Hope After Rebellion

O. T. #2248 "Hope After Rebellion"

August 2, 2022

Zephaniah 3-Part 2

The just LORD is in the midst thereof; He will not do iniquity: every morning doeth He bring His judgment

LET IT GLOW

Are you to the point of needing hope? Does your situation look hopeless? Read on, friend.

Jonah was rebellious prophet that hated the Ninevites. He did not want the evil ones saved, so Jonah rebelled. It took a great fish to bring him to surrender to God's will. What will it take for us? But the Word of God came to Jonah a second time and he obeyed. God was merciful to the people of Nineveh and the largest revival occurred among the heathen.

Even though Jerusalem had provoked God to anger and judgment by sinning and having godless leaders, the Lord continued to protect and provide for the righteous remnant.  The prophet gave them hope as he closed his book. 

Hope is a great motivator for obedience, submitting to God's will, and living His Word. Hope emphasizes the faithfulness of God. He keeps His promises and faithfully forgives our sins. Hope encourages the faithful remnant in the land. (Wiersbe)

In our key verse today, we find God was ready to restore and minister to His remnant daily:

• The LORD is just (lawful, righteous).
• He was still there in their midst, Jerusalem.
• God will not do iniquity (evil, wickedness, perverseness)
• Daily He hands down justice to light.
• He faileth not.

What comfort we should have when we realize that our God is always just, does no evil, has justice. Do we know that God is with His children? Also, our God does not fail. Over and over again we read of the times God was with His children. 

 

LET IT GROW 

Zephaniah returned to the problem at hand, which was a heart problem-sin. The Jews had pretended to worship and serve God, but their hearts had rejected Him. Pride had caused the people to inflate their self-esteem. Pride prevented them from listening to spiritual counsel. Therefore, God was going to rebuked their leadership in Jerusalem. They had no excuses valid. 

Is pride making us unable or unwilling to let God work in our life? Are we calloused due to disobedience, irresponsibility, or sin? If we are a church leader, we have a responsibility to stay close to God, obeying Him.

LET IT GO

What do we need to let go of so we can better serve our loving God?

What is God doing in our little world?

How can we be a part of His kingdom work?

Fill our cups Lord, with Your love for the lost and rebellious ones. 

Help us share Your mercy and truth today.