Sun.’s Devo - The Day of the Lord

Read: Zephaniah 1:1-3:20; Revelation 10:1-11; Psalm138:1-8; Proverbs 30:11-14 Josiah had brought a sweeping change to the nation but it could not change their hearts. Josiah reinstituted the observance of Passover and cleaned out the idolatry of the nation, but only the Holy Spirit can bring true repentance. The people obeyed Josiah but only in action. Their hearts were not changed so God declared an end to humanity. He would destroy every trace of Baal worship from Jerusalem. The people claimed to worship the Lord but they worshiped Molech also. Jerusalem’s leaders were guilty of violence and deceit. God was going to attack their business sector and judge those who thought there would be no accounting of their sins. They would not enjoy the fruit of their labors. Zephaniah described “the Day of the Lord” which means the last judgment on the earth. What happened in their day was a precursor of the end judgment. Many would be slaughtered and noone would bury them. Their silver and gold would be worthless to save them. He begged them to repent before it happened so that at least their soul would be saved and maybe the Lord would save their life. God spoke of the five Philistine royal cities which were to be judged. Take note of the meaning of their names: Gaza - “strong” Ashkelon - “I shall be weighed” Ashdod - “ravager” Ekron - “eradication” Cherithites - “executioner” Canaan - “humiliated; trafficker” God would destroy them till none were left. The remnant of Judah would take their land and live in their houses. They would have their prosperity restored and enjoy God’s blessings once again. The Moabites and Ammorites who mocked God’s people would also come to ruin like Sodom and Gomorrah. Nineveh, the capital of Assyria would finally be destroyed. Jonah would see his prophecy come true. They were know for their pride and greatness. They would be humiliated. Jerusalem was known for its violence, crime and rebellion. It would now be known as God’s city and people would come to worship the Lord there once again. The day of judgment will be a day of rejoicing for the remnant. Finally justice will be served. In Revelation, John saw another angel come from heaven with a small scroll in his hand that had been opened. The angel put one of his feet on the ocean and one on the earth and roared like a lion. When he did the seven thunders answered. John was told not to write what they said, but the angel told him, “no more delay”. John was then told to take the scroll and eat it. It would be sweet to his mouth but bitter to his stomach. Lord, your Word is sweet to the righteous and bitter to the wicked. Help us to eat the fruit of righteousness and be blessed once again.