Learning From Mistakes

O. T. #2247 "Learning From Mistakes"

August 1, 2022

Zephaniah 3

LET IT GLOW

Will we learn from the mistakes of Judah?

Zehaniah pronounced judgment upon the nations surrounding Judah on all sides. Now he focuses on Judah herself in this chapter. The city he is in reference to must be Jerusalem in verse 1. The sins which infected those nations also infected her. Jerusalem had become filthy and polluted with sin. Woe to her.

There are 2 reasons why the woe is justified: because of her history (verses 3-4) and in spite of Jehovah's provisions (verses 5-7) What was Judah's history in the past? According to verse 2, there are 4 accusations brought against Judah:

1. She obeyed not the voice. She was disobedient to the will of God as given in the Law and the prophets He sent unto them.
2. She received not correction. She did not learn from her corrections, returning to idolatry over and over again.
3. She trusted not in the LORD. She trusted in herself in time of need instead of the covenant-keeping Jehovah.
4. She drew not near to her God.  In spite of the blessings and provisions God gave her, she still went further away from her God. 

Are we obeying God's voice to us? When we receive correction, does it result in our drawing near to God and trusting in Him?

LET IT GROW

Verses 3-4 tell us about Judah's leaders:

• Her princes were like roaring lions having insatiable appetites, oppressing those under them.
• Her judges were like wolves, devouring the people, making themselves rich.
• Her prophets distorted the messages, disputing the true prophets with messages from God. 
• Her priests polluted the sanctuary. 

 Are we putting Christians into our government offices? Are our judges believers in Jesus? Are our church leaders abusing their positions?  

                             
 LET IT GO

Open our eyes and ears Lod Jesus to what is going on around us. 

Keep us in Your will and Your Word, Father.

Help us bring glory to You as we stand against the evil in this world.