Monday, December 11, 2017

Zephaniah 1

“And it shall come to pass at that time
That I will search Jerusalem with lamps,
And punish the men
Who are settled in complacency,
Who say in their heart,
‘The Lord will not do good,
Nor will He do evil.’ v.12


Read chapter 1
The book of Zephaniah is the words of the Lord through His prophet Zephaniah during the days of King Josiah. This first chapter starts off strong with God's judgment and destruction to come upon Judah and Jerusalem because of their idolatry and neglect of the Lord God.  The people said in their hearts that Jehovah will not do good or evil, they've become complacent and arrogant of the wicked.  
Those that think to divide their affections and worship between God and idols, will come short of acceptance with God; for what communion can there be between light and darkness? If Satan have half, he will have all; if the Lord have but half, he will have none. Neglect of God shows impiety and contempt. (Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary)
Zephaniah's name means "Hidden of Jehovah" or in other words treasured, sheltered or protected by Jehovah.  Oh what a sweet significance of his name, especially to be true of when he had to prophesy hard to hear things where people would have sought his death because they didn't like the message.  Back then the meaning of names was like a prophesy and truth to their character.  Today names don't have the same weight but we who are in Christ can all take on the name and meaning of Zephaniah for we are God's treasure and are hidden with Christ in God as Colossians 3:3-4 says, "For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory."
Take hope of the fact that you're hidden in Christ as a valued treasure of His and that you will appear with Him in glory soon.  Until then let us not grow arrogant and complacent of the wicked, but be 100% in for Christ.

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