(May 18, 2024) Brian Bell challenges…

I am sharing some thoughts here from the Old Testament prophecy of Zephaniah, a book of only three short chapters.

But firstly… who was Zephaniah?

Rebuking Prophet
Zephaniah was a prophet in Judah in the years before the city of Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonians. At the time of Zephaniah’s prophecy Josiah was king of Judah.

Zephaniah’s messages bring a stern rebuke to what we would describe as a spiritually cold or backslidden people. Sadly, at that time, while the people of Judah were materially prosperous, they were spiritually slack, having forsaken their obedience to the Lord for the worship of many ‘gods.’

This general spiritual background was not uncommon in the life of God’s people in previous generations and even in 2024 their current experience is very similar. While God remains faithful to what I call ‘His ancient people,’ their spiritual condition today is generally far from Him. I respect there are differing views about this topic but this article is not a forum to consider those views.

However in the context of Zephaniah, this situation can also be pictured in the life of Christian believers today and is also a topic upon which different views are held.

It is possible for believers to become a spiritually cold or backslidden people and some use the term ‘prodigal’ to describe the condition. This may not always mean turning back to a sinful lifestyle which had been forsaken such as was the case addressed by Zephaniah, but it can be coldness to the things of the Spirit which once we enjoyed, or our thoughts and heart attitudes may become cold and that is where I find the greatest attack of temptation is mounted.

Zephaniah describes three distinct groups –

Roaring Lions
Zephaniah 3:3(b)NLT, ‘Its leaders are like roaring lions hunting for their victims – out for everything they can get.’

This description of roaring lions is a very aggressive, dangerous, self-seeking attitude of people who are officials or we could say political leaders whose concern is self-focused.

Roaring is a tactic to try and assert authority. The description relates specifically to those leaders being addressed by Zephaniah.

I would not paint every political leader in this light, but if you follow the current headlines then, wherever you live in the world, you may be able to find an example within the political structure.

Ravenous Wolves
Zephaniah 3:3(b) ‘Its judges are like ravenous wolves at evening time, who by dawn have left no trace of their prey.’

The description in this statement is equally aggressive and the word ravenous has a very chilling sound. If you have ever seen one of those wildlife films about the wolf nature, then you will know how wolves work in packs to stalk and catch their prey.

Those holding the position of judge in Old Testament scripture were expected to be guardians of the social law, to apply it in a just manner particularly for those who were poor and or oppressed. However the sense here is that these judges are taking advantage of their position and rather than defending lawful rights, they are exploiting them for personal advantage.

Religious Officials
Zephaniah 3:4 ‘Its prophets are arrogant liars seeking their own gain. Its priests defile the temple by disobeying God’s laws.’

This statement tells us that those who should be speaking God’s word were not speaking the truth and that spiritual leaders who may be said to be living profanely does not speak well of those who should be setting an example by living in a God-honouring manner.

These three statements of Zephaniah’s tell us about the society in Judah at that time was corrupt from the ‘top down.’ Proverbs 14:34 (NLT) says ‘Godliness exalts a nation but sin is a disgrace to any people.’

So what encouragement can be drawn from this passage? The answer is found in Zephaniah 3:5 ‘but the Lord is still there in the city and He does no wrong.’

Despite the corruption of those in society who are supposed to be in positions of political, civic or spiritual leadership, the sovereign Lord had not forsaken His people and He is the One they should look to for direction and an example because He has done no wrong.

This statement ‘the Lord is still there’ has application in our world today, for you as for me. Worldwide we see political unrest, laws have been established which are contrary to the teaching of scripture and there is an underlying trend to liberalise the truth of God’s word and or to make it seem irrelevant.

Unlike previous generations with all our communication capability we can see what is happening across the world as never before as we see –

• Unrest, political and civil.
• Lawlessness in various forms.
• Destruction most awful and death from conflicts in Europe and the middle east.
• Impact of diseases and famine.
• Tragedy when natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes or tornados cause devastation.

Praise the Lord for a Saviour, the Lord Jesus, because despite the best efforts of those in authority in our world we have absolutely no hope of ever saving ourselves.

God is continuing to work out His divine plan. He has appointed a day in which He will call an end to time as we know it.

Right Perspective
We too must keep our perspective just as Zephaniah would encourage us!

Recently the Holy Spirit reminded me that when from the cross the Lord Jesus cried ‘It is finished’ it was not intended as a reference to the finish of the Lord’s earthly ministry but rather that He had finished the work of salvation.

In the context of the cross, I have learned my faithfulness does not add anything to this work (but I should still seek to be faithful!)and also that my failings through God’s grace do not make it any less effective, that’s what makes it a finished work.

The chorus of a hymn we often sing in my home fellowship composed by Mrs F W Suffield that may help us –
God is still on the throne
And He will remember His own;
Though trials may press us and burdens distress us,
He never will leave us alone;
God is still on the throne,
And He will remember His own.
His promise is true, He will not forget you,
God is still on the throne.

When reading those words please remember the ‘throne’ is not a reference to the seat of our present worldly authorities, but to the sovereign throne in heaven, the place of authority to which all Christian believers should look and from which one day the Lord Jesus will return and at that time will establish a righteous reign over worldly authorities.

Philippians 2:10-11 (NLT) is precious – ‘… at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.’

I am sure Zephaniah would say ‘Amen’ to those words.

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Brian Bell is a diaconate member, Christ Church (Congregational) Abbots Cross, Northern Ireland. Brian describes himself as ‘grateful for the privilege and opportunity given me to serve my Lord.’
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