Today I read the book of Zephaniah which talks about God’s wrath on those who criticize Him, mock His children or are generally corrupt. Today I considered that God protects those that draw close to Him, God will judge all locations and leaders one day, and in the end God will provide us safety and show us His love.
Criticizing God
God will go after the areas in which they criticize Him but still protect those that love Him. God will consume the people and animals from the land including those that have not sought God, caused violence or deceit, and those that say God does neither good or nor evil (Zephaniah 1:2-13). When the day of wrath comes mighty men will cry, silver and gold will not save people, and God’s jealously will destroy those in the land (Zephaniah 1:14-18). Those that seek God before judgment comes may be hid in the day of God’s wrath (Zephaniah 2:1-4). Even if we are in a location where they are criticizing God, we can love God and follow God’s directions us to safety.
Mocking God’s Children
God will go after places that mock His children or are generally corrupt. God was against nations on the sea coast like the Cherethites, Moab, and Ammon, and would destroy them (Zephaniah 2:5-15). God would destroy those that criticize His children, say they are better than God’s children, or say their city is the best. God will also judge the areas where the rulers, prophets, and priests are corrupt (Zephaniah 3:1-7). God will eventually judge all places for corrupt including looking at the people and leaders.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
Have you ever considered how God’s people will be after the judgment and how God will treat us? How do you picture those days?
The reading today tells us part of how things will be. “The remnant of Israel will do no wrong; they will never tell lies or deceive one another. They will eat and sleep in safety, and no one will make them afraid” (Zephaniah 3:13 NLT). “The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17 NIV).