The Day of the Lord is Near

Zephaniah chapter 1 is a passage from the Old Testament that describes the coming "Day of the Lord," a day of divine judgment. 

I read from the NLT version:

“The Lord gave this message to Zephaniah when Josiah son of Amon was king of Judah. Zephaniah was the son of Cushi, son of Gedaliah, son of Amariah, son of Hezekiah. “I will sweep away everything from the face of the earth,” says the Lord. “I will sweep away people and animals alike. I will sweep away the birds of the sky and the fish in the sea. I will reduce the wicked to heaps of rubble, and I will wipe humanity from the face of the earth,” says the Lord. 

“I will crush Judah and Jerusalem with my fist and destroy every last trace of their Baal worship. I will put an end to all the idolatrous priests, so that even the memory of them will disappear. For they go up to their roofs and bow down to the sun, moon, and stars. They claim to follow the Lord, but then they worship Molech, too. 

And I will destroy those who used to worship me but now no longer do. They no longer ask for the Lord’s guidance or seek my blessings.” Stand in silence in the presence of the Sovereign Lord, for the awesome day of the Lord’s judgment is near. 

The Lord has prepared his people for a great slaughter and has chosen their executioners. “On that day of judgment,” says the Lord, “I will punish the leaders and princes of Judah and all those following pagan customs. Yes, I will punish those who participate in pagan worship ceremonies, and those who fill their masters’ houses with violence and deceit. 

“On that day,” says the Lord, “a cry of alarm will come from the Fish Gate and echo throughout the New Quarter of the city. And a great crash will sound from the hills. Wail in sorrow, all you who live in the market area, for all the merchants and traders will be destroyed. 

“I will search with lanterns in Jerusalem’s darkest corners to punish those who sit complacent in their sins. They think the Lord will do nothing to them, either good or bad. So their property will be plundered, their homes will be ransacked. 

They will build new homes but never live in them. They will plant vineyards but never drink wine from them. “That terrible day of the Lord is near. Swiftly it comes— a day of bitter tears, a day when even strong men will cry out. 

It will be a day when the Lord’s anger is poured out— a day of terrible distress and anguish, a day of ruin and desolation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness, a day of trumpet calls and battle cries. Down go the walled cities and the strongest battlements! 

“Because you have sinned against the Lord, I will make you grope around like the blind. Your blood will be poured into the dust, and your bodies will lie rotting on the ground.” Your silver and gold will not save you on that day of the Lord’s anger. 

For the whole land will be devoured by the fire of his jealousy. He will make a terrifying end of all the people on earth.”

The Word or the Lord.

This passage of scripture conveys a powerful message about the impending judgment of God. We are reminded that material wealth or power will not protect anyone from divine justice. 

On Judgement Day, there will be complete destruction and wrath for those who have sinned. But thanks be to God as we are yet alive, we have the opportunity to confess our sins and receive forgiveness and restoration from Almighty God. 

As we begin this new week, this is a reminder for each of us to examine our hearts, our actions, and our relationship with God. 

Zephaniah warns that “the day of the Lord is near, the day when destruction will come” (Zephaniah 1:7 NLT). 

This day of the Lord is a time of both judgment and redemption—a call to repentance for those who have strayed and a promise of hope for those who seek God earnestly.

The prophet warns that neither wealth nor strength can save us from God’s judgment. In version 18 it says “Their silver and gold will be of no use to them on that day of the Lord’s anger”. 

Today’s scripture reading from Zephaniah chapter 1 encourages us to focus not on the fleeting security of worldly possessions, but on the eternal security that comes from living in right relationship with God.

The day of the Lord will come as a refining fire, burning away unrighteousness and bringing justice to those who reject God. But thanks be to God, for we have the chance now to seek His mercy and grace. 

In His compassion, God calls us to repent and turn back to Him, as we await the day of the Lords return.

Joel 2:13 “Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish.”

We are also called on to live a life of holiness and godliness, abstaining from sin and pursuing a life that mirrors Christ’s example.

2 Peter 3:11-12 “Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live, looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along. On that day, he will set the heavens on fire, and the elements will melt away in the flames.”

So we must be alert and sober-minded, spiritually vigilant, discerning, and aware of the times. 

1 Thessalonians 5:2-6  “For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. When people are saying, “Everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin. And there will be no escape. But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night. So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded.”

As we await the day of the Lord’s return Family, we are called to encourage and strengthen each other in the Lord.

Hebrews 10:24-25 “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”

Family, let us focus on these areas as we prepare ourselves for the Day of the Lord - repent and turn back to Him, live a life of holiness and godliness, be spiritually vigilant and aware of the times, and encourage and strengthen each other in the Lord.

aub - 11Nov24

www.zjoyvi.com