 3:1-3 NCV

Zephaniah was a prophet of the Lord with a royal heritage. His great-grandfather was King Amariah of Judah. Zephaniah prophesied during the days of Josiah. Josiah was a godly King who lead a time of revival in Judah. Josiah removed the altars to foreign gods and even destroyed the altars of the calf idols built by Jeroboam after the death of Solomon, when the kingdom of Israel was divided.

We see Zephaniah’s prophecy opens with a strong message about coming judgment. This judgment would not only rest on Jerusalem and God’s people but surrounding nations as well. Then we see a plea for repentance and turning to the Lord before it is too late, Come to the Lord, all you who are not proud, who obey his laws. Do what is right. Learn to be humble.” (Zephaniah 2:3 NCV)

Zephaniah then lays out the sins of God’s people. We could summarize their sins as being stubborn, self-sufficient, and proud. The people were guilty of obeying no one and refusing to be “taught to do right.” Zephaniah goes on says, they don’t, “trust the Lord….worship its God.”

A lack of trust and worship points to self-sufficiency…no need of God and a refusal to acknowledge God and give Him the recognition and glory that is due to His name. These are serious sins and point to a serious condition. God’s people had followed the ways of surrounding nations and God was preparing to judged not only His people but the nations responsible for their ruin as well.

We see that the “prophets were proud” and the priests don’t “respect holy things and break God’s teachings.” When you look at the condition of the people, they deserve to be forsaken by God. But we read the words, But the Lord is good, and he is there in that city. He does no wrong. Every morning he governs the people fairly; every day he can be trusted. But evil people are not ashamed of what they do.” (Zephaniah 3:5 NCV)

The Psalmist declared the Lord “does not treat us as our sins deserve…” (Psalm 103:10) This is certainly seen in the history of God’s people. The behavior and conduct of the people of God stands in stark contrast to the God of the people.

God’s justice calls for judgment, but God’s mercy brings restoration and reconciliation. Zephaniah closes with a message of hope and encouragement when the time of God’s wrath is complete, On that day Jerusalem will be told,
“Don’t be afraid, city of Jerusalem. Don’t give up. The Lord your God is with you; the mighty One will save you. He will rejoice over you. You will rest in his love; he will sing and be joyful about you.” (Zephaniah 3:16,17 NCV)

In the words of Zephaniah we find another message of hope. Rebellion and pride may bring God’s judgment, but God will bring restoration to those who humble themselves before Him. They key is to “not give up.” We need to remember that even in the darkest of times the Lord is with us and He will save and those He saves He rejoices over. Just like the father welcomed back the prodigal son.

This prophecy also reminds us of God’s final plan for this world. Zephaniah speaks of judgment by fire and people being removed from the earth. Peter wrote of the “Day of the Lord” and said, “The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.” (2 Peter 3:10 NIV) He then goes on and says, “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.” (2 Peter 3:13 NIV)

The Lord one day will bring judgment on the stubborn, proud and self-sufficient. But He also promises restoration to all those who stay humble before Him and submit to Him. Just as God’s people were gathered from captivity back to the City of God,  all those who trust in the Lord will be gathered to the eternal presence of our Lord.