E458 Navigating The Bible: Zephaniah

What's sorrow awaits rebellious What's sorrow awaits rebellious polluted Jerusalem, the city of violence polluted Jerusalem, the city of violence polluted Jerusalem, the city of violence and crime? and crime? and crime? No [music] one can tell it anything. It No [music] one can tell it anything. It No [music] one can tell it anything. It refuses all correction. refuses all correction. refuses all correction. It does not trust in the Lord or draw It does not trust in the Lord or draw It does not trust in the Lord or draw near to its God. Its leaders are like near to its God. Its leaders are like near to its God. Its leaders are like roaring lions hunting for their victims. roaring lions hunting for their victims. roaring lions hunting for their victims. [music] [music] [music] Its judges are like ravenous wolves at Its judges are like ravenous wolves at Its judges are like ravenous wolves at evening time evening time evening time >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> who by dawn have left no trace of their >> who by dawn have left no trace of their >> who by dawn have left no trace of their prey. prey. prey. Its prophets are arrogant liars [music] Its prophets are arrogant liars [music] Its prophets are arrogant liars [music] seeking their own gain. Its priests seeking their own gain. Its priests seeking their own gain. Its priests defile the temple by disobeying God's defile the temple by disobeying God's defile the temple by disobeying God's instructions. instructions. instructions. But the Lord is still there [music] in But the Lord is still there [music] in But the Lord is still there [music] in the city the city the city and he does no wrong. and he does no wrong. and he does no wrong. Day by day, he hands [music] down Day by day, he hands [music] down Day by day, he hands [music] down justice justice justice and he does not fail. and he does not fail. and he does not fail. Zephaniah [music] chapter 3 Zephaniah [music] chapter 3 Zephaniah [music] chapter 3 verses 1 through 5. The book of Zephaniah The book of Zephaniah while being another in the line of while being another in the line of while being another in the line of prophets sharing God's message [music] prophets sharing God's message [music] prophets sharing God's message [music] of judgment and repentance of judgment and repentance of judgment and repentance deserves more time [music] and attention deserves more time [music] and attention deserves more time [music] and attention than what we typically tend to give it.

than what we typically tend to give it. than what we typically tend to give it. Only three chapters long Only three chapters long Only three chapters long God's [music] message through Zephaniah God's [music] message through Zephaniah God's [music] message through Zephaniah is a direct yet beautiful is a direct yet beautiful >> [music] >> encapsulation of the themes we've so >> encapsulation of the themes we've so >> encapsulation of the themes we've so often seen in the prophets. often seen in the prophets. often seen in the prophets. It's a book about humility and unity. It's a book about humility and unity. It's a book about humility and unity. It's a book about repentance and turning It's a book about repentance and turning It's a book about repentance and turning [music] hearts towards God. [music] hearts towards God. [music] hearts towards God. It's a book about God's judgment against It's a book about God's judgment against It's a book about God's judgment against oppressors oppressors oppressors and poor leaders and idolatry. and poor leaders and idolatry. and poor leaders and idolatry. It's a book about the coming of the Lord It's a book about the coming of the Lord It's a book about the coming of the Lord and the God who not only saves and the God who not only saves and the God who not only saves but will live among [music] his people. but will live among [music] his people. but will live among [music] his people. To help us navigate the book of To help us navigate the book of To help us navigate the book of Zephaniah is Zephaniah is Zephaniah is a Taylor [music] Turkington a Taylor [music] Turkington a Taylor [music] Turkington a director of Bible Equipping author of a director of Bible Equipping author of a director of Bible Equipping author of the book A Trembling Faith on the book A Trembling Faith on the book A Trembling Faith on Habakkuk Habakkuk Habakkuk and has a commentary on Zephaniah being and has a commentary on Zephaniah being and has a commentary on Zephaniah being released next year. released next year. released next year. My name is Jason Weiland [music] and My name is Jason Weiland [music] and My name is Jason Weiland [music] and this is Doable Discipleship this is Doable Discipleship this is Doable Discipleship navigating the Bible navigating the Bible navigating the Bible Zephaniah.

