Fri.’s Devo - Zephaniah

Read: Zephaniah 1:1-3:20; Revelation 10:1-11; Psalm 138:1-8; Proverbs 10:11-14 Zephaniah was the last to prophecy before Judah was taken into captivity by the Assyrians. One hundred years before this prophecy, Israel had fallen to the Assyrians. Judah had stayed in tact by paying the Assyrians tribute. When Israel fell, it was replaced by foreigners. *** Judah’s alliance with Assyria affected Judah in a very negative way. Judah was infiltrated with people who practiced magical arts and astral religion which was the worship of the moon, stars, and zodiac signs from the roof of the temple. People worshiped the mother-goddess of Assyria. *** This was how it was when Josiah became king and a copy of God’s laws were found in the Temple. He instituted great spiritual reform but it didn’t reform the people’s hearts so they quickly returned to idolatry when the next king came to reign. *** Zephaniah lived through Josiah’s reform and could discern what God was doing to punish Judah for her sins. He announced their sins and begged them to repent. He told them that if they didn’t they would be wiped from the face of the earth. Jerusalem would fall and also become a wasteland for wild animals. Its people will be scattered and all their prosperity that they had enjoyed would be taken from them. In exile, God’s people will humble themselves and be purified. *** Zephaniah gives the remnant hope that God will restore their property to them once again. In the end, it will be them that will plunder their enemies and take their land. Their enemies will get what they deserve. Nineveh would become a wasteland for the wild animals. *** Zephaniah’s word to them would be to cheer up and don’t be afraid because the Lord is living among them and he is a mighty savior. He speaks of God’s delight and love and how he will calm their fears and rejoice over them with singing. God will gather all who mourn for righteous worship and He will deal with their oppressors. God will save the weak and helpless and give his glory and fame to those who had been exiled. Their shame will turn to joy as God restores their reputation among the nations. Their fortunes will be restored. We are in that process right now in America. *** In Revelation, there is no shortage of angels. John saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven who was radiating the glory of heaven. He held a small scroll that had been opened. He stood with one foot on the land and the other on the sea. He shouted to the seven thunders and they responded. *** John was about to write what they said but was stopped. The angel standing raised his right hand to heaven and swore an oath to the Lord saying that there would be no more delay. When the seventh angel blew his trumpet, God’s plan will be fulfilled. It will happen just like the prophets foretold. *** A voice from heaven told John to go and take the scroll from the angel. The angel told John to eat the scroll. It would taste sweet, but turn sour in his stomach. When this happened, John was told that he must prophesy again about the people, nations, languages and kings. Lord, help us to wait on You to act and do all the things you have promised. You alone are our salvation. Your will work out your plans for our lives because your faithful love endures forever.