THE LORD, THE KING OF ISRAEL, IS WITH YOU
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.
1. Jerusalem symbolizes the entire nation of Judah.
Zephaniah pronounces woe not only on Jerusalem but the nation of Judah. They
were the Lord’s own people, but they did not obey him. Although the
Lord tried to correct his people, they accepted no correction. They didn’t trust in their creator and provider. Even her
priests and prophets were “treacherous” people! Yet the Lord is always righteous. He
dispenses justice without fail. The Lord’s own people should
have seen the contrast between themselves and their Lord. It should have made
them repent, but they remained unrepentant. They refused to return to their
faithful, righteous judge.
2. When the Lord judges, his righteous judgment is on
sin. He does this to purify his people. Why? So that they may call on the name
of the Lord and serve him wholeheartedly. The Lord takes away the punishment of
all who repent, return to him, and call on his name. He cleanses us of our sins
and restores us as his own.
Prayer Lord, you
are faithful to your people. You are also our righteous judge. Help us to
return to you, repent and call on your name.
One Word The Lord is
our righteous savior
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