Zephaniah. Zephaniah. >> [music] >> All right, I'm joined today by Taylor >> All right, I'm joined today by Taylor Turkington. Taylor, thanks for being Turkington. Taylor, thanks for being Turkington. Taylor, thanks for being here helping to guide us through the here helping to guide us through the here helping to guide us through the book of Zephaniah. book of Zephaniah. book of Zephaniah. Yeah, I'm so glad to be here. All right, Yeah, I'm so glad to be here. All right, Yeah, I'm so glad to be here. All right, so we've been we've been trucking so we've been we've been trucking so we've been we've been trucking through these minor prophets. We've been through these minor prophets. We've been through these minor prophets. We've been kind of jumping around a little bit and kind of jumping around a little bit and kind of jumping around a little bit and what the focus is on these minor what the focus is on these minor what the focus is on these minor prophets. So I'm excited to dive into prophets. So I'm excited to dive into prophets. So I'm excited to dive into this one with you today. Um especially this one with you today. Um especially this one with you today. Um especially because you are working on this right because you are working on this right because you are working on this right now. So it's kind of timely for you. So now. So it's kind of timely for you. So now. So it's kind of timely for you. So I'm excited to dive into and explore the I'm excited to dive into and explore the I'm excited to dive into and explore the nuggets that that you are engaging with nuggets that that you are engaging with nuggets that that you are engaging with right now as you are doing some work on right now as you are doing some work on right now as you are doing some work on this book. But let's let's get our this book. But let's let's get our this book. But let's let's get our our feet set under us first. our feet set under us first. our feet set under us first. Um Um Um do we know who wrote the book of do we know who wrote the book of do we know who wrote the book of Zephaniah which is always a funny Zephaniah which is always a funny Zephaniah which is always a funny conversation have with these prophets, conversation have with these prophets, conversation have with these prophets, but it's important. Do we know who wrote but it's important. Do we know who wrote but it's important. Do we know who wrote the book of Zephaniah and when it was the book of Zephaniah and when it was the book of Zephaniah and when it was written and how does knowing these written and how does knowing these written and how does knowing these things affect how we read the book?

things affect how we read the book? things affect how we read the book? Yeah, that's a great question. And when Yeah, that's a great question. And when Yeah, that's a great question. And when we think about writing, there are we think about writing, there are we think about writing, there are scribes that we think about who probably scribes that we think about who probably scribes that we think about who probably wrote in the prophets. But when we think wrote in the prophets. But when we think wrote in the prophets. But when we think about speaking, I do believe that we do about speaking, I do believe that we do about speaking, I do believe that we do know that this was the oracles, the know that this was the oracles, the know that this was the oracles, the message that came from the prophet message that came from the prophet message that came from the prophet Zephaniah. Now another person may have Zephaniah. Now another person may have Zephaniah. Now another person may have written those down for him. We're not written those down for him. We're not written those down for him. We're not really sure, but that we do see from the really sure, but that we do see from the really sure, but that we do see from the beginning that this is from the very beginning that this is from the very beginning that this is from the very first verse that this is the word of the first verse that this is the word of the first verse that this is the word of the Lord that came to Zephaniah. Lord that came to Zephaniah. Lord that came to Zephaniah. So this first verse lays out to us the So this first verse lays out to us the So this first verse lays out to us the source of his message, his family, and source of his message, his family, and source of his message, his family, and even the current reign that was even the current reign that was even the current reign that was happening when Zephaniah was speaking. happening when Zephaniah was speaking. happening when Zephaniah was speaking. So this is the opening of prophetic So this is the opening of prophetic So this is the opening of prophetic books. We see this idea of the word of books. We see this idea of the word of books. We see this idea of the word of the Lord came to him. So we see that in the Lord came to him. So we see that in the Lord came to him. So we see that in Hosea and Joel and Micah very similar Hosea and Joel and Micah very similar Hosea and Joel and Micah very similar here in Zephaniah. But also includes here in Zephaniah. But also includes here in Zephaniah. But also includes four generations of his family line four generations of his family line four generations of his family line marking it as uniquely long here in marking it as uniquely long here in marking it as uniquely long here in Zephaniah. And that's likely intended so Zephaniah. And that's likely intended so Zephaniah. And that's likely intended so that we can see his connection to King that we can see his connection to King that we can see his connection to King Hezekiah. Hezekiah. Hezekiah. So we see that Zephaniah was actually in So we see that Zephaniah was actually in So we see that Zephaniah was actually in the royal family. This gave him insider the royal family. This gave him insider the royal family. This gave him insider knowledge to the ruling class, those in knowledge to the ruling class, those in knowledge to the ruling class, those in power, and more familiarity with the power, and more familiarity with the power, and more familiarity with the other nations as we're going to see other nations as we're going to see other nations as we're going to see later in the second chapter. And this later in the second chapter. And this later in the second chapter. And this helps us understand maybe even the helps us understand maybe even the helps us understand maybe even the respectability that Zephaniah brought respectability that Zephaniah brought respectability that Zephaniah brought with himself as a prophet and his access with himself as a prophet and his access with himself as a prophet and his access maybe even to the current king because maybe even to the current king because maybe even to the current king because of him being in this line of a faithful of him being in this line of a faithful of him being in this line of a faithful king of King Hezekiah.

