A Milestone Worth Celebrating
We’re approaching the end of our journey through the Old Testament. That’s no small feat. Many Christians gravitate toward the Gospels and Psalms—and rightly so—but a low percentage have read the entire Old Testament. If you’ve stayed the course, you’ve accomplished something rare. Today, we turn to the ninth of the twelve Minor Prophets: Zephaniah.
Royal Blood, Prophetic Fire
Zephaniah was unlike any other prophet. His genealogy in Zephaniah 1:1 traces him back four generations to King Hezekiah, making him a royal descendant. He prophesied during the reign of King Josiah (640–609 BC), a young reformer who rediscovered the Book of the Law and led a national revival (2 Kings 22–23). But even amid reform, the people had forgotten who they were. Their traditions had overtaken their relationship with God. In short, their disaster stemmed from a major “I” problem.
When Worship Becomes Self-Focused
As a member of the praise band, I’ve seen this “I” problem firsthand. Sometimes our songs become more about us than about Him. Well-intentioned, yes—but misdirected. Worship should exalt God—not because of who we are, but because of who He is.
For Israel, the “I” problem ran deeper. It manifested as idolatry, injustice, and immorality—themes that still plague us today.
Idolatry: Then and Now
Their idols included Baal and Molech, but also the same ones we bow to today: power, wealth, and fame. Comfort had bred complacency. They assumed God’s favor was automatic because of their heritage, but they ignored their responsibility to Him.
Faith saves us, not works (Ephesians 2:8–9). But as James 2:17 reminds us, “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” Works don’t save us—they honor the One who does. The people of Zephaniah’s day had forgotten that. They brought offerings, recited prayers, and attended feast days. In checking the boxes of religious life, their hearts were far from God. While they kept the traditions, they ignored the greatest commandment: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart” (Deuteronomy 6:5).
Complacency in the Modern Church
Today’s Christians are busy. Life in the twenty-first century is hectic—I get it. We compare ourselves to neighbors who only attend church on holidays and feel justified. But remember when we first came to Christ? We didn’t need a calendar. If the church doors were open, we were there.
Eventually, once or twice a week felt sufficient. Then Sunday morning became penciled in—until something “better” came along. Hunting, fishing, travel, brunch. All legitimate activities, but we forget what our presence brings to the congregation. Our faithfulness speaks volumes. And so does our absence.
Injustice: Redefining Victory
Injustice is exploiting others for gain. Society calls it winning. But winning, for the believer, is showing Christ to a world that doesn’t know Him. It’s giving more than you take and watching God multiply your fish (John 6:1-14). It’s leading a lost friend to salvation. It’s praying with a child who wants to receive Jesus. That’s victory.
Immorality: The Devil’s Wild Card
Immorality is Satan’s favorite trick. I grew up hearing, “If it feels good, do it.” But not everything that feels right is righteous. God designed us to enjoy life. Satan twists that desire, convincing us that more indulgence equals more joy. Then come guilt and shame, which he blames on the church. “You’d enjoy it more if you stopped listening to those people,” he whispers. And so we drift.
God’s Response: Judgment and Mercy
This is what Zephaniah warned against. In Zephaniah 1:2–3, God declares, “I will sweep away everything from the face of the earth.” It’s a view of destruction—a foreshadowing of the end of days. And it’s coming. Nothing can stop it.
But in Zephaniah 2:3, God offers hope: “Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land… perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger.” He promises a remnant—those who remain faithful. Not just ethnic Israel, but all who are called into relationship with Him. That’s us—the family of Christ.
Through obedience, we can escape what’s coming. But once it arrives, we can only endure it. So today, ask yourself: Which “I” will you follow?
Tomorrow, we will read Haggai.
Footnotes
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“Introduction and Genealogy of Zephaniah,” Bible Hub, accessed September 15, 2025, Bible Hub article.
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“Zephaniah 1:1 Meaning & Explanation,” Christianity Path, accessed September 15, 2025, Christianity Path article.
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“Why Does Zephaniah Have Such an Extensive Genealogy?” Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange, accessed September 15, 2025, Hermeneutics Stack Exchange.
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“Bible Reading Statistics, Facts and Trends 2025,” Nikola Roza, accessed September 15, 2025, Bible Reading Trends.
