Every new day He does not fail

Every new day He does not fail

Scripture: She obeys no one, she accepts no correction. She does not trust in the LORD, she does not draw near to her God. Zephaniah 3:2

The LORD within her is righteous; he does no wrong. Morning by morning he dispenses his justice, and every new day he does not fail, yet the unrighteous know no shame. Zephaniah 3:5

“Then I will purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the LORD and serve him shoulder to shoulder. Zephaniah 3:9

Observation: The first Scripture shows us the characteristics of the rebellious in Jerusalem which we are not to follow. She does not obey anyone and accepts no correction. This shows her arrogance and pride, typified by those who think too highly of themselves and think they are always better and smarter than others. Moreover, she does not trust in the Lord but rather depends on her own strength. She does not draw near to her God. God is not important to her. She is concerned mainly about herself.

The second Scripture looks at the characteristics of the Lord. He is righteous. He does what is right always. Morning by morning, He does what is just and He never fails. Every new morning, every new spring, we are reminded of the faithfulness of God. It is He that keeps the earth turning and brings every season in its due time. There is no one like God. He never fails.

The third Scripture talks about a time after Christ’s second return. The Lord declares that He will purify the lips of the peoples so that they may call on the name of the Lord and serve him side by side, equally. When Isaiah had a vision of coming into the Lord’s presence, he said “Woe is me” because of his unclean lips and because he lived among a people of unclean lips. Somehow, we sin the most by the words that we speak. Hence, we need to be so careful what we say, as it is written in 1 Peter 3:10 For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.

Application: Unlike Jerusalem, we need to be obedient and open to correction, to trust deeply in the Lord and depend on His strength. Our God is a God of relationships. He calls us to draw near and is pleased when we do. Praise the Lord for His righteousness and faithfulness, that His mercies are new every morning. Beware of the evil of the tongue, the part of the body by which men sin the most. Ask the Holy Spirit to come in and be the Lord of our tongues that we might say what is good and right and patient rather than utter angry or careless words.

Prayer: Teach me O Lord to be obedient and to follow Your will. Let my heart be open to Your correction. I will ever trust in You. Let me draw near to You O Lord, as I seek Your face. Guard my tongue from evil, and teach me to walk in the light. May Your name be praised forever. In Jesus name, Amen.

Seek the Lord, all you humble

Seek the Lord, all you humble

Scripture: Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered
on the day of the LORD’s anger. Zephaniah 2:3

Observation:  In the Scripture today, we see the characteristics of those who may be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger. Firstly, they seek the Lord. In Psalm 10:4, it is written that the wicked man does not seek God and in all his thoughts there is no room for God. In contrast, those who are righteous seek God. What does it mean to seek God? They want to know who God is, what He is interested in, how they can please Him. They want to hear God’s voice! Secondly, they are humble. Throughout Scripture, we see numerous instances where God favors the humble but detests the proud. James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5 both say “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble”. Jesus said “Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth. Thirdly, they do what he commands. They are not just hearers but also doers. Obedience is a very important part of being in God’s favor. Fourthly, they seek righteousness. They have a desire to do what is right. Finally, they seek humility. Not only are they humble, they constantly check themselves to ensure they remain humble and do not think of themselves higher than they ought.

Application: We must seek God constantly in our lives and not allow distractions and other things to come in so that there is no room for God. Also, we must remember to be humble, for humility pleases God, and we must beware of pride which goes before one’s downfall. Obedience to our Lord must also be an integral part of our lives, and also a desire to do what is right, for that pleases God.

Prayer: O Lord, You are my God. I will ever seek You. Forgive my pride O Lord, but teach me to be humble before You. Let my heart always pursue righteousness and humility, and let my ways be obedient to You O Lord. Let me dwell O Lord in the shelter of the Most High, and rest in the shadow of Your wings. May Your great name be praised forever. In Jesus name, Amen

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.