[Originally posted in a WhatsApp group (JAC) as a daily reading update (reflection) from each chapter of the Bible]
ℤ𝔼ℙℍ𝔸ℕ𝕀𝔸ℍ 𝟙:𝟟
"Be silent
before the Lord GOD! For the day of the LORD is near, For the LORD has prepared
a sacrifice, He has consecrated His guests."
It's most appropriate to be silent before
the mighty God. Everyone will be silent in awe of God's judgment.
Even in our experience, when we are very
afraid, we lost even our sound (voice). I remember when I was a child there
were many times, I was afraid of ghosts. And I didn't dare even to shout out
for help.
ℤ𝔼ℙℍ𝔸ℕ𝕀𝔸ℍ 𝟚:𝟛
"Seek the
LORD, All you humble of the earth Who have carried out His ordinances; Seek
righteousness, seek humility. Perhaps you will be hidden In the day of the
LORD'S anger."
What a terrible judgment is laid out in
chapter 2! But in it, God puts a ray of hope, a light on, for salvation.
Our God is indeed a Saviour. The meaning
of our Lord "Jesus" is God saves. God always sends out good news even
with a most devastating message. In fact, the good news is good because all
other news is bad.
That's one of the reasons why we talk
about bad news (that man is a sinner and shall die in his sin) before we give
the good news of salvation (that Jesus came to save us).
ℤ𝔼ℙℍ𝔸ℕ𝕀𝔸ℍ 𝟛:𝟙𝟛
"The remnant
of Israel will do no wrong And tell no lies, Nor will a deceitful tongue Be
found in their mouths; For they will feed and lie down With no one to make them
tremble."
The remnants are the saved ones. They are
righteous and godly. They will have a life of peace.
Zephaniah was talking about physical
salvation (from invaders and enemies), but that's the picture of real salvation
too.
Righteousness, Godliness, and Peaceful
Life are the indicators of saved ones! Yes, theoretically (position before God)
and practically (every day of our real life). Let's claim them!