Sharing by: Pam Crawford
Zephaniah 2:1-3
Gather together and pray, you
shameless nation. Gather while there is still time, before judgment begins and
your opportunity is blown away like chaff. Act now, before the fierce fury of
the LORD falls and the terrible day of the LORD’S anger begins. Beg the LORD to
save you – all you who are humble, all you who uphold justice. Walk humbly and
do what is right. Perhaps even yet the LORD will protect you from his anger on
that day of destruction. – NLT
ON THE FRONT LINES
As we
celebrate Memorial Day this week the focus is rightfully on the many men and
women who have served or are serving our country. When we think of our armed
services and the many others who put their life on the line day in and day out,
may we lift them and their families in prayer often? It came to my mind that we should also pray
and celebrate the bravery of the many men and women who have served or are
serving on God’s battlefield everyday. It’s not always the most comfortable or
safest place to be despite the fact that we have the freedom to be there.
Many of the
Old Testament prophets were on the front lines. They announced news that
destruction was eminent and they attempted on many occasions to help people
avert God’s judgment. Their message was rather simple – choose obedience to
God, turn from sin, and humble yourself.
So often
New Testament believers will read or listen to the Old Testament teachings with
a sense that that was the climate of that era. Some have argued that it is not really
relevant for today. This is dangerous thinking my friends! Although we have been blessed with a "New
Covenant," we would be foolish to dismiss the warnings and directives of our
Sovereign LORD whose teachings remain the same for yesterday, today and
tomorrow.
Back in
Micah’s day people believed that God’s message of judgment was too harsh. I
hate to break it to you but people of our day still believe that God’s message
is too harsh and they chose to disregard it willfully. As many work to bring clarity of
the Gospel to the people, opposition and persecution is rampant. As Micah was
teaching about God’s judgment the people responded “Don’t’ say such things,”
the people say, “Don’t prophesy like that. Such disasters will never come our
way!” (Micah 2:6) It is my personal
opinion that in America
Let us not forget for a moment that God will have the last word
when it comes to the final judgment. He was working to get Israel
Being open to the entire
content of the Bible is critical to spiritual maturity. The message may not always
be easy to absorb, but its accuracy (2 Timothy 3:16) is not to be missed.
Romans 14:11 says “For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee
will bow to me and every tongue shall confess to God.”
In the Gospels and all throughout the Old Testament; you hear the voice of God and those appointed by Him to share the Good News speaking truth for the purpose of warning others. Because we do not know the day or the hour (Matt. 24:36), we might consider the urgency of today. One day the battle will end and we will be called to judgment. Those who have positioned themselves behind God need not fear. But for those who choose to align to the opposition, the warning is crystal clear “And whosoever was not found in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15).
Life’s Application Commentary:
"Some people
think of God as an indulgent heavenly grandfather, nice to have around but not
a real force in shaping modern life. They don’t believe in his power or his
coming judgment. But God is holy, and therefore he will actively judge and
justly punish everyone who is content to live in sin, indifferent to him, or
unconcerned about justice. When people are indifferent to God, they tend to
think that he is indifferent to them and their sin. They will be surprised to
find that the “terrible day of the LORD is near.”
There is
still time for God’s people to put on their uniforms and get in the battle. There is still time for the Word to be shared and the truth to be spoken. It is
only the redemptive work of Christ on our behalf that will outlast the prophecy
of destruction. Today is
the day to gather and pray for our nation. Today is the day to pray for God’s
created people; those who believe that He is “the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6), and for those who are in rebellion to Him.
I came across the
following Scripture in my study of The Book of Zephaniah which brought this
all home for me. Zephaniah
2:6 says “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.” As I read
this my heart jumped out of my chest. So
many of us, myself included, are so distracted by the lure of this world and
our own personal issues that God, His Word, and our passion for the salvation
of others is secondary. When I listen closely to the words “I will destroy,” I
can only repent for the many years I didn’t get the privilege I have to
intercede for others.
Let’s not
be like the people of Zephaniah and Micah’s day. May we have courage and a new sense of boldness
to reach out to others without fear of rejection? So often we restrain
ourselves and we keep silent in fear that we will offend someone by calling
them to task. Think about this for just a moment, what would be worse? Would it be saying nothing at all knowing
full well the outcome is destruction, or stepping out in love by being willing
to give a gentle nudge when the Holy Spirit prompts? I don’t know your answer
but I do know the one that makes sense to me. Let's not miss this!
In Christ
by grace,
Pam
“Those
who wait for perfect weather will never plant seeds."
(Ecclesiastes 11:4 NIV)
"This vision is for a future
time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in
coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be
delayed
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