Zephaniah 3.1,2 Woe to her that is filthy and polluted, to the oppressing city!
She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction; she trusted not in the Lord; she drew not near to her God.
The prophet Zephaniah is writing a word of judgment and woe to the people of God. The reason for the woe was because instead of following The Lord and walking in His ways, they were following the ways of the other nations and feeding their fleshly lusts. The result? Spiritual and moral filth, pollution and oppression. Oh what a rip off sin is, dear ones! What a testimony to our fallen nature that has this strange propensity towards that which is forbidden!
What four things were the cause of God pronouncing this woe upon His people.
- She obeyed not the voice of God.
- She received not correction.
- She trusted not in The Lord.
- She drew not near to God.
Had these people done the opposite, they would have had a wonder walk with The Lord, instead of a woe walk. Such is true for writer and reader this morning. Joshua said this to the people of God as they were standing on the edge of The Promised Land, And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Joshua said, as for me and my house, we will serve The Lord. To make such a decision to serve The Lord means that a person will choose to obey God, receive His correction, trust in The Lord, and draw near to God with all of your heart.
What is one clear purpose for Scripture? All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. It is written that we would purpose to obey God, be corrected by His Word, trust Him and draw near to Him everyday throughout the day. The good works that follow will be wonder and testimony of His grace. Woe or wonder? The promises and consequences are laid out in God’s Word. The choice is yours.
