Zephaniah 1:4-6 – Judgement on Judah

After the warning of universal judgement, Zephaniah now turns to his first port of call, the Church! The people of God are those who profess the name of Christ and their covenant children. When we are brought up in the Christian home we have the privilege of hearing God’s Word every week, and so there are no excuses. This is why Christ warns us in Luke 12:48 ‘Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required.’ The judgement starts at the house of God and in Zephaniah’s day they are judged because they do not ‘seek the Lord.’

It is important to notice that the judgement of wrath here will be poured upon those who do not follow God. True believers receive mercy and grace, but everyone else receives judgement. Despite knowing the things of God they do not follow Him, instead they follow idols. They do not look to the Bible for guidance but ‘the host of heaven.’ They look to horoscopes in the papers rather than prayer. God hates this, and all forms of idolatry. But notice the greatest act of idolatry is in the context of worship. Judah is not going to the Temple, but to Baal for worship. The Priests do not confess the True God alone, but God and ‘Milcom.’ The worship of God is the most important aspect of the Christian life. We are to worship Him as He commands, and worship Him alone. Christ alone, is the way of salvation, it is not Christ and Mohammad, nor Christ and Buddha, but Jesus Christ alone.

When we are baptised, whether in childhood or profession, we enter the covenant of grace. This means we have the covenantal duty to profess Christ as Lord. When we fail to do so, we are judged according to this covenant. While we refrain from giving our hearts to Christ we will be ‘cut off’ from His blessings and presence. May we all see that we as the church will be the first to be judged and turn from idolatry and trust in God alone.

Questions
1. Why does God’s judgement start at the church?
2. What is idolatry?

Prayer Points
1. Give thanks for the privilege we have of worshipping God.
2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
3. Pray for family matters.