"Woe to her that is filthy and polluted, to the oppressing city! She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction; she trusted not in the LORD; she drew not near to her God." Zephaniah 3:1-2
Through the ministry of the prophet Zephaniah, God had spoken to warn Judah, but she continued in her sin. Here, a woe is declared against her for her continuing in the filth of idolatry and oppression of the poor. God, through His prophet, outlines four things that Judah failed to do, and these are not different from what men fail to do today too.
1. She obeyed not the voice. The voice is that of God calling the people to repentance, but they refused to obey. Consequently, judgment was near as it is for all who reject the voice of the gospel.
2. She received not correction. Over time, God, through the voice of His prophets, had spoken to correct His erring people, but they wouldn't heed to the voice of correction. "If you get more stubborn every time you are corrected, one day you will be crushed and never recover." Proverbs 29:1 (Good News Translation). This is the sure end of all who reject correction over and over again.
3. She trusted not in the LORD. There can be no relationship with God without trust, and Judah trusted not in the Lord. Trust is the basis of any manner of relationship with God, both then, and now. But trust has to do with God's word, and those who will not trust in His word, cannot trust God. The worst dishonour to God is distrust. He that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
4. She drew not near to her God. It is not surprising that they will not draw near to God because they have not trusted Him, for how can they draw near to God who they do not trust? Many people are far from God simply because they have not trusted that His word is true, but His word is true and wise people build their lives on it. God's word is the only word that can save to the uttermost.
May God not have to charge anyone of us with these four charges on a day that no change can be made. Therefore, act now when there is still time. God bless you.
Toni
