Zephaniah 3
Today's Passage: Zephaniah 3
Very often while preparing Jumpstarts, I turn to the Bible Project videos on YouTube to remind myself of where we are in the Biblical timelines—especially as we’re rolling through these smaller books. At the end of the video, I loved the following statement because I think it captures much of chapter 3. It said, “Zephaniah contains some of the most intense images of God's justice and love that you find anywhere in the prophets. His justice is about His passion to protect and to rescue His world from the horror of human evil and violence. God won't tolerate the horrible things that humans do to each other and to His world. But He brings this justice in order to restore, in order to create a world where people can flourish in safety and peace, because of His love.”
Things were terrible spiritually for God’s people. Assyria had already wiped the northern kingdom of Israel off the map because of their disobedience. Although the army is not named, Zephaniah foretold of God’s coming judgment on the southern kingdom of Judah and the surrounding nations. This coming force was immediately fulfilled by the Babylonians. This judgement had been established all the way back in Deuteronomy 28. However, what God says he will do in Zephaniah 3:9 and following is Deuteronomy 30, which I’ve said before is probably the most important chapter to understanding the story of the Bible.
God’s declaration of justice on his people and the purification that follows had immediate fulfillment in the Babylonian Exile. Deuteronomy 28 and 30 were fulfilled in a temporal sense. However, they point to something greater—the story that spans all of time, from creation to culmination. Babylon, the Exile, and the return of Israel to her home, all point to a greater judgement, a greater Exile, and a greater homecoming. That’s what Zephaniah is really talking about in chapter 3.
Sin has been defeated on the Cross, and yet it has not been finally judged. That day is coming ever closer. In the meantime, we live as exiles and sojourners in a place that is not our home. However, the day is coming when sin will be judged, the remnant gathered, and wrath will fall upon all those who never accepted God’s free gift of grace. Salvation is for “a people humble and lowly [who] seek refuge in the name of the Lord.”
Zephaniah and the other prophets offer warnings in order that people’s hearts may soften, and repentance come. God gives people every opportunity to turn from their wicked ways. Presently, God’s Church should serve as God’s warning claxon to people. Justice is coming, but restoration is possible.
The safety and peace of this time (in that sin hasn’t been judged) is a period of grace so that more people may experience salvation. Are we working toward that end? God’s plan is to restore. For those of us in Christ, how are we aiding the family business?
Written By: Tyler Short
Very often while preparing Jumpstarts, I turn to the Bible Project videos on YouTube to remind myself of where we are in the Biblical timelines—especially as we’re rolling through these smaller books. At the end of the video, I loved the following statement because I think it captures much of chapter 3. It said, “Zephaniah contains some of the most intense images of God's justice and love that you find anywhere in the prophets. His justice is about His passion to protect and to rescue His world from the horror of human evil and violence. God won't tolerate the horrible things that humans do to each other and to His world. But He brings this justice in order to restore, in order to create a world where people can flourish in safety and peace, because of His love.”
Things were terrible spiritually for God’s people. Assyria had already wiped the northern kingdom of Israel off the map because of their disobedience. Although the army is not named, Zephaniah foretold of God’s coming judgment on the southern kingdom of Judah and the surrounding nations. This coming force was immediately fulfilled by the Babylonians. This judgement had been established all the way back in Deuteronomy 28. However, what God says he will do in Zephaniah 3:9 and following is Deuteronomy 30, which I’ve said before is probably the most important chapter to understanding the story of the Bible.
God’s declaration of justice on his people and the purification that follows had immediate fulfillment in the Babylonian Exile. Deuteronomy 28 and 30 were fulfilled in a temporal sense. However, they point to something greater—the story that spans all of time, from creation to culmination. Babylon, the Exile, and the return of Israel to her home, all point to a greater judgement, a greater Exile, and a greater homecoming. That’s what Zephaniah is really talking about in chapter 3.
Sin has been defeated on the Cross, and yet it has not been finally judged. That day is coming ever closer. In the meantime, we live as exiles and sojourners in a place that is not our home. However, the day is coming when sin will be judged, the remnant gathered, and wrath will fall upon all those who never accepted God’s free gift of grace. Salvation is for “a people humble and lowly [who] seek refuge in the name of the Lord.”
Zephaniah and the other prophets offer warnings in order that people’s hearts may soften, and repentance come. God gives people every opportunity to turn from their wicked ways. Presently, God’s Church should serve as God’s warning claxon to people. Justice is coming, but restoration is possible.
The safety and peace of this time (in that sin hasn’t been judged) is a period of grace so that more people may experience salvation. Are we working toward that end? God’s plan is to restore. For those of us in Christ, how are we aiding the family business?
Written By: Tyler Short
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