Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, who do his just commands; seek righteousness; seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the anger of the LORD. Zephaniah 2:3
I continue my study of Zephaniah using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book. For this morning, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zephaniah 2:3, which is the text for the third division - entitled Judgment May Be Avoided If God’s People Will Seek Him - per the commentary. Excerpts:
- Vv1-3 are a call for repentance and v3 specifically defines what God seeks for repentance: humility, obedience, and righteousness. These "are evidence of a life given over to Him."
- "Our natural bent is away from humility and toward pride, and pride is the mother of all sin. In order to walk with God, the people of Jerusalem would need to die to themselves and trust in Him, which sounds surprisingly like Jesus’ gospel call (see also Luke 9:23-24)[.]"
- Confession and humility alone won't cut it: "It is not enough simply to acknowledge (or confess) sin; they must also change their behavior....No matter the sincerity of their intent, if their intentions were not followed with actions, they were of no value (see also 1 Samuel 15:22)."
- Use of the word seek in v3 implies a pursuit - and here we are exhorted to pursue God and His righteousness. See also Matthew 6:33.
- "Verses 1-3 are a breath of fresh air after the devastatingly difficult judgment and condemnation of chapter 1. Yes, God is just and His judgment is coming, but thankfully God is also loving and gracious, and repentance is possible....God is good, even when it seems like the time is bad. Judgment is coming, but so is grace, so take hold of grace (see also Romans 5:8).
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are SO good, and You offer grace, hope, love and salvation to all - thank You for giving me these gifts. I am not deserving. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
