TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
The prophet Zephaniah preached to the nation of Judah during the reign of King Josiah. He was very influential as he condemned sin and called nations to turn back to the Lord in repentance and consecration. And for those who would not return to God, the prophet described a “day of the Lord” which would sweep across the land. Those not following the Lord would be swept away in anguish, distress, and violence. But those who follow the Lord in faithfulness, justice, and mercy will ultimately be sustained, protected and saved. So, as you read about the dreaded “day of the Lord” below, ask yourself the question, “Am I on the Lord’s side?”
(Zephaniah 1:14-18)
14 The great day of the Lord is near—
near and coming quickly.
The cry on the day of the Lord is bitter;
the Mighty Warrior shouts his battle cry.
15 That day will be a day of wrath—
a day of distress and anguish,
a day of trouble and ruin,
a day of darkness and gloom,
a day of clouds and blackness—
16 a day of trumpet and battle cry
against the fortified cities
and against the corner towers.
17 “I will bring such distress on all people
that they will grope about like those who are blind,
because they have sinned against the Lord.
Their blood will be poured out like dust
and their entrails like dung.
18 Neither their silver nor their gold
will be able to save them
on the day of the Lord’s wrath.”
In the fire of his jealousy
the whole earth will be consumed,
for he will make a sudden end
of all who live on the earth.
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