The Lord has prepared a sacrifice

The Lord has prepared a sacrifice

Scripture: Be silent before the Sovereign LORD, for the day of the LORD is near. The LORD has prepared a sacrifice; he has consecrated those he has invited. Zephaniah 1:7

At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps and punish those who are complacent, who are like wine left on its dregs, who think, ‘The LORD will do nothing, either good or bad.’ Zephaniah 1:12

Observation: Zephaniah 1 gives us a terrifying account of the Day of the Lord. It speaks of the Lord sweeping everything away from the face of the earth, man and animals, birds and fish.  He speaks of darkness and gloom, trouble and ruin. In 2 Peter 3, Peter explains that in that day, the elements will be destroyed by fire.

In the midst of this apocalyptic prophecy, vs.7 suddenly stands out. Zephaniah asks God’s people to be silent before the Lord, and contemplate the day. Then he speaks of a sacrifice and consecrating those He has invited. What is this sacrifice? We who have the New Testament know that this can only be our Lord Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Who has He invited? He has invited even us, the Gentiles, to participate in that great day. In Matthew 24, Jesus speaks of the angels gathering His elect, His chosen, from the four winds to join Him in the sky when He comes. With the New Testament, we know that we are made righteous, holy through the sacrifice of Jesus, and He has consecrated us, set us apart for God. Since we are consecrated for God, we are not to use our bodies for sinful purposes, but set our minds on living holy lives as His Spirit guides us.

The second Scripture, vs.12, reminds us of the parable of the wise and foolish virgins. The foolish virgins became complacent and did not have any oil for their lamps when the bridegroom came at an unexpected hour and were thrown out. There are some people who think that God is distant and could not be bothered with us. However, God is intensely interested in us. The Bible tells us that the eyes of the Lord range to and fro throughout the whole earth to strengthen those who are committed to Him.

Application: It is important for us to learn to be still before the Lord and consider the day of the Lord that is to come. Just thinking of it will cause us to pray more for the salvation of family and friends around us. Praise Jesus that it is His sacrifice that has saved us and made us right with God. Thank God for consecrating us unto Himself. Ask Him to help us live holy lives for His name’s sake. Beware of complacency but resolve to be alert and close to God that we may be attuned to His purposes.

Prayer:  O Lord, I will be still and contemplate Your great day when You come to earth again in power and glory. Save my family and friends O Lord that I lift up to You in prayer. Cause their hearts to turn to You O Lord, even when the time is short now. Praise You Lord Jesus for Your great sacrifice which has saved us. Consecrate me O Lord, let me be set apart for Your purposes. Let me not be complacent O Lord, but give me a heart attuned to Yours. In Jesus name, Amen.