Zephaniah 2: 1-3 Hidden in the Lord

Gather yourselves together, yes, gather O nation without shame. Do this before the decrees takes effect - the day passes like the chaff - before the day of the Lord's anger comes upon you. Seek the Lord, all you humble of the earth who have carried out his ordinances - seek righteousness and humility. Perhaps you will be hidden in the day of the Lord's anger.

Previously Zephaniah began his denunciation of the religious activities of the people and labeled it "idolatrous priests." There are three categories of offenses quoted: (1) idolaters who worship false gods regardless of the name they use in worshiping them, (2) adulterers, who worship the true God, but other false gods too, and (3) apostates, who have fallen away from worshiping God entirely. All are condemned, and the Lord makes no difference among these offenses. He also quotes them for their errant social customs. They no longer dressed in clothes that identify them with Yahweh, but instead adopted the fashion of the nations around them. Finally, he cites them for errors in their commerce where the rich were stripping the poor of possessions, even necessities, and they were aided in this by a corrupt political system and corrupt courts. So now he tells them to seek God and live. You say, "But what does it mean to seek God.? It means seeking him where alone he can be found, namely, in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ who was crucified for your sin, buried and raised again from the dead for your justification.

Daily Prayer: Father, for most of my life I was lost, but now I have been found. I have been spared judgment because you have pulled me out of the danger where I was headed. Now I desire to go out and tell, but often times people do not listen and go about doing things their own way. Forgive them, but also lead them to Jesus, so that they too may be spared. In Jesus name I pray Amen.