king of King Hezekiah. king of King Hezekiah. We also see here Zephaniah is called the We also see here Zephaniah is called the We also see here Zephaniah is called the son of Cushi and this is cuz caused all son of Cushi and this is cuz caused all son of Cushi and this is cuz caused all kinds of discussions regarding his kinds of discussions regarding his kinds of discussions regarding his ethnic background because Cush was the ethnic background because Cush was the ethnic background because Cush was the name for modern Ethiopia south of Egypt, name for modern Ethiopia south of Egypt, name for modern Ethiopia south of Egypt, right? And the Cushites ruled Egypt from right? And the Cushites ruled Egypt from right? And the Cushites ruled Egypt from 715 BC until 633. I think even Thomas 715 BC until 633. I think even Thomas 715 BC until 633. I think even Thomas talked to you about that. That's fall of talked to you about that. That's fall of talked to you about that. That's fall of thieves when you were talking about thieves when you were talking about thieves when you were talking about Nahum. Yeah. So we think about this Nahum. Yeah. So we think about this Nahum. Yeah. So we think about this historical background and Judah historical background and Judah historical background and Judah interacted commercially and militarily interacted commercially and militarily interacted commercially and militarily with them. The Cushite rule ended with with them. The Cushite rule ended with with them. The Cushite rule ended with that destruction of Thebes by the that destruction of Thebes by the that destruction of Thebes by the Assyrians in 663 BC. Assyrians in 663 BC. Assyrians in 663 BC. And this is about 30 years before we see And this is about 30 years before we see And this is about 30 years before we see King Josiah come to his rule which is King Josiah come to his rule which is King Josiah come to his rule which is going to be under whom Zephaniah is going to be under whom Zephaniah is going to be under whom Zephaniah is prophesying. So during the time of prophesying. So during the time of prophesying. So during the time of Cushite power, Zephaniah's father was Cushite power, Zephaniah's father was Cushite power, Zephaniah's father was born and named Cushi meaning Cushite or born and named Cushi meaning Cushite or born and named Cushi meaning Cushite or related to Cush in some way. So this related to Cush in some way. So this related to Cush in some way. So this introduction perhaps expresses the introduction perhaps expresses the introduction perhaps expresses the prophet's heritage that there was a prophet's heritage that there was a prophet's heritage that there was a Cushite married into the royal family Cushite married into the royal family Cushite married into the royal family and that so that Zephaniah's mother was and that so that Zephaniah's mother was and that so that Zephaniah's mother was Ethiopian and married to Gedaliah and we Ethiopian and married to Gedaliah and we Ethiopian and married to Gedaliah and we see this so that maybe Zephaniah here is see this so that maybe Zephaniah here is see this so that maybe Zephaniah here is in the royal family and also comes from in the royal family and also comes from in the royal family and also comes from an African line as well. And but we also an African line as well. And but we also an African line as well. And but we also know that God is the God of the whole know that God is the God of the whole know that God is the God of the whole world. And so it might be beautiful for world. And so it might be beautiful for world. And so it might be beautiful for us to remember that maybe this prophet us to remember that maybe this prophet us to remember that maybe this prophet has come from a connection to Cush as has come from a connection to Cush as has come from a connection to Cush as well. And we're actually going to see well. And we're actually going to see well. And we're actually going to see Cush mentioned two other times here in Cush mentioned two other times here in Cush mentioned two other times here in their action with the Lord in the book their action with the Lord in the book their action with the Lord in the book of Zephaniah as we see other nations of Zephaniah as we see other nations of Zephaniah as we see other nations mentioned as well because he is the God mentioned as well because he is the God mentioned as well because he is the God of the whole world. Um and Cushites are of the whole world. Um and Cushites are of the whole world. Um and Cushites are mentioned in other parts of the Bible.

