The prophecy of Zephaniah begins with a promise. A promise of destruction and desolation. A promise of devouring fire and of darkness. A promise from the LORD. For the day of wrath was soon to come upon them, and the word of the Lord was there to confirm that it was to be. It was the unfaithfulness of the nation Israel that had caused such a promise to made. They had given themselves to sin and to idolatry, turning their backs from the Lord. Some had taken a deistic view of God thinking he was not active in their lives. "And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The LORD will not do good, neither will he do evil." (vs. 12) They put there trust in the host of heaven, thinking a sign from the stars would guide their ways. Thus their unrighteousness had brought judgment upon them.

It is by the unrighteous acts of men that judgment will come on the earth, but their was a righteous act of a man that has brought redemption to all of mankind. For it was prophesied long ago that the Lord had prepared a sacrifice, through who's blood a way of escape would be made from the coming judgement. The man Christ Jesus who died for our sins that we would sin no more and see everlasting life. Yes the judgment is still to come, the Lord has spoken, but by His grace those who have faith in Him will escape the day of wrath.  God is not mocked, whatever a man sows he will reap. The ones who continue in unrighteouness will see destruction, but if you have been reedemed by the Lord you will go on in His righteousness, being kept for everlasting life. So be encouraged reedemed of the Lord, and stay faithful to the one who has kept you; for the day of the Lord is near.

"The great day of the LORD is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly." (vs.14)

Mike Creel