Do you want to hear the good news or the bad news first? I found the following “Good news, bad news” humor in a pastor’s journal. “Good News: The Women's Guild voted to send you a get-well card. Bad News: The vote passed by 31-30. Good News: Church attendance rose dramatically the last three weeks. Bad News: You were on vacation. Good News: Your deacons want to send you to the Holy Land. Bad News: They are stalling until the next war.” None of this news is good news, right?!
Zephaniah started with the bad news. God was going to judge the sin of his people on the “Day of the Lord.” Like Amos and Joel, Zephaniah predicted the day of the Lord’s return would be bad news for those who were living in rebellion against God.
Who exactly was sinning? Corrupt leaders led a corrupt nation. The government leaders were lions and wolves (3:3), the prophets unprincipled, and the priests profane. By contrast, the Lord is righteous. He does no wrong. Judgment awaited the rebellious people of Judah.
Thankfully, next, Zephaniah gives the good news. The Lord will purify the lips of the people of all nations so that may call on the name of the Lord. After the rebellious are judged, the meek and humble remain in the land. As Jesus put it, “The meek shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). God invites his people to sing and rejoice because God has taken away their punishment and their reasons to fear.
God saves the best for last. The Lord is with his people. He is the mighty Warrior who will save them. God delights in his own. Instead of rebuking his people, God rejoices over his people with singing. This news is too good to keep to ourselves. We should definitely share it today.