mentioned in other parts of the Bible. mentioned in other parts of the Bible. So it's not uncommon in biblical So it's not uncommon in biblical So it's not uncommon in biblical narrative to even see the interaction of narrative to even see the interaction of narrative to even see the interaction of people interacting with the Lord people interacting with the Lord people interacting with the Lord throughout in the prophets. throughout in the prophets. throughout in the prophets. So Zephaniah does prophesy we see here So Zephaniah does prophesy we see here So Zephaniah does prophesy we see here during the reign of Josiah. It says son during the reign of Josiah. It says son during the reign of Josiah. It says son of Amon, king of Judah. of Amon, king of Judah. of Amon, king of Judah. Josiah was that young king who came to Josiah was that young king who came to Josiah was that young king who came to power at age 8. power at age 8. power at age 8. And I don't know if all of us who are And I don't know if all of us who are And I don't know if all of us who are parents who have kids that age like oh parents who have kids that age like oh parents who have kids that age like oh yeah, they would love to rule and reign. yeah, they would love to rule and reign. yeah, they would love to rule and reign. >> Yeah, my son is 7. I can picture that >> Yeah, my son is 7. I can picture that >> Yeah, my son is 7. I can picture that right now. Yes, [laughter] yes, right? right now. Yes, [laughter] yes, right? right now. Yes, [laughter] yes, right? So but his father, Josiah's father was So but his father, Josiah's father was So but his father, Josiah's father was Amon who was an evil king and as was his Amon who was an evil king and as was his Amon who was an evil king and as was his grandfather Manasseh, but we see a turn grandfather Manasseh, but we see a turn grandfather Manasseh, but we see a turn when we get to this idea of Josiah, the when we get to this idea of Josiah, the when we get to this idea of Josiah, the rule of Josiah. rule of Josiah. rule of Josiah. We see this in 2 Kings 22 and 23 which We see this in 2 Kings 22 and 23 which We see this in 2 Kings 22 and 23 which reveals the discovery of the book of the reveals the discovery of the book of the reveals the discovery of the book of the law, likely the book of Deuteronomy. And law, likely the book of Deuteronomy. And law, likely the book of Deuteronomy. And in response to the message of this book, in response to the message of this book, in response to the message of this book, King Josiah consults the prophetess King Josiah consults the prophetess King Josiah consults the prophetess Huldah and and led the nation towards Huldah and and led the nation towards Huldah and and led the nation towards repentance and destroyed the places and repentance and destroyed the places and repentance and destroyed the places and tokens of idol worship. This act of tokens of idol worship. This act of tokens of idol worship. This act of destroying the foreign gods in the destroying the foreign gods in the destroying the foreign gods in the temple and throughout the nation was temple and throughout the nation was temple and throughout the nation was also an act that was defying Assyria and also an act that was defying Assyria and also an act that was defying Assyria and their religion. And so it's a political their religion. And so it's a political their religion. And so it's a political declaration of rebellion and a religious declaration of rebellion and a religious declaration of rebellion and a religious choice as Judah's station is saying I'm choice as Judah's station is saying I'm choice as Judah's station is saying I'm we're not with Assyria, we are with the we're not with Assyria, we are with the we're not with Assyria, we are with the Lord.

Lord. Lord. This is during the time of Babylon and This is during the time of Babylon and This is during the time of Babylon and Assyria. They're beginning to change Assyria. They're beginning to change Assyria. They're beginning to change places as dominant power on the world places as dominant power on the world places as dominant power on the world stage as we're going to find the fall of stage as we're going to find the fall of stage as we're going to find the fall of Nineveh is in 612 a little bit later. So Nineveh is in 612 a little bit later. So Nineveh is in 612 a little bit later. So we follow this history and we see we follow this history and we see we follow this history and we see Josiah's sons turn to unfaithfulness and Josiah's sons turn to unfaithfulness and Josiah's sons turn to unfaithfulness and as they reigned, they're going to see as they reigned, they're going to see as they reigned, they're going to see the judgment that the Lord spoke even to the judgment that the Lord spoke even to the judgment that the Lord spoke even to Josiah through Huldah. So in these Josiah through Huldah. So in these Josiah through Huldah. So in these circumstances, we find Zephaniah. He's circumstances, we find Zephaniah. He's circumstances, we find Zephaniah. He's coming and preaching as Josiah is saying coming and preaching as Josiah is saying coming and preaching as Josiah is saying follow the Lord with me even though we follow the Lord with me even though we follow the Lord with me even though we know judgment is coming because of our know judgment is coming because of our know judgment is coming because of our unfaithfulness, but it's going to come unfaithfulness, but it's going to come unfaithfulness, but it's going to come later. later. later. And so here is And so here is And so here is Zephaniah saying we should do this. Yes, Zephaniah saying we should do this. Yes, Zephaniah saying we should do this. Yes, let's let's let's do this and obey what let's let's let's do this and obey what let's let's let's do this and obey what we're hearing now from the Lord to turn we're hearing now from the Lord to turn we're hearing now from the Lord to turn from the evil of idolatry and from the evil of idolatry and from the evil of idolatry and complacency to the Lord. And we see did Zephaniah speak and and I think that did Zephaniah speak and and I think that it was likely after the book of it was likely after the book of it was likely after the book of Deuteronomy was discovered because we Deuteronomy was discovered because we Deuteronomy was discovered because we see him reference the book of see him reference the book of see him reference the book of Deuteronomy over and over again. And so Deuteronomy over and over again. And so Deuteronomy over and over again. And so he's a the prophet is aligning his words he's a the prophet is aligning his words he's a the prophet is aligning his words and referencing this the Torah here and and referencing this the Torah here and and referencing this the Torah here and the foundational covenant concepts as the foundational covenant concepts as the foundational covenant concepts as he's announcing judgment and urging the he's announcing judgment and urging the he's announcing judgment and urging the people to seek the Lord.

