Have you ever disciplined your child, maybe put them on a time out in their room after scolding them? Of course, every good parent and grandparent does. But then what? You slip into their room to comfort them and remind them who they are within the family. You might even hug them and assure them they will do better next time. I wonder if God was offering His people a promise of the comfort that would follow His discipline and judgment.
God chose to relate to the descendants of Abraham in a similar way. Israelites were called “the children of God”. And they needed severe discipline in Zephaniah’s day because their cities would not heed God’s voice. Their leaders were lions and their judges like oppresive wolves. Their priests were profane and their prophets were insolent and treacherous. We live in similar times. God in His love and justice will judge. But, the humble will remain. Jesus promised that the meek (humble) will inherit the earth. He may have been quoting the prophet Zephaniah. There is a comfort that comes after discipline, a joy in the morning after God’s judgment.
But I will leave among you a humble and lowly people,
And they will take refuge in the name of the Lord.
The remnant of Israel will do no wrong and tell no lies,
Nor will a deceitful tongue be found in their mouths;
For they will feed and lie down with no one to frighten them.” Zephaniah 3:12-13 NASB
God, as this day begins- again I pray for the protection of people in warring countries. Please guard each from loss of life and the heartache of suffering the uncertainty of each day that has the threat of missile attacks. For each in Russia and the Ukraine, Israel and Iran- protect them and may their faith in Christ Jesus serve them well. Impart to us peace as You influence each leader to seek justice and mercy. As I interact with people today, please give me a heart of compassion, energy to carry out each task, and wisdom from above to solve some problems that are beyond my intellect and experience. Whisper in my ear throughout the day “go left, go right” and I will obey.
