GOD SPEAKS TO ZEPHANIAH.
Zephaniah introduces himself, and we learn that he is a descendant of “Hizkiah.” In the Revised Version, he is referred to as King Hezekiah. So by distinction, we learn that he is of royal descent.
He is a prince of the house of David and the great-great-grandson of King Hezekiah.
He also was a contemporary of the prophet Jeremiah during the days of King Josiah. These were the days of Hezekiah’s reforms. Sadly it was an outward reform but far from what was needed. It was not an inward revival.
The prophetess told Josiah that his reforms were good, but there was no heart change. In effect, she said: “Yes, King Josiah, do all that was in your mind; it is good, but the heart of the people has become gross.” (Outward and unacceptable.)
God won’t hold back His judgement, unless there is a real change from within.
A HEART CHANGE.
Today, there are so many people whose hearts are unchanged. They appear to be good Christians, but their hearts are far from God. How can we know these hypocrites?
By their fruit, the hypocrite reveals his true identity. They tell lies. They come to church when there is nothing better to do. They are proud, arrogant, judgmental and unrepentant.
Are they truly saved? Only God can tell!
On the day of His Judgement, the sheep will be separated from the goats, and then the whole world will know who is indeed His.
In the meantime, we need to pray that they will be revived in their hearts earnestly. They will truly allow the light of the Gospel to reveal God’s Word to them and they will be truly saved. Amen!
ZEPHANIAH’S MESSAGE.
“THROUGH JUDGEMENT TO BLESSING.”
1. LOOK WITHIN!
God’s wrath will come upon Judah. The purpose of God to judge.
Chapters 1-6. The day of judgement is “at hand.”
Chapter 7:18. And so – A plea to Jerusalem.
Chapter 2:1-3. 2.
LOOK AROUND! – WRATH IS COMING UPON ALL NATIONS.
Chapter 2. 4:3 and chapter 8.
West, East – Philistia, (now Palestine,) Moab, Ammon. Chapters 4-11. South, North – Ethiopia and Assyria Chapters 12-15. And so – “Woe” to Jerusalem. Chapter 3:1-8.
LOOK BEYOND GOD’S WRATH, TO GOD’S HEALING.
Chapter 3:9-20. The conversion of the Gentile peoples. The restoring of the covenant people. (Jews) And then the – New Jerusalem. Verses 16-30.
(Please do read the references)
In this book Zephaniah brings a contrast between the very first verse and the very last.
Chapter 1:1.
“I WILL UTTERLY CONSUME.”
Chapter 3:20.
“I WILL MAKE A NAME AND A PRAISE.”
This is the fullness of blessing. Zepheniah’s main message was that he knew the calamity would come upon his people since Israel became a nation. He cried to his countrymen.
“THE DAY OF JEHOVAH IS AT ✋ HAND.”
Chapter 1:7.
Do you know you are also the Lord’s spokesman because the ‘Day of the Lord’ ‘now’ is truly at hand?
We are according to endtime prophesy are in the very last days. The signs of the times points to it’s near approach.
JESUS WILL RETURN!
The Church (His body will be raptured.) The Antichrist will arise and God will pour out His wrath on all the earth.
Oh dear reader, are you ready to meet Him when he calls his beloved ‘up and away’ forever? Please be honest about your christianity.
Are you truly born again?
Have you truly repented of your sin?
Have you truly asked Jesus to save you?
I BEG YOU… 🙏… PRAY NOW AND INVITE HIM TO TAKE FULL CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE!
The day of the Lord will bring supreme joy to Christ’s own.
But it is well that we should cry aloud for the terror of that day for many others.
Read chapter 1: 15,16.
Finally we notice that this 📚 book of Zephaniah is divided into three parts.
1.GOD PERMITS.
2.GOD PUNISHES.
3.GOD PERFECTS.
The Lord permits sin and suffering.
He punishes the wicked usually by overruling natural processes. He allowed Israel to be punished by wicked nations. But He turns and punishes these nations for their wrongs. You may suffer as an innocent victim, but God has pledged for you a final recompense and restitution.
Darkness will give away to light.
Smiting will give way to smiling.
Then God will fulfill every promise He has given you. He has perfected you in Christ!
HE WILL REJOICE OVER HIS REDEEMED SONS AND DAUGHTERS.
HE WILL REST IN HIS 💕 LOVE.
HE WILL SING FOR JOY OVER YOU – HIS BELOVED.
BLESS HIS HOLY NAME.
Amen.
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Blessings – Heather Dalzell.
Light in the Darkness! 