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August 6th

Our Bible reading is in the three chapters of the book of Zephaniah.

“Woe to her who is rebellious and defiled, the oppressing city!”

‭‭Zephaniah‬ ‭3:1‬

Must surely be referring to the spiritually lost and wicked of a pagan people. Who is this oppressing city? Who is this rebellious city? Who is this defiled city? Ready for a surprise? Not pagan Nineveh of Assyria. No...“Jerusalem of Judah”!

Wow. The way chapter two ends, we might think first and foremost of evil Nineveh. But the prophet Zephaniah referenced the city’s prophets, priests, sanctuary, and law. He was addressing the city of David and her children of promise.

Many people called by God’s name were selfishly oppressing the poor and the “faithful” of God in Jerusalem. The people of the Temple of God were defiling themselves at vain foreign altars, and calling their idolatry true worship...in Jerusalem. The city of the faithful followers of God who saw the judgment of God upon the rebellious northern kingdom were rebelling against the Lord’s words too...even in Jerusalem.

We learn that Jerusalem was the “spiritually polluted” city. The prophet designated three reasons why. First, She was not obeying “his voice”. If Jesus has taught me anything it is that the “sheep recognize the voice” of the shepherd. Sadly, at times, I will recognize His voice but then I will follow my own. God help me! That same thing happened among the Judeans in Jerusalem apparently.

Second, Jerusalem was not receiving correction from God. Correction came to Judah from the Lord, but they did not connect the dots. They just shrugged the correction moments off as “just bad times”, just “tough circumstances” to navigate. Happens to everybody.

I'm afraid that’s sounds too much like me. No wonder God waits to give grace in those situations. I'm still trying to “figure my own” way out, instead of confessing sin and submitting to God’s correcting direction for my life.

Third, She was not trusting in the Lord. Can't help but remember Bev’s and my life verse Proverbs 3:5,6

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding...but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.”

Judah never found God unfaithful in his love or in his promises given. However, counting on themselves instead of the promise and power of God became easier and easier for the unrepentant people of God.

And Fourth, Judah was not drawing near to her God. I agree with David Gurzik’s comments...”Judah’s worst offense was saved for last in Zephaniah’s prophesy. God longed for relationship with His people. But Judeans, instead of moving closer to their Savior, they withdrew from Him. Nothing says rejection quite as painfully as “distancing oneself” from your loved one on purpose.

No, the prophet wasn't promising God’s judgment upon a pagan city inside a godless country. He was prophesying God’s disciplining of His strong-willed children, for their good and God’s future purposes.

Be alert church. Be alert San Antonio. Be alert USA. The God of our salvation is at work in and through the COVID 19 pandemic. Listen...He is speaking to us.

Have a great day