remnant of believers – Be Still…

Zephaniah 3:9-13 – Is This What Heaven Will Be Like?

Read Zephaniah 3:9-13

This section of Zephaniah’s prophecy starts with the word, “Then.” Because this word, then, points to an event or moment in time, what Zephaniah describes becomes an observation of what we’ll see around us. I had to admit it sounded like a very pleasant place, a glimpse of what heaven might be like.

Can you imagine a time when all people speak only positively “so that everyone can worship the Lord together.” No more harsh, hurtful words that separate people, but loving words that bind people together in harmony, praising the Father and creator of all. I can just picture an angel choir making beautiful music.

Zephaniah 2:4-15 – I Will Survive

Read Zephaniah 2:4-15

The universal judgment is spelled out in a little more detail here. It is thought that the nations mentioned represent the whole world, each being in a different geographical direction (Egypt/Ethiopian to the south; Assyria to the north; Philistia to the west; and Moab/Ammon to the east.) What did the other nations do? They disrespected their creator. You can’t taunt or insult God or his people without consequence. God will have the final word.

Pride is another divisive quality that God will punish. “They will receive the wages of their pride, for they have scoffed at the people of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” Here we see that those people who look down on us for our faith and ridicule our belief system will see consequences. We don’t have to fight that battle; God has our back!

Jeremiah 23:1-8 – A Righteous King

Read Jeremiah 23:1-8

A heart made out of letters saying Christ is Your Righteousness in all different sizes

The idea of kingship continues from our last reading, but with a different focus and three unexpected promises. The author is using the image of shepherds and sheep which would mean a lot more to the people first hearing God’s message. However, while shepherds are known to be very intent on providing the best care for their sheep, these kings were being likened to bad shepherds.

Here are the promises: (1) “Now I will pour out judgment on you for the evil you have done to them” but there will remain a remnant; (2) a righteous descendent of King David’s line will be raised up to lead with justice; and (3) the people will one day recall the rescue from exile in Babylon rather than the exodus from Egypt. What made these promises “unexpected?”