August 7, 2015: SOAP #2073:

Scripture: Zephaniah (NIV) 1:12 At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps and punish those who are complacent, who are like wine left on its dregs, who think, “The LORD will do nothing, either good or bad.”

Observation: What a mistake—to think that the LORD is disinterested and stands off in a distance. What a mistake—to think that God is not going to get involved! Yet reading further we find “The LORD within her is righteous…” (3:5) and “The LORD your God is with you…” (3:17). Clearly, God is not far away and clearly not disinterested!

Application: God was interested in Judah in Zephaniah’s day; God is interested in Israel today. God is also interested in my life and involved. He is not off somewhere in the sky without a concern about what happens on earth. That He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for my sins tells me that he is very interested and very involved!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, a day is coming when everyone will know that you are very interested in how we live. I want to live in such a way that I see your involvement in loving mercy rather than in fiery judgment. Amen