people to seek the Lord. people to seek the Lord. I love I love I love with this book it's it's a little bit with this book it's it's a little bit with this book it's it's a little bit different than a lot of the other books different than a lot of the other books different than a lot of the other books of the prophets that we've gotten to see of the prophets that we've gotten to see of the prophets that we've gotten to see because we do get more information about because we do get more information about because we do get more information about Zephaniah than we do in some others. And Zephaniah than we do in some others. And Zephaniah than we do in some others. And so it's it's helpful to kind of paint so it's it's helpful to kind of paint so it's it's helpful to kind of paint this picture as as as we're picturing this picture as as as we're picturing this picture as as as we're picturing this time and we're picturing this this time and we're picturing this this time and we're picturing this prophet and this message he's getting we prophet and this message he's getting we prophet and this message he's getting we can paint even you know a little bit of can paint even you know a little bit of can paint even you know a little bit of more of a more detailed picture as we're more of a more detailed picture as we're more of a more detailed picture as we're getting into this. And going back into getting into this. And going back into getting into this. And going back into that time that time that time of Josiah as we've talked about through of Josiah as we've talked about through of Josiah as we've talked about through Kings, Kings, Kings, it's it does it it it it's it does it it it it's it does it it it places us in in a setting that allows us places us in in a setting that allows us places us in in a setting that allows us to get a good solid picture of what's to get a good solid picture of what's to get a good solid picture of what's before us. So now I get to give you the before us. So now I get to give you the before us. So now I get to give you the hardest question that people usually hardest question that people usually hardest question that people usually have with this exercise which is how have with this exercise which is how have with this exercise which is how would you would you would you describe the book of Zephaniah in one describe the book of Zephaniah in one describe the book of Zephaniah in one sentence? sentence? sentence? Oh, I got a long one for you. Oh, I got a long one for you. Oh, I got a long one for you. >> Yeah, I I'm used to the run-ons. Yeah. >> Yeah, I I'm used to the run-ons. Yeah. >> Yeah, I I'm used to the run-ons. Yeah. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> I would say God who is justly angry and >> I would say God who is justly angry and >> I would say God who is justly angry and faithfully loving will judge his faithfully loving will judge his faithfully loving will judge his people's injustice, idolatry, and people's injustice, idolatry, and people's injustice, idolatry, and complacency and the nation's pride and complacency and the nation's pride and complacency and the nation's pride and mocking.

mocking. mocking. And he will also purify, forgive, and And he will also purify, forgive, and And he will also purify, forgive, and restore his people, a global people, out restore his people, a global people, out restore his people, a global people, out of his delight and love. of his delight and love. of his delight and love. Okay, so we get to unpack that as we get Okay, so we get to unpack that as we get Okay, so we get to unpack that as we get through the rest of the books. So, let's through the rest of the books. So, let's through the rest of the books. So, let's have this in mind as we are going have this in mind as we are going have this in mind as we are going through the rest of our exercise here through the rest of our exercise here through the rest of our exercise here today. So, let's then look It's not the today. So, let's then look It's not the today. So, let's then look It's not the longest book, only three chapters. So, longest book, only three chapters. So, longest book, only three chapters. So, let's get through the flow of this book. let's get through the flow of this book. let's get through the flow of this book. What is kind of What is kind of What is kind of being What are we being taken through being What are we being taken through being What are we being taken through from chapter 1 to chapter 3? from chapter 1 to chapter 3? from chapter 1 to chapter 3? Yeah, great question. So, we walked We Yeah, great question. So, we walked We Yeah, great question. So, we walked We talked about verse 1. So, as we keep talked about verse 1. So, as we keep talked about verse 1. So, as we keep going, we're in chapter 1, verse 2. And going, we're in chapter 1, verse 2. And going, we're in chapter 1, verse 2. And he's really going to begin with this he's really going to begin with this he's really going to begin with this idea of judgment. You can see this, "I idea