Tuesday 23rd April
Read Zephaniah 2:1-3
“Gather together, gather yourselves together,
you shameful nation,
2 before the decree takes effect
and that day passes like windblown chaff,
before the Lord’s fierce anger
comes upon you,
before the day of the Lord’s wrath
comes upon you.
3 Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land,
you who do what he commands.
Seek righteousness, seek humility;
perhaps you will be sheltered
on the day of the Lord’s anger.” (NIVUK)
The question arises as to exactly how much hope is offered in these verses. Is there a promise that those who seek the Lord will be spared from the coming disaster? Not really. There is a rather stark ‘perhaps’ sitting in the verse! Sensible people who listened to the dire warnings of Zephaniah would know that there is little hope of physical safety when a disaster of this magnitude is approaching. The righteous are not owed life simply because they are faithful, just as no-one deserves to be born. Retaining life or receiving life is not something earned. It is an act of grace, first and last.
The reward, if one can speak in that way, is to be found in the seeking. People can possess or earn silver and gold and thereby feel secure. But no one can earn righteousness and humility. It is a character trait and only exists when it is expressed and lived. It can’t be cashed in in exchange for protection from the coming disaster. Seeking righteousness and humility requires daily repentance – there is no credit.
It is not insignificant that the call to seek the Lord is extended to the poor, rural folk (v3a). The elite in Jerusalem, the rich landlords, are far less likely to respond to such a call. Just as Jesus regularly pointed out, the gospel is offered to the lowly first because they are more able to respond. Do you have ears to hear?
