Zephaniah
prophesied “in” the “day” of the LORD's
judgment upon the “nations” who surrounded Judah, Judah
would no longer be “ashamed for all” their “doings”
in which they had “transgressed” against God. The LORD
promised He would “take away” those that “rejoice in
pride” from the “midst” of them, and they would “be
no more haughty because of” His “holy mountain”. In
chapter three and verse twelve of his prophesy, Zephaniah declared
how the LORD would “leave in the midst” of them “an
afflicted and poor people” who “shall trust in the name of
the LORD” where we read:
I will
also leave in the midst of you an afflicted and poor people,
and they
shall trust in the name of the LORD.
The
verse begins, “I will also leave in the midst of you an
afflicted and poor people,...” Zephaniah began with the phrase
“I will also leave” which means “remain, be left over
and behind, survive, remainder and remnant” “in the midst”
or “in the middle or inward part” “of you” which
refers to the people of Judah “an afflicted” or “humble,
wretched, needy and weak” “and poor people” which means
“low, weak, thin and one who is low people”. Although the people
of Judah were to face horrific judgment from the LORD, He would leave
a humble and poor remnant of people who would continue in the land.
The
verse goes on to say, “...and they shall trust in the name of
the LORD.” Zephaniah continued with the phrase, “and they
shall trust” or “seek refuge, flee for protection, confide
and hope” “in the name” which means “reputation, fame
and glory” “of the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or
Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the one true
God”. Though these people are poor, lowly and weak, they will have
confidence in the LORD God Almighty, and they need no other within
which to put their trust.
When
we think through these words of Zephaniah, we discover the compassion
of the LORD for His people. Though the people of Judah had forsaken
Him and would be judged for it, the LORD still has a remnant who will
remain faithful to Him. Rather than trust in their own abilities,
these humble folk will place their faith and confidence in the LORD
God Almighty. People who have received Jesus Christ as their personal
Savior and LORD do much the same thing. There must be humility that
allows all self-sufficiency to be put away and full confidence in
Jesus applied. Zephaniah the prophet, though the conduit for horrific
news of destruction and devastation, shows and demonstrates our
compassionate and yearning LORD. May we be wise enough to hear His
tenderhearted pleas and be humble enough to trust in Him when we do.
Next
time Zephaniah shares concerning the “remnant of Israel”,
so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow…there is more…
Look
for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From
Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be
Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the
Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com
; http://www.barnesandnobles.com
; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
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