The first part of Zephaniah paints a very bleak picture for the future judgment of Israel. The rabbis and teachers of Israel would teach that when The Day of the LORD came, He would judge all their enemies and deliver Israel because they were the chosen nation. God had to send His prophets to tell the people that judgement would start at the house of God. He knew the thoughts and intents of their hearts. He knew how many pledged allegiance to Him but then also to other gods.
Zeph. 1:5,6 – Part of whom the judgement would fall:
“For they go up to their roofs and bow down to the sun, moon, and stars. They claim to follow the LORD, but then they worship Molech, too. Also those who have turned back from the LORD, and those who have turned back from following the LORD and those who have not sought the LORD or inquired of Him.”
We NT believers cannot fathom idol worship, but Jesus warns us equally of serving God and money, and being double-minded.
People say to me, Pastor Rich sometimes you are as kind and gentle as a dove, and then sometimes you’re close to being mean!
I just try to teach the Scriptures as they are and let them speak. I don’t want to give myself an out for any unbelief and it’s hard to stay pure in faith in our day, isn’t it?!
That’s why we need to encourage and pray for each other all the more.
“Search me and try me LORD, and see if there be any wicked way in me.”
Love you, God bless you
