4 Powerful Life Lessons from Zephaniah

Zephaniah – don’t think you can’t get lessons from this obscure little book! I wondered what I might find as I opened this little gem. I found four timely lessons to help us live a full and abundant life.

Lesson 1 – Judgment – Zephaniah 1

I know we don’t like that word, however once we get past judgment we find an exciting array of promises.

Zephaniah wrote during the reign of Josiah, the last good king of Judah. Right at the beginning of the book, he warns them that their next period of apostasy would bring judgment. The biggest issue throughout the history of Israel was the problem of syncretism – that is the worshiping of other false gods along with Jehovah, the true God.

those who bow down on the roofs

to the host of the heavens,

       those who bow down and swear to the Lord

and yet swear by Milcom,

Zephaniah 1:5 (ESV)

For today

Today, we face the same issues. Too often, we go and worship God on the weekend and then forget about him throughout our busy weeks. The demands and enticement of our culture get too much of our attention. We are seduced by money, possessions, recognition, status, honor and success. We are often unwittingly giving our worship to these things thinking it’s okay.

Zephaniah also warns the surrounding nations of their impending judgment in chapter two. You cannot mess with God’s people and expect to get away with it!

Lesson 2 – Repentance – Zephaniah 3:8-10

This passage reinforces the idea that God’s judgment is meant to bring about repentance.

“Therefore wait for me,” declares the Lord,

“for the day when I rise up to seize the prey.

       For my decision is to gather nations,

to assemble kingdoms,

       to pour out upon them my indignation,

all my burning anger;

       for in the fire of my jealousy

all the earth shall be consumed.

“For at that time I will change the speech of the peoples

to a pure speech,

       that all of them may call upon the name of the Lord

and serve him with one accord.

From beyond the rivers of Cush

my worshipers, the daughter of my dispersed ones,

shall bring my offering.

Zephaniah 3:8–10 (ESV)

Repentance is an opportunity for everyone to leave a futile life for an abundant life. While repentance must be a consistent theme and attitude among God’s people, it is also vital for those who are not yet followers.

Lesson 3 – Pride brings destruction – Zephaniah 3:11-12

God desires humility. When we consider who he is and who we are, it is the only thing that makes sense. The reality that he loves us and makes a way for us to have a relationship with him is truly overwhelming.

“On that day you shall not be put to shame

because of the deeds by which you have rebelled against me;

       for then I will remove from your midst

your proudly exultant ones,

       and you shall no longer be haughty

in my holy mountain.

But I will leave in your midst

a people humble and lowly.

       They shall seek refuge in the name of the Lord,

Zephaniah 3:11–12 (ESV)

We must remind ourselves that God is God and we are not. He knows what is best and right and true and we are foolish to rebel against that.

Lesson 4 – Judgment and repentance yield joy – Zephaniah 3:14-15

When we realize what a difference the absolute holy standards of God can mean to our lives, we can rejoice with a genuine expression of worship.

  Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion;

shout, O Israel!

       Rejoice and exult with all your heart,

O daughter of Jerusalem!

  The Lord has taken away the judgments against you;

he has cleared away your enemies.

       The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst;

you shall never again fear evil.

Zephaniah 3:14–15 (ESV)

Here is the final word. When we are reconciled to God, our lives are filled with rejoicing. We can realize all of his great promises. In fact, we will then realize God’s protection, power and presence in our lives all of the time.

Get Serious

Do you need to repent? If so, that is okay. Simply ask God to forgive you and decide that you will follow his will and his way from now on! Then, go out with a changed heart and life.

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