At that time I will search through Jerusalem with lamps. I will punish the people who are entrenched in their sin, those who think to themselves, ‘The Lord neither rewards nor punishes.’
Into the Text
Do we take our sin seriously? Zephaniah had witnessed Judah’s idolatry, wickedness, and corruption. Though King Josiah of Judah led the people to turn back to God (2 Kings 22-23), it was only temporary. The people quickly returned to serving other, false gods.
Zephaniah sees that a nation will conquer Judah, but it would be due to their sin against God. The people did not take their sin seriously. Sin is sneaky in that it always seems to start out looking innocent, but sin is not steady and stable. Sin grows.
First, we justify what we consider to be relatively small sins. Once we have lied to ourselves about these sins, we will find it easy to justify almost anything we do. And once we don’t even feel bad for our sinful actions anymore, we have successfully deceived ourselves. We descend deeper and deeper into darkness.
This is why we all desperately need the the gospel. We all by nature love the darkness more than the light. We go on lying to ourselves and others, not even realizing that we are sinning. But Jesus has come to open our eyes to our sin. The Holy Spirit convicts us, shows us the darkness within, and shines His revealing light into our hearts. Once we confess our sins, He will graciously forgive us everything.
When tempted to dismiss sin because “God will forgive,” we must remember the cost—Christ’s life. We can’t let sin lead us astray. Jesus gave us new life and hope, freeing us from sin. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we can recognize, turn from, and flee sin.
God’s judgment is coming for those who are far from God. May we be found faithful and faithfully pursue those who don’t know Him so that they, too, can be rescued and brought into the Lord’s glorious light.
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for rescuing me from my sins. I know that I continue to sin. Please forgive me and help me to quickly recognize my sin, repent, and run back to you. May my life be a bright witness to your goodness and grace. Amen.