of judgment. You can see this, "I idea of judgment. You can see this, "I will sweep away everything from the face will sweep away everything from the face will sweep away everything from the face of the earth," declares the Lord. "I of the earth," declares the Lord. "I of the earth," declares the Lord. "I will sweep away both man and beast. I will sweep away both man and beast. I will sweep away both man and beast. I will sweep away the birds in the sky and will sweep away the birds in the sky and will sweep away the birds in the sky and the fish in the sea and the idols that the fish in the sea and the idols that the fish in the sea and the idols that cause the wicked to stumble." cause the wicked to stumble." cause the wicked to stumble." And so, he's beginning to pull from the And so, he's beginning to pull from the And so, he's beginning to pull from the very outset, from the flood narrative very outset, from the flood narrative very outset, from the flood narrative and from creation. Yeah, very clear and from creation. Yeah, very clear and from creation. Yeah, very clear >> that You see that? Like as he's I'm >> that You see that? Like as he's I'm >> that You see that? Like as he's I'm going to sweep away and I'm I'm going to going to sweep away and I'm I'm going to going to sweep away and I'm I'm going to bring judgment. This is where he's going bring judgment. This is where he's going bring judgment. This is where he's going to begin these de-creation themes that to begin these de-creation themes that to begin these de-creation themes that kind of flow throughout the book. You kind of flow throughout the book. You kind of flow throughout the book. You see that it's the reversal of what we see that it's the reversal of what we see that it's the reversal of what we see in Genesis 1, the order of how he's see in Genesis 1, the order of how he's see in Genesis 1, the order of how he's going to sweep away.

going to sweep away. going to sweep away. >> looking at that, yeah. Yeah, so that's >> looking at that, yeah. Yeah, so that's >> looking at that, yeah. Yeah, so that's like the good order is getting turned on like the good order is getting turned on like the good order is getting turned on its head because of the wicked. And this its head because of the wicked. And this its head because of the wicked. And this is a rhetorical, poetic device that's is a rhetorical, poetic device that's is a rhetorical, poetic device that's painting this picture of global judgment painting this picture of global judgment painting this picture of global judgment because of the wickedness. And God is because of the wickedness. And God is because of the wickedness. And God is going to move because of that. going to move because of that. going to move because of that. And he turns from this global judgment And he turns from this global judgment And he turns from this global judgment in in verse 4, he narrows his gaze on in in verse 4, he narrows his gaze on in in verse 4, he narrows his gaze on Judah, the people of God. And it's going Judah, the people of God. And it's going Judah, the people of God. And it's going to list out here those who call who the to list out here those who call who the to list out here those who call who the Lord is going to cut off. Mhm. And so, Lord is going to cut off. Mhm. And so, Lord is going to cut off. Mhm. And so, those who are overtly idolatrous, those those who are overtly idolatrous, those those who are overtly idolatrous, those who worship the Lord and others. So, who worship the Lord and others. So, who worship the Lord and others. So, there's a syncretism as they're mixing there's a syncretism as they're mixing there's a syncretism as they're mixing their devotion. And those who just do their devotion. And those who just do their devotion. And those who just do not seek the Lord. There's a complacency not seek the Lord. There's a complacency not seek the Lord. There's a complacency that's brought up, an apathy that they that's brought up, an apathy that they that's brought up, an apathy that they It's a really core issue here. The It's a really core issue here. The It's a really core issue here. The people are not humble and not will not people are not humble and not will not people are not humble and not will not hear his rebuke or seek him. hear his rebuke or seek him. hear his rebuke or seek him. As we keep moving down in chapter 1, As we keep moving down in chapter 1, As we keep moving down in chapter 1, you're going to see this transition in you're going to see this transition in you're going to see this transition in verse 7, where there's a command, "Be verse 7, where there's a command, "Be verse 7, where there's a command, "Be silent before the sovereign Lord, for silent before the sovereign Lord, for silent before the sovereign Lord, for the day of the Lord is near." And the day of the Lord is near." And the day of the Lord is near." And there's going to be that theme will there's going to be that theme will there's going to be that theme will break Keep seeing the day of the Lord.

