The Judgment of God
Introduction:
Zephaniah
means “Jehovah Hides.” The book is a warning…written to a complacent, chosen
people who were waiting for something to happen…for God to come in, just as He
always had & act in protection for them. Zephaniah lived during a period of
well-known prophets – all working hard to move the people back into a
relationship with God.
I. Life & Times of Zephaniah.
A.
Short ministry
– most believe between 630 & 625 BC. Great grandson of Hezekiah.
1.
In royal line of
descendants, most likely lived in Jerusalem.
B.
Assyria –
long the dominant force in region – was on edge of rapid decline.
1.
Ultimately, the
end of the line comes for Judah, as God would raise up the Babylonians to
destroy Judah.
2.
Uncertainty;
heavy taxes from oppressor nations characterized the times.
3.
Idolatry
rampant; immorality; dark clouds of anxiety gathering on the horizon.
II. A Closer Look
A.
1:4-6 –
Attention directed to Jerusalem & Judah.
B.
1:4-5 –
God completely rejected.
1.
1:6; 1:5 –
“Milcom” refers to god of Ammon – Molech.
C.
1:7 –
silence commanded.
1.
Picture
sacrifice. Guests consecrated.
2.
Guests? Armies
of Babylon. Sacrifice? People of
Judah.
3.
1:8 –
princes of Judah subject to this judgment.
4.
1:9 –
leaping on the threshold may refer to superstitions held by the people.
5.
1:10-13 –
the city would be destroyed.
D.
1:14-18 - the day of the Lord. Near &
coming quickly. It would be a day of:
1.
Wrath, trouble,
distress; darkness; gloom; clouds; thick darkness
2.
Trumpet; battle
cries against fortified city
3.
Distress on men
– making them walk as blind – symbolizes complete confusion;
III. The people needed to repent
A.
2:1 – nation significant.
1.
“Nation” usually
a term used to describe pagan people.
2.
Point? Judah had
no shame – sins out in open.
B.
2:2 – time
to act was now. Decree was the day of
the Lord.
C.
2:3 – seek
the Lord. Seek His mercy & grace. Seek righteousness & humility.
IV. Those who repent have hope.
A.
3:11 - Process
of judgment would weed out all who rebelled against God.
1.
3:12 –
description of those welcomed by God.
B.
3:14-17 –
a time when judgments/punishments of God have passed.
1.
3:15 – God
dwells in midst of His people.
2.
3:17 – God
rejoices over His people.
C.
3:19-20 –
a final admonition to those who would read this during the Babylonian
captivity.
V. Are you ready for the great day of the Lord?
A.
There is a great
day coming. Heb. 9:27; Rev. 20:11-15; 2 Pet. 3:9-12; Phil. 2:9-13
B.
Jesus died to
save you from God’s wrath that will be poured out on judgment.
C.
You don’t have
to be lost!
1.
Zeph. 3:17
– He wants a relationship. He wants to be in the middle of your life.
Conclusion:
A.
Will you let Him
in your life?