Friday 26th April
Read Zephaniah 2:8-9
“‘I have heard the insults of Moab
and the taunts of the Ammonites,
who insulted my people
and made threats against their land.
9 Therefore, as surely as I live,’
declares the Lord Almighty,
the God of Israel,
‘surely Moab will become like Sodom,
the Ammonites like Gomorrah –
a place of weeds and salt pits,
a wasteland for ever.
The remnant of my people will plunder them;
the survivors of my nation will inherit their land.’” (NIVUK)
The oracles against the nations described in the second chapter of Zephaniah revolve around three desolations – the second one striking Moab and Ammon. There is a sense in which the de-creation language directed against Judah and Jerusalem (Zephaniah 1:1-2:3) expands in all directions – a widening and formless void – making space for the remnant.
These oracles call to mind Peter’s wise words to the diaspora of believers faced with suffering and fiery trials similar to those described so far in Zephaniah. Whilst the judgement pronounced on God’s people of old was just and deserved, and that facing God’s new people may be less so, the principle remains the same:
‘For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And,
‘If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?’
19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.’ (1 Peter 4:17-19) (NIVUK).
Ultimately it is the Creator who is in control. If He chooses to return His creation to a wasteland we must just commit ourselves to His wisdom and continue to do good. Or in the words of Zephaniah – seek righteousness and humility.