break Keep seeing the day of the Lord. break Keep seeing the day of the Lord. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Cuz the Lord is going to visit and Cuz the Lord is going to visit and Cuz the Lord is going to visit and punish this And he's going to describe punish this And he's going to describe punish this And he's going to describe who it is, the ruling class in this who it is, the ruling class in this who it is, the ruling class in this case, who are also violent and case, who are also violent and case, who are also violent and deceitful. There's an integration here deceitful. There's an integration here deceitful. There's an integration here in the condemnation of worship and in the condemnation of worship and in the condemnation of worship and ethics. Because when you worship idols, ethics. Because when you worship idols, ethics. Because when you worship idols, then you get to choose what they tell then you get to choose what they tell then you get to choose what they tell you. Or you worship what you think that you. Or you worship what you think that you. Or you worship what you think that they should tell you or how they're they should tell you or how they're they should tell you or how they're going to give you what you want. And the going to give you what you want. And the going to give you what you want. And the Lord half-heartedly. And then you also Lord half-heartedly. And then you also Lord half-heartedly. And then you also end up oppressing and mistreating other end up oppressing and mistreating other end up oppressing and mistreating other people. Because our worship is tied to people. Because our worship is tied to people. Because our worship is tied to our ethics. This is really obvious in our ethics. This is really obvious in our ethics. This is really obvious in the prophets. We see it overtly in the prophets. We see it overtly in the prophets. We see it overtly in Habakkuk. And I think maybe Danny talked Habakkuk. And I think maybe Danny talked Habakkuk. And I think maybe Danny talked to you about it in Amos. to you about it in Amos. to you about it in Amos. >> Yeah. Yes. We see this again and again >> Yeah. Yes. We see this again and again >> Yeah. Yes. We see this again and again that this idea of where how you worship that this idea of where how you worship that this idea of where how you worship is tied to how you treat people. And the is tied to how you treat people. And the is tied to how you treat people. And the Lord condemns our false worship and our Lord condemns our false worship and our Lord condemns our false worship and our mistreatment and oppression of people. mistreatment and oppression of people. mistreatment and oppression of people. Mhm. Mhm. Mhm. And we see the covenant curses in And we see the covenant curses in And we see the covenant curses in Deuteronomy are referenced. And the Lord Deuteronomy are referenced. And the Lord Deuteronomy are referenced. And the Lord will do what he said he would do. That will do what he said he would do. That will do what he said he would do. That is a consistent theme in the prophets as is a consistent theme in the prophets as is a consistent theme in the prophets as as well. as well. as well. >> And a de-creation imagery again as you >> And a de-creation imagery again as you >> And a de-creation imagery again as you look down here. You'll see instead of look down here. You'll see instead of look down here. You'll see instead of light, light, light that we see in the light, light, light that we see in the light, light, light that we see in the creation, you see starting in verse 14, creation, you see starting in verse 14, creation, you see starting in verse 14, there's going to be dark, dark, dark on there's going to be dark, dark, dark on there's going to be dark, dark, dark on the days. There's six days of darkness the days. There's six days of darkness the days. There's six days of darkness and and and evil here that are coming and and and evil here that are coming and and and evil here that are coming because of the evil of judgment rather because of the evil of judgment rather because of the evil of judgment rather than evil. Mhm.

than evil. Mhm. than evil. Mhm. They will not be able to bribe their way They will not be able to bribe their way They will not be able to bribe their way out of this. The Lord is going to judge out of this. The Lord is going to judge out of this. The Lord is going to judge the whole earth. And then we see the the whole earth. And then we see the the whole earth. And then we see the beginning of chapter 2, which I would beginning of chapter 2, which I would beginning of chapter 2, which I would say is actually the same the same say is actually the same the same say is actually the same the same message as chapter 1. So, it goes all message as chapter 1. So, it goes all message as chapter 1. So, it goes all the way together. I wouldn't break the the way together. I wouldn't break the the way together. I wouldn't break the message until we get to the end of verse message until we get to the end of verse message until we get to the end of verse 3 of chapter 2. 3 of chapter 2. 3 of chapter 2. >> And so, here's here's the call. Okay, so >> And so, here's here's the call. Okay, so >> And so, here's here's the call. Okay, so here's all of this proclamation of here's all of this proclamation of here's all of this proclamation of judgment. So, what should the people do? judgment. So, what should the people do? judgment. So, what should the people do? Here's Zephaniah tells them, "This is Here's Zephaniah tells them, "This is Here's Zephaniah tells them, "This is what you do. You gather together," which what you do. You gather together," which what you do. You gather together," which is a theme throughout the book of is a theme throughout the book of is a theme throughout the book of Zephaniah. That word gather is repeated. Zephaniah. That word gather is repeated. Zephaniah. That word gather is repeated. And then he says, "Seek the Lord," in And then he says, "Seek the Lord," in And then he says, "Seek the Lord," in verse 3, "all you humble of the land, verse 3, "all you humble of the land, verse 3, "all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek you who do what he commands. Seek you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness. Seek humility." righteousness. Seek humility." righteousness. Seek humility." This is the answer. It's not as if This is the answer. It's not as if This is the answer. It's not as if here's judgment and too bad, there's here's judgment and too bad, there's here's judgment and too bad, there's nothing for you to do. This is what you nothing for you to do. This is what you nothing for you to do. This is what you do. do. do. You seek the Lord, are you humble? And You seek the Lord, are you humble? And You seek the Lord, are you humble? And this concept of humility and being this concept of humility and being this concept of humility and being willing to hear the Lord is another willing to hear the Lord is another willing to hear the Lord is another important theme. It's the humble who are important theme. It's the humble who are important theme. It's the humble who are going to be those who get to know God in going to be those who get to know God in going to be those who get to know God in the book of Zephaniah. the book of Zephaniah. the book of Zephaniah. Mhm. [snorts] Mhm. [snorts] Mhm. [snorts] So, we're going to transition then to So, we're going to transition then to So, we're going to transition then to the next oracle, the next section. So, the next oracle, the next section. So, the next oracle, the next section. So, now it's as if Zephaniah is going to now it's as if Zephaniah is going to now it's as if Zephaniah is going to look at the four directions of a compass look at the four directions of a compass look at the four directions of a compass and speak to the nations that are around and speak to the nations that are around and speak to the nations that are around the people of Judah.

