The book of Zephaniah opens with a shocking announcement by Israel’s God.
“I will utterly sweep away everything from the face of the earth,” says the Lord. “I will sweep away humans and animals; I will sweep away the birds of the air and the fish of the sea. I will make the wicked stumble. I will cut off humanity from the face of the earth,” says the Lord.
Zephaniah 1:2-3
God has had it! And he’s decided to wipe everything off the face of the earth—or at least Israel.
That’s quite the opener! Rather extreme, don’t you think? What would provoke God to such drastic action? What would make the God who does business with sinners, the God of second chances, do such an about-face?
The prophet spells it out.
Israel has once again rebelled against the Lord. They (again!) worship pagan gods, even sacrificing their children to them. Their judges favor the wealthy and well-connected. Their priests refuse to follow the Law, much less teach it. And their prophets manufacture prophecies guaranteed to please all who hear them.
God’s people have rejected God’s covenant and his call for them to be a light to the nations. It’s no wonder their nobility dress up in fashionable foreign clothing. They have rejected their God-given identity!
But judgment doesn’t get the last word. His salvation does!
Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away the judgments against you.
Zephaniah 3:14-15
“For God so loved the world, he gave his only Son,” not to condemn us but to save us! The final word on God is his amazing grace. And that goes as much for us as it does for the people of Israel!
Questions for reflection:
1. Have you ever felt that you’ve crossed the line with God? What was that like?
2. Where have you experienced God’s unexpected forgiveness and grace? How did that impact you?
3. During this Advent season of longing, what is it that you need most from God?