Preparing for Day of the Lord
Zephaniah’s pen records only 53 verses but in the process sets forth some of the strongest statements
of judgment in the Old Testament.
Looking out over the nation of
Judah in particular and the world
in general, Zephaniah fashions
his fiery verbal assault. The day
of the Lord will come with fury,
ferocity and finality, and God will
have the last word. But Retribution
and judgment will give way to
Restoration and joy “in that day.”
Lord, Thank You for lessons from
the ministry of Zephaniah to shake
pple of Judah out of complacency
and urge them to return to You.
The people knew that God would
eventually bless them. But the Lord
made it clear that there would be
judgment first (for punishment of
sin & part of process of purification
of Your people) then the blessing.
Help us learn from this prophecy:
that we will Not Be Complacent;
that we will Humble Before You;
that we will Love You fully. And
We praise You for Restoration
for You are Mighty to Save. Amen.
Lord, we will Not Be Complacent:
I will search with lanterns in
Jerusalem’s darkest corners to
punish those who sit Complacent
in their sins. They think the Lord
will do nothing to them(Zep1:12-13)
I will bring distress upon men for
they have sinned against the Lord.
Neither their silver nor their gold
shall be able to deliver them(17-18)
Lord, we confess often relying
on money for a sense of security.
But wealth doesn’t buy salvation
nor can it even influence Your will.
Help us to not to be Complacent
but instead use what we have for
Your glory. And Help us not to focus
on accumulating wealth but work
on cultivating holiness. Amen.
Lord, we will Humble Before You:
Gather together & pray while there’s
still time before judgment begins
and your opportunity is blown away.
Act now before the fierce fury
of the Lord falls and the terrible
day of the Lord’s anger begins.
Beg the Lord to save you – all who
are Humble, who uphold justice.
Walk Humbly and do what is right.
Perhaps even yet the Lord will
protect you from His anger on
that day of destruction (Zep 2:1-3)
Lord, we Humble before U. Forgive
us for pushing U out of our lives &
fill them with meaningless pursuits.
Forgive us for allowing evil to
penetrate our hearts and minds.
Open our eyes to our desperate
need for you. Thank You for giving
us not what we deserve but what
we need to get back to You. Amen.
Lord, we Love You for Saving us:
Sing O daughter of Zion! The Lord
has taken away your judgments.
You shall see disaster no more.
Do not fear; let not your hands be
weak. The Lord your God is with
you, He Is Mighty To Save. He will
take great Delight in you, He will
quiet u with His Love (Zep 3:14-17)
Lord, I have joy in knowing You are always with me and have the Power to Save from the plans of the enemy.
Help me remember at all times, even
when going thro difficult situations that my foundation is really in You.
And that my security is sustained
by Your great love for me. Draw me
into the depths of your heart and
let me love You completely. Praise
You for being Mighty to Save. Amen