For the past week or so, I have been reading through the Old Testament. In the past, I have read Genesis, Exodus, the majority of Leviticus, Song of Songs, Ecclesiastes, Proverbs, and segments of other Old Testament passages. Currently, I have read Haggai and Nahum, and I just finished Zephaniah today. I must say that I am utterly amazed! God's love and commitment to the people of Israel is mind boggling!
Here's a little OT history:
The Israelites were in captivity in Babylon for 70 years because of their lack of commitment to the one true God. Israel had many kings; some were good and loved Yaweh while others were bad and corrupted the people of God. During the reign of many of the kings, Israel's heart was lead away to false gods. King Solomon was the first of Israel's King to introduce them to false goods. Solomon's heart was led away from the Lord because of his many foreign wives (1 Kings 11:1-4) which caused him to worship false gods.
In the same way, Israel's heart was led away by their constant disobedience and failure to worship the one true God. In the book of Zephaniah, the prophet Zephaniah paints a picture of "the Day of the Lord" which is God's judgment on the whole earth including Judah and Jerusalem and gives an even clearer picture of God restoring the people of Israel and judging their enemies.
Judah and Jerusalem Judged Along With the Nations
Judah Summoned to Repent
1 Gather together, gather yourselves together,
you shameful nation,
2 before the decree takes effect
and that day passes like windblown chaff,
before the LORD’s fierce anger
comes upon you,
before the day of the LORD’s wrath
comes upon you.
3 Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land,
you who do what he commands.
Seek righteousness, seek humility;
perhaps you will be sheltered
on the day of the LORD’s anger.
Although God is angry with the people of Israel (Jerusalem is the capital of Israel and Judah holds a remnant of the people of Israel; there was a split in the Kingdom of Israel which resulted in a northern and southern kingdom with Judah being the southern kingdom), he is willing to restore them because of his lovingkindness and overwhelming grace. In the third chapter of Zephaniah, God does indeed promise to restore his people and deal with their enemies:
14 Sing, Daughter Zion;
shout aloud, Israel!
Be glad and rejoice with all your heart,
Daughter Jerusalem!
15 The LORD has taken away your punishment,
he has turned back your enemy.
The LORD, the King of Israel, is with you;
never again will you fear any harm.
16 On that day
they will say to Jerusalem,
“Do not fear, Zion;
do not let your hands hang limp.
17 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.”
18 “I will remove from you
all who mourn over the loss of your appointed festivals,
which is a burden and reproach for you.
19 At that time I will deal
with all who oppressed you.
I will rescue the lame;
I will gather the exiles.
I will give them praise and honor
in every land where they have suffered shame.
Wow! Even though the people of Israel are sinful, he promises to restore them. This is so amazing because it demonstrates God's compassion and love for his people. God is so committed to the people of Israel that he extends his hand of grace to them despite their sinfulness. Likewise, he does the same for us. We should rejoice in the truth that we have a Savior who is committed to us and will love us despite our failures. What a God! I am so excited, honored, and privledged to belong to the God of the universe. He will never leave me or fail me bacause he is fully committed to me. I am so grateful and blown away! Thank you heavenly Father!
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