Zephaniah 1:7, 12-13a

“At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps, and I will punish the peoplewho rest complacently on their dregs, those who say in their hearts, ‘The Lord will not do good, nor will he do harm.’ “ vs. 12

Like Isaiah, Zephaniah was a prophet in Jerusalem at a time of relative prosperity. He could even have been a disciple of Isaiah since their themes are quite similar. Even though things are good and a righteous king, Josiah, was on the throne, Zephaniah doesn’t see a rosy future for the city or its inhabitants.

Evidently even though there were attempts being made to eliminate idolatry in the land, many of the people, particularly the wealthy, used religion as a facade. They believed the Lord to be impotent, a being to be acknowledged periodically, perhaps at the periodic temple festivals, but not a factor in daily living. They built fine homes, hosted banquets, and made sure their vineyards and orchards continued to be profitable.

Zephaniah, like any true prophet, was not fooled by appearances, and knew that their complacency was about to be shattered by the forces already arrayed against them. There would be a day of reckoning and they would never even drink the wine from their precious vineyards.

And that’s what happened! The Lord does not intend for us to loiter in luxury and imagine that we are resting in peace. A prosperous nation that does not value justice for those on the margins and that abuses the weak cannot and will not prosper for long.

Thought for the Day: What does it mean to live comfortably?