2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
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WHAT IS ZEPHANIAH ALL ABOUT?
SEP 20
Zephaniah 1
Memorise Zephaniah 2:3 "The great day of the Lord is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly"
WHAT IS ZEPHANIAH ALL ABOUT?
The Lord was angry. Judah had been wicked, for they had turned back from the Lord, not sought Him, nor inquired for him (Zephaniah 1:6). The day of the Lord was at hand, and Zephaniah was the prophet sent to warn the people of it. It was not an easy job, neither was it a pleasant message that he had to deliver, but as God’s prophet that was his role to play. He was to bring the God’s Word to the people and preach it as it was given to him.
Zephaniah prophesied during the time of Josiah, King of Judah. It was actually a time of revival in Jerusalem, for Josiah was a king that sought the Lord and did much to bring about reform in Judah. However all his efforts were a case of too little too late, for the long years of the previous reigns of the two wicked kings Manasseh and Amon had thrown the nation so deeply into idolatry and immorality that it was difficult to recover from. The repentance that was observed in the people during the reign of Josiah was at most skin deep, and would only delay, but not prevent the coming judgment upon them, as was prophesied to Josiah "Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even all the curses that are written in the book which they have read before the king of Judah: Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be poured out upon this place, and shall not be quenched." (2 Chronicles 34:24-25)
Thus the message of Zephaniah was clear: the day of the Lord is at hand, judgment is coming soon because of their sin. The call was for them to seek the Lord (Zephaniah 2:3). But like many other prophecies, it does end with a glimmer of hope, for restoration and deliverance is promised in chapter 3 as an encouragement for the oppressed people. And so we see it repeated again and again. Sin, desolation and judgment, repentance, then deliverance and blessing – this seems to be the constant cycle that Israel was going through. They would fall into idolatry and sin, and then God would send judgments, but also prophets to warn them. In response, they would repent and turn back to the Lord, and straightaway, God would be ready and willing to bless them once again! Dear teen, is that a description of your spiritual life as well?
Thought: Is my spiritual life like a roller coaster?
Prayer: Lord help me to stay close to You always!
Posted in Teens RPG
Zephaniah 1
Memorise Zephaniah 2:3 "The great day of the Lord is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly"
WHAT IS ZEPHANIAH ALL ABOUT?
The Lord was angry. Judah had been wicked, for they had turned back from the Lord, not sought Him, nor inquired for him (Zephaniah 1:6). The day of the Lord was at hand, and Zephaniah was the prophet sent to warn the people of it. It was not an easy job, neither was it a pleasant message that he had to deliver, but as God’s prophet that was his role to play. He was to bring the God’s Word to the people and preach it as it was given to him.
Zephaniah prophesied during the time of Josiah, King of Judah. It was actually a time of revival in Jerusalem, for Josiah was a king that sought the Lord and did much to bring about reform in Judah. However all his efforts were a case of too little too late, for the long years of the previous reigns of the two wicked kings Manasseh and Amon had thrown the nation so deeply into idolatry and immorality that it was difficult to recover from. The repentance that was observed in the people during the reign of Josiah was at most skin deep, and would only delay, but not prevent the coming judgment upon them, as was prophesied to Josiah "Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even all the curses that are written in the book which they have read before the king of Judah: Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be poured out upon this place, and shall not be quenched." (2 Chronicles 34:24-25)
Thus the message of Zephaniah was clear: the day of the Lord is at hand, judgment is coming soon because of their sin. The call was for them to seek the Lord (Zephaniah 2:3). But like many other prophecies, it does end with a glimmer of hope, for restoration and deliverance is promised in chapter 3 as an encouragement for the oppressed people. And so we see it repeated again and again. Sin, desolation and judgment, repentance, then deliverance and blessing – this seems to be the constant cycle that Israel was going through. They would fall into idolatry and sin, and then God would send judgments, but also prophets to warn them. In response, they would repent and turn back to the Lord, and straightaway, God would be ready and willing to bless them once again! Dear teen, is that a description of your spiritual life as well?
Thought: Is my spiritual life like a roller coaster?
Prayer: Lord help me to stay close to You always!
Posted in Teens RPG