GODISNOWHERE: two perspectives. Both are the message of Zephaniah: those deceived and distracted by their idols, who have no thoughts of God [“GOD IS NOWHERE”]; those who feign belief in God, but do not reflect his existence. (Zephaniah 1:6, 12)
When disaster strikes. a reckoning takes place: “GOD IS NOW HERE.” When God requires our attention, it seems, to us, “the day of the Lord.” (1:15-16) This is a biblical phrase that defines the gathering of or intense focusing on the consequences of our behavior. Many of us have experienced this on a personal level. History records times of reckoning for corporate behavior.
How should we respond?
- SILENCE (1:7, 14) We should pray, meditate, and consider what God is saying to us as a nation, as the people of God, and/or as individuals.
- SEEKING (2:3; 3:5) The Lord is available to us every single day in order that we might follow after His righteousness and justice. And we must avail ourselves of His mercies if we are to be sheltered or hidden [the meaning of Zephaniah’s name] until the calamity has passed.
- SPEAKING (3:9, 13) It is important what we say and how we say it to each other.
- SINGING (3:17-20) God is more interested in our deliverance and restoration than we are. “The Lord your God is with you and He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you. He will quiet you with His love. He will rejoice over you with singing.” (3:17)