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“Gather together, yes, gather, O shameless nation, before the decree takes effect—
before the day passes away like chaff—
before there comes upon you the burning anger of the LORD,
before there comes upon you the day of the anger of the LORD.
Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, who do His just commands; seek righteousness; seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the anger of the LORD. ”- Zephaniah 2:1-3
A passage from …where…Zephaniah? I am brought back to the Minor Prophets often when the world seems to be turning itself upside down. There are many themes that are pertinent to us today but none more than the importance of the Church meeting together to worship the Lord.
It doesn’t take much to see the unrest and struggle of the American people this includes the struggles within God’s Church which leads to unnecessary confusion and unrest. This has led many to anger and outrage and others to fear and doubt. These are naturally occurring conditions to a people who aren’t walking with God as He has prescribed. These are the conditions of people who are listening to the wrong voices that are each screaming to be heard. These are the naturally occurring conditions of a people who have turned away from their God…practically speaking.
In verses 1-2 God is calling His people…His remnant…His elect to repent of their shameless behaviors. “Gather together, yes, gather, O shameless nation, before the decree takes effect—before the day passes away like chaff—before there comes upon you the burning anger of the LORD, before there comes upon you the day of the anger of the LORD. He commands them to “Gather together” so corporately they can seek this repentance together, as His people…for only His people can and will receive the forgiveness that God has promised in His covenant. He sees His people going the way of the culture and so instead of letting us retreat into more sin He shouts above the roar, “Gather together”…huddle up!
This is a team sport! For it is only together that we can overcome in Christ. After His team gathers together, he commands them as one, “Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, who do His just commands; seek righteousness; seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the anger of the LORD.” The “promise” of the world only leads to destruction! Remember the warnings above that begin with the word “before”. He can see us doing our own thing and so He calls a “time out” and commands us all,“ Gather together, yes, gather…Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, who do His just commands; seek righteousness; seek humility..” It is only in communion that we can oppose the enemy…that we can fight the “good fight”.
“Seeking” always speaks of hard work…just like the word “endurance”. It takes hard work to stay focused on the LORD…simply because there are so many distractions. So He commands, “Seek the LORD…seek righteousness…seek humility”. These are things that are not resident within ourselves apart from Christ in us. It is only through the Spirit of God that we can seek and we can find.
There are days we want to give up…but we don’t have that option in Christ. So on those days we must repent…if possible, we must gather with God’s people and repent. He says seek these things, and, “…perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the anger of the LORD.” There it is God’s “may be”! Don’t misunderstand this phrase…God’s may be is better security for the believer who is always in His hand and will always be delivered from His wrath than anything else. This “may be” indicates that God’s judgment is certain, but keeping with the context, also, His mercy is available to those who repent and seek Him and His righteousness. We know the New Testament counterpart, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matt. 6:33)
No one but Christ’s own can find relief in the midst of the storm. God’s “may be” comes complete with His promise of deliverance…always. Another reason for us to Seek Him, seek righteousness, and seek humility. As we also seek to do as He commands in unity with His people…being in Christ… we can.
I hope this finds y’all doing well today…God’s blessings be upon you.
In His Grip,
Pastor Mike
