ODJ: be silent
August 19, 2010
Stand in silence in the presence of the Sovereign Lord, for the awesome day of the Lord’s judgment is near (v.7).
READ: Zephaniah 1
Recently a friend said to me, “I used to fear how people perceived me. Then I discovered that Satan’s deviousness is something even greater to fear. Later, however, I learned that to fall under God’s wrath is to be feared the most.”
Zephaniah describes the day when God’s anger will be poured out as “a day of terrible distress and anguish, a day of ruin and desolation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness” (1:15). The prophet’s description presents a terrifying picture! Note the descriptive nouns used to characterize this day when God will pour out His wrath on those who have chosen sin instead of Him.
The initial warnings in Zephaniah’s message were directed to the people in Judah. They had worshiped God, but only superficially—for they worshiped other gods too. Judah had turned away from following the Lord and failed to seek Him and His guidance (vv.4-6). Though they said they believed in the existence of God, it had little or no impact on the way they lived.
Zephaniah said, “Stand in silence in the presence of the Sovereign Lord, for the awesome day of the Lord’s judgment is near” (v.7). What does it mean to be silent before the Lord? It may mean that we should stop making excuses for our sin, or that we cease trying to deny that we’re sinners—deserving of God’s wrath. Silence is sometimes viewed as a way of admitting one’s guilt (Leviticus 10:3). It is also a sign of reverence (Psalm 62:1; Habakkuk 2:20).
After being silent, we must repent by seeking the Lord and following His commands, to do what is right and to live humbly (Zephaniah 2:3). Although God’s great day of judgment is coming soon (1:14-16), it’s not too late to turn back to God. —Poh Fang Chia
What will you bring to God in repentance today? How would remembering the Day of the Lord change the way you live your life?
Tweet This
Share on Facebook
Digg This
Save to delicious
Stumble it-
RSS Feed
Related
ODJ: handling disappointment
August 25, 2011 The Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons (4:1). READ: 1 Timothy 3:14-4:6 You’re having a Bible study with someone, and they say, “I simply don’t believe in Jesus.” Or perhaps [...]
ODJ: surprising life
October 18, 2010 But God . . . even though we were dead . . . gave us life (vv.4-5). READ: Ephesians 2:1-6 Last August in Asuncion, Paraguay, Jose Alvarenga received the worst news a father can hear about a newborn child. The doctors came and told him his son, born prematurely (only 500g/17.6 [...]
ODJ: His perfect timing
August 24, 2010 Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, He kept giving the bread to the disciples so they could distribute it to the people (v.41). READ: Mark 6:30-44 One hour and 36 minutes until deadline. Having returned to full-time [...]
ODJ: when faith is weak
February 12, 2011 He remembered us in our weakness (v.23). READ: Psalm 136:23-26 To say my Christian faith is unfappable would be untrue. It’s to the contrary. For even though I write devotions, engage in work on behalf of the poor in East Africa, and long for my confdence in Jesus Christ to be strong— often, [...]
Christian Courses
Day Of Discovery
Discover The Word
Discovery Series
Help For My Life
My Utmost For His Highest
Our Daily Bread
Our Daily Journey
RBC Ministries
WarungSateKaMu
Manasociety
雅米