A Devotional Thought From Zephaniah

This is the rejoicing city that dwelt carelessly, that said in her heart, I am, and there is none beside me: how is she become a desolation, a place for beasts to lie down in! every one that passeth by her shall hiss, and wag his hand.     Zephaniah 2:15

     There was a time when David’s city, the capital city of God’s people, felt like this: I am the great city, strong, protected, prosperous, impregnable, eternal. She felt God would protect her no matter how carelessly her people dwelt. They mixed the false religion of others with their supposed acknowledgment of the God of Israel, they mixed evil deeds with their good deeds, and instead of being protected they became a city under judgment. And, a terrible judgment it was! The city was sacked, destroyed, its people taken away captive, it became a place where animals made their dens, and when travelers passed by they made gestures denigrating this place that was God’s city, mocking the city that was once great. And, note this, that city, judged and desolated was the dwelling of the people whom God calls “the apple of his eye” (Zechariah 2:8). Privilege and relationship require the responsibility of a life of faith and obedience.

     Is this not a warning to us moderns? A city, or nation, cannot remain great and live carelessly. A city cannot remain great if its leaders do not lead in righteousness seeking righteousness. A city cannot remain great if its people do not work and become a dependent class, or if they turn to crime. A city cannot remain great if it allows the younger generation to turn to drugs and ignore education. A city cannot remain great if it rejects the true God’s expectations. The city cannot be great if its people do not believe all lives matter. Privilege and relationship require the responsibility of a life of faith and obedience.