◄ What Does Zephaniah 3:5 Mean? ►

The day of God's judgement is coming upon the whole earth and many of the terrible physical characteristics and devastating disasters that Zephaniah set out in his prophetic writings, speak of the dreadful 'Day of the Lord', that future, 7-year long Tribulation period, known as 'Daniel’s 70th week' or the 'Time of Jacob’s Trouble'.

This man of God wrote his severe warning of the wrath to come during the reign of Josiah, king of Judah. The young king feared the Lord and attempted to implement religious reform into the land and return the nation back to true worship of the living God. But it was a superficial reform, quickly overtaken by Israel's evil practices which had been carried out by his wicked father, Amon, and evil grandfather, Manasseh.

These ungodly kings worshiped pagan gods and built sacrificial altars to the sun, the moon, and the stars. They placed a pagan 'Asherah pole' inside the holy Temple of God and even sacrificed their own children on the satanically inspired altar, to a blood-thirsty god, called Molech.

God's offer of salvation, by grace through faith in Him, has lasted many thousands of years, but a day of deep darkness and righteous judgement is coming on the whole earth, when His wrath will be poured out on a God-despising, Christ-hating, sinful world. During this time, unbelieving Israel, along with all the godless nations of the world, will reap the dreadful rewards of their gross apostasy and satanic behaviour.

Although severe destruction will fall on this godless world, the Lord has always had a faithful remnant, and He is not blind to the needs of godly men and women. He has promised to sustain those that are oppressed and rescue the righteous from their tormentors: "The Lord is righteous within her; He will do no injustice. Every morning He brings His justice to light; He does not fail."

There are many that like to accuse God and blame Him for the wrongs that this world conceives, but man caused the earth to be cursed because of his sin. The Lord does no wrong. He has promised to sustain those that trust in Him. The Lord applies His justice, morning by morning. He does not fail at dawn, yet "the one who does wrong knows no shame."

The promises of God remain faithful and true, for He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His mercies are new every morning for He is a good and gracious God. He is altogether righteous, keeps His promises morning by morning, and has pledged never to fail us nor forsake us. He will avenge and protect all who honour His name BUT will severely judge those who reject the truth, distort His Word, turn aside from His offer of salvation, and engage in the wicked ways of the world.

May we readily eschew evil and reject the enticing ways of the world, which seek to turn our hearts away from the true and living Lord and entrap our lives in the lust of the flesh, the pride of life and the destructive ways of the world.

Heavenly Father, You are good and gracious, righteous and true. Thank You that the day is coming when You will right all wrongs and bring everything under Your righteous and holy authority. Use me as You will, in the forwarding of Your plans and purposes. Bring many to faith in the God of their salvation, for His name's sake, AMEN.