Scripture Reading : Zephaniah 1-2:3
Theme : The Day of the Lord on Judah
Zephaniah prophesied before the reforms of King Josiah (640–609 b.c.), who brought spiritual revival to Judah after the long and wicked reign of Manasseh. His message is to Judah, warning them of impending judgment for their idolatry and offering salvation for those who repent. His ministry spurred Judah to reform itself under Josiah. Zephaniah is also the great great grandson of king Hezekiah.
The Idolatry of Judah (1-13). In vv.2-3, God warns of His great wrath against evil by invoking the language of the flood. This massive destruction of evil will be on Judah if they do not repent of their idolatry. God is going to kill Judah like killing a sacrifice offering. Judah is commanded to keep silent and not talk back, as God unfolds His righteous judgment against evil. God’s judgment will start with the rulers of Judah because they are most responsible for corrupting Judah with idolatry, injustice and violence. Those who are complacent, by thinking God does not care about evil or take action against evil, will also be punished.
The Day of the Lord on Judah (14-2:3). Zephaniah uses the phrase “the day of the Lord” more than any prophet. This phrase means a time of God’s judgment against evil, which will culminate in the end times during the seven years of tribulation. When God brings His rod of anger, the Babylonians, to punish Judah, all of mankind around Judah will also be punished for their sins. God is fearful when His wrath is kindled, but even in His anger, God is merciful by offering salvation to those who humble themselves and repent (2:1-3).
Praying the Scripture
- Complacency is a dangerous sin that blinds people to the coming wrath of God against sin. Many people in the world, especially those who are from wealthy nations, are complacent of their sins and are blinded to the coming of God’s wrath. Our job is to awaken the truth about sin and judgment that their hearts are suppressing and lead them to their only hope of salvation (Rom. 1:32). Let us pray to God for opportunities to share the gospel in this perverted and complacent world.
- Zephaniah’s faithful preaching restored the spiritual wellbeing of his nation. If we faithfully proclaim the gospel from our pulpits and in our workplace and families, we can also bring wellbeing to our communities and our nations. If the pulpit goes, the nation will perish too. Let us take hold of God’s precious word and proclaim it with boldness and love, and with great anticipation of God’s miraculous work of salvation.
经文：西番雅书1:1-2:3
主题：耶和华的日子临到犹大
西番雅是在约西亚王进行多项改革之前预言的（公元前640-609年）；约西亚王则是在玛拿西长期作恶的统治后使犹大灵里复兴。西番雅给犹大的信息是要警告他们若继续拜偶像，审判即临，但凡是悔改的便能得救。他的事工促使约西亚在自己作王时能进行一系列的改革。西番雅也是希西家王的玄孙。
犹大对偶像的崇拜（1:1-1:13）。在2-3节中，神使用了诺亚大水灾时的言语警告犹大祂必大大惩罚罪恶。若犹大不愿从拜偶像的罪中悔改，她就会面临神对罪恶的极大毁灭。神会杀了犹大，如杀物献祭一样。神在揭示祂对罪恶实行的公义审判时吩咐犹大要静默无声，不许反驳。神的审判会从犹大的首领开始，因为他们以拜偶像、不公义与暴行之举使犹大败坏，责任重大。骄傲自满的，即认为神对罪恶行为不加理会或袖手旁观的，也会受到处罚。
用经文祷告
- 骄傲自满是很危险的罪，因为它使人眼瞎，看不到神日后对罪的审判。世上有许多人，尤其从富裕国家的，都持有这样的态度，无视神即将施展的愤怒。我们的责任是要唤醒他们心里压抑的真理，让他们直视罪和审判，领他们到得救的唯一希望（罗1:32）。让我们向神祈求能有机会在这歪曲及自满的世界里传福音。
- 西番雅忠实的传道使之犹大灵里复兴。我们若在讲台上，职场上及家中忠实地传福音，我们也能使周遭的人及我们的国家蒙福。倘若讲台没了，国家也会灭亡。让我们持守神珍贵的话，并在爱中大胆地宣扬它，带着极大的期盼等候神救人飞奇妙工作。
