Zephaniah

Zephaniah here. Josiah son of Amon is king of Judah, and the LORD has given me a message. It isn’t a comfortable one to start with.

He’s coming for Jerusalem. For what’s left of Baal worship. For the people up on their rooftops bowing to the stars. For the ones who swear by the LORD and by Milcom in the same breath. And for the ones who’ve simply stopped asking for him.

He says he’ll search Jerusalem with lamps, for the people who’ve settled like the dregs at the bottom of a wine jar. The ones telling themselves: the LORD won’t do anything. Good or bad.

Replying to @someone.in.judah

They’ll build houses and never live in them. Plant vineyards and never drink the wine.

The great Day of the LORD is near. Near and coming fast. A day of anger. Trouble and distress. Ruin and wasteland. Darkness and gloom, clouds and thick dark. Their silver and gold won’t save them.

Seek the LORD, all you humble people who do what he says. Seek what’s right. Seek humility. Maybe you’ll be sheltered on the day of his anger.

The nations round us get their turn: the Philistine coast, Moab, Ammon. And up north, Nineveh. That carefree city that tells itself “I am, and there’s nobody else.” Owls roosting on its pillars. Everyone who walks past, hissing and shaking their fists.

And Jerusalem. Listens to nobody, takes no correction, doesn’t trust the LORD. Her officials are roaring lions. Her judges are wolves at evening that leave nothing till morning. Her prophets are reckless. Her priests treat the holy place like it’s nothing.

The LORD in the middle of her does no wrong. Every morning, without fail, he brings his justice to light. And the ones doing wrong still don’t know shame.

Then he’ll give the peoples pure lips, so all of them can call on the LORD’s name and serve him shoulder to shoulder.

He’ll leave among you people who are humble and lowly, and they’ll trust in the LORD’s name.

Sing, Daughter of Zion! Shout, Israel! Be glad with all your heart, Jerusalem. The LORD has taken away your punishment. The King of Israel, the LORD, is with you. You’ll never fear harm again.

Replying to @zephaniah

The LORD your God is with you, mighty to save. He will take great delight in you. He will quiet you with his love. He will rejoice over you with singing.

He’ll save the lame and gather the scattered. He’ll bring you home, and give you back what you lost, right in front of your eyes.