The coming of God's judgement is usually presented as inevitable, but then it followed by a call to repentance. We react to judgement passages thinking they are too harsh, or just baulking at the terrible things that will happen. However, we see in our society today that a softly, softly approach is not exactly over successful. The passages are harsh because the matter is so serious. Yet it is always God's desire that men repent (2 Peter 3:9; Ezekiel 33:11).
When people do repent, God changes His plans. When God speaks He is looking for a response from us, this is the reason He speaks.
Zephaniah calls on the humble to seek the Lord. It may even be that most people do not seek the Lord, but if it is in your heart to seek Him, then you should do so, regardless of what the rest of the people are doing. Moses often stood in the gap between God and the Israelites. Supremely, Jesus stood between us and God on the cross. We should never underestimate how much delight God takes in a man or woman who shows faith, who shows passion for His word, who turns from evil ways to His ways. The whole of the Bible makes it clear that this is the heart of God.
When people do repent, God changes His plans. When God speaks He is looking for a response from us, this is the reason He speaks.
Zephaniah calls on the humble to seek the Lord. It may even be that most people do not seek the Lord, but if it is in your heart to seek Him, then you should do so, regardless of what the rest of the people are doing. Moses often stood in the gap between God and the Israelites. Supremely, Jesus stood between us and God on the cross. We should never underestimate how much delight God takes in a man or woman who shows faith, who shows passion for His word, who turns from evil ways to His ways. The whole of the Bible makes it clear that this is the heart of God.
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