Zephaniah 1-3 Hope In The Midst Of Despair

God promised terrible punishments on everyone for their sin:  “I will remove human beings from the earth … Be silent before the Lord God, because the Lord’s day of judging people is coming soon.”

Still, He strives to have us change:

“Before it’s too late, before the Lord’s terrible anger reaches you, before the day of the Lord’s anger comes to you, come to the Lord, all you who are not proud, who obey His laws.  Do what is right.  Learn to be humble.”

God promised punishment on Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Cush, Assyria, and even Jerusalem.  Yet in the end, He says, “Sing … shout for joy … be happy and rejoice with all your heart.  The Lord has stopped punishing you … The King of Israel, the Lord, is with you; you will never again be afraid of being harmed … The Lord you God is with you; the Mighty One will save you.  He will rejoice over you.  You will rest in His love; He will sing and be joyful about YOU… I will take away the sadness… I will save My people … and gather My people … I will give them praise and honor … I will gather you … I will bring you back home.  I will give you honor and praise … when I make things go well again for you, as you will see with your OWN EYES.”

Despite our sin – despite all our willful rebellion – He loves us and wants us back.  And He wants to bless us.  Why would we want any other god?

Father, thank You for Your indescribable love in spite of my sin.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford