Take Two: Zephaniah 3, Proverbs 19

As we conclude this book we see a bit of poetic movement in the text. Zeph 3:1 demonstrates a shift back from the judgment prophesied against the foreign nations to the judgment coming against Jerusalem. Zeph 3:2 gives the reason. God's people did not heed the warnings around them. Jerusalem's leaders, prophet's and priests were acting unrighteously (Zeph 3:3-4). The people followed suit.

God's actions of judgment against Jerusalem are righteous (Zeph 3:5). He had shown grace toward His people but they did not revere Him (Zeph 3:6-7). So, God's righteous action will be to exercise judgment (Zeph 3:8). Following the judgment, those who trust in the Lord will return. Through God's act of discipline, many will be saved and will gather again to God's city to worship Him (Zeph 3:9-11).

Where were these people? As has always been the case when God brings judgment...there was a remnant who were faithful to God (Zeph 3:12-13). God's judgment is not indiscriminate. He is righteous in every action. He does not punish unjustly.

The final "movement" in this prophesy is the oracle/prophesy of Salvation which looks forward to the time of rest and blessing that follows God's righteous judgment (Zeph 3:14-20). In that time...there is peace and honest worship among God's people. There is also a restoration of the Name of God's people across the land (Zeph 3:20).

What can one take away from this prophesy? Over the last 3 days we have seen that God acts righteously in every action. It is His nature. His nature "informs/directs" how He will act in every case. It is what makes Him reliable and constant. God is not "good" because His actions are good; rather, God's actions are good because by nature He is "good." (Don't gloss over this...it is fundamental to a proper understanding of who God is and how to know the will of God.)

Toward those who are unrighteous, judgment awaits. To the remnant of the faithful, God cares for them even in the midst of judgment and deliveres them back to the place of blessing. I am certain that there was difficulty in their lives due to the actions against the unrighteous ones experiencing God's judgment. Yet, God protected the remnant. He did not promise a comfortable life of prosperity for those here on earth. He promised to be faithful. WE MUST learn to see God's faithfulness in this way...not in how comfortable He makes us.

Finally, we need to see the signs of the times around us. As the world slips further away from God into the present day wrath of God (Romans 1), we should take note and seek God all the more. Jerusalem missed this (Zeph 3:2). She continued the slide with those around her, rather than turning back toward God.

Proverbs 19:2 is the takeaway today. This proverbs speaks of the value of knowing God's will (which is wisdom) in a matter. He who proceeds without it suffers. Further, those who are quick to react in any given situation, often slip and suffer due to moving ahead of God. The key to success is to KNOW and DO the will of God.

Grace.