Daily Blast - Minor Prophets: Day 26
Scripture
“Therefore, be patient,” says the Lord.
“Soon I will stand and accuse these evil nations.
For I have decided to gather the kingdoms of the earth
and pour out my fiercest anger and fury on them.
All the earth will be devoured
by the fire of my jealousy.”
Reflection
In this section we see Zephaniah widening his accusations of corruption, violence, and arrogance to the civilisations surrounding Judah, including the Israelites in Jerusalem. He predicts that Babylon will come and conquer all these civilisations as well. Zephaniah 3 v 1-5 talks about how corrupt the leaders of Jerusalem are, and describes the city as one of violence and crime. Again, throughout the book, Zephaniah uses some intense imagery to portray the rebellious actions of the nations and the judgement that will come from God as a result.
This section of the book finishes up with some more imagery, describing how the earth will be devoured by the fire of God's jealousy, not for destruction, but purification as it says in chapter 3:9. Again, as we have heard about from Joe and Josh at youth, and as Ellie referenced yesterday this jealousy is for something that is rightfully Gods. The people's love and affection belong to God and not to these idols, so God is jealous of the nation's love and affection.
When I was reading this, I was struck by the idea that the nations would be purified by fire. This sounds intense, so I spent some time thinking and praying about it and had a revelation that that is how precious metals are refined and purified. The fire is a key part of the refining of the metal, to help remove the impurities, and the result is a beautiful and valuable metal. In the same way for these nations, they would be refined by God's jealous fire to remove their impurities and to make them beautiful in his eyes.
Challenge
I would like you to spend some time today listening to this song and listening to God, to identify if there is anything in your life that God wants to refine or purify. It is a simple song but it is very powerful and topical to this morning’s blast. (Refiner (feat. Chandler Moore and Steffany Gretzinger) - Maverick City Music | TRIBL Music)