Several prophets talked about the Day of the Lord. What is it? It is a day of reckoning. It is a day of judgement. In the end, it will be a time of joy for those who trust in the Lord, but a time of sorrow for the unrighteous. Zephaniah talks about a Day of the Lord for Israel and Judah. When God would discipline His chosen people and punish the wicked, especially the leaders who should be guiding God’s people to the Lord, not to foreign false gods and idols. It is something we should take note today. There is one God. And He does not approve of our “acceptance” and “tolerance” of false religions, of lifestyles that go against His will, of putting other things before Him, beside Him, or in place of him. There is one way to God and that is through Jesus only.
Continue reading “Zephaniah: The Day of the Lord”Tag: Judah
Habakkuk: Questioning God
Often people ask why a loving God allows bad things to happen. Habakkuk was no different. He saw violence and injustice happening all around him and He was asking God why He is allowing this to happen. God didn’t shoot him down for it but answered. He had a plan. Today is not much different. We don’t understand why things are happening and why God is allowing it. Often our relief is far ahead of us but we cannot see it. But sometimes we need to be patient. God has a plan. And one day we will be with Him, where there will be no more evil, no more pain, no more tears. Those who trust in the Lord will be saved and will be blessed.
Continue reading “Habakkuk: Questioning God”Nahum: Warnings to Ninevah
Just about everyone knows the story of Jonah and how God called Him to preach a message to Ninevah. The people were practicing evil deeds, but after God’s message they repented from their ways and God spared them. This time He speaks through Nahum. Again the message is clear that evil reigns in the land and they were being wicked to the people of Israel and Judah. Assyria, of which Ninevah was the capitol, had conquered Israel and treated them harshly. But this time they did not repent. As we now know, the Assyrians fell to the Babylonian empire and Ninevah is no more.
Continue reading “Nahum: Warnings to Ninevah”Hosea: God’s Charge Against the Nation
Hosea has a message for Israel that I think can also apply to this country (and perhaps to the world): Turn away from your idols and turn back to God. The country was in relative prosperity, but that was soon to change. As I read through Hosea, it keeps reminding me of the world we live in. People are accepting immorality as the “new normal.” God is being forgotten and some are even being hostile toward Him and anyone who believes in Him. Persecution is prevalent in many countries and it may not be long before it is here too. Laws are being passed that go against God and His righteousness. People are all about what is comfortable for them and don’t want to accept consequences. We live in a “me” society. Much like Israel was in Hosea’s time. And God had a message for them.