the people of Judah. the people of Judah. And so, first he looks to the west and And so, first he looks to the west and And so, first he looks to the west and he speaks to these Philistines or the he speaks to these Philistines or the he speaks to these Philistines or the people in the Philistine area. And people in the Philistine area. And people in the Philistine area. And there's a lots of play on words here. there's a lots of play on words here. there's a lots of play on words here. Assonance is as the Lord is going to Assonance is as the Lord is going to Assonance is as the Lord is going to judge them and you can see it more judge them and you can see it more judge them and you can see it more overtly in the Hebrew than here in the overtly in the Hebrew than here in the overtly in the Hebrew than here in the English. But he's just saying that their English. But he's just saying that their English. But he's just saying that their land is going to be taken away because land is going to be taken away because land is going to be taken away because of their sins. And yet there's going to of their sins. And yet there's going to of their sins. And yet there's going to be a remnant of the people of Judah. And be a remnant of the people of Judah. And be a remnant of the people of Judah. And this is where we get that first hint, this is where we get that first hint, this is where we get that first hint, "Oh, there's going to be a remnant from "Oh, there's going to be a remnant from "Oh, there's going to be a remnant from God's judgment." There is going to be a God's judgment." There is going to be a God's judgment." There is going to be a group of people. And that they are going group of people. And that they are going group of people. And that they are going to be receiving the blessings of the to be receiving the blessings of the to be receiving the blessings of the land. And then he turns east to Moab and land. And then he turns east to Moab and land. And then he turns east to Moab and the Ammonites. And because of their the Ammonites. And because of their the Ammonites. And because of their mocking and their insults and their mocking and their insults and their mocking and their insults and their pride, the Lord is going to judge them pride, the Lord is going to judge them pride, the Lord is going to judge them as well. But even in this judgment, just as well. But even in this judgment, just as well. But even in this judgment, just like we see in the prophets also, like we see in the prophets also, like we see in the prophets also, there's these this hints of hope and there's these this hints of hope and there's these this hints of hope and even global hope. even global hope. even global hope. >> Yeah. You get to verse 11, it says, "The >> Yeah. You get to verse 11, it says, "The >> Yeah. You get to verse 11, it says, "The Lord will be awesome to them. He will Lord will be awesome to them. He will Lord will be awesome to them. He will destroy all the gods of the earth." destroy all the gods of the earth." destroy all the gods of the earth." Victory for the Lord, even in a Victory for the Lord, even in a Victory for the Lord, even in a spiritual battle. And distant nations spiritual battle. And distant nations spiritual battle. And distant nations will bow to him, to the Lord. That's will bow to him, to the Lord. That's will bow to him, to the Lord. That's what it's saying. All of them in their what it's saying. All of them in their what it's saying. All of them in their own lands, which is phenomenal because own lands, which is phenomenal because own lands, which is phenomenal because very rarely do we see this idea of very rarely do we see this idea of very rarely do we see this idea of worship outs- of the Lord God by Gentile worship outs- of the Lord God by Gentile worship outs- of the Lord God by Gentile peoples outside of the land. It's not peoples outside of the land. It's not peoples outside of the land. It's not bringing him to the land, but it's bringing him to the land, but it's bringing him to the land, but it's actually outside of the land. So, actually outside of the land. So, actually outside of the land. So, there's these hints of that global there's these hints of that global there's these hints of that global people of God.

people of God. people of God. And then to the south about judgment And then to the south about judgment And then to the south about judgment towards Cush. And then to the north, towards Cush. And then to the north, towards Cush. And then to the north, where Assyria would come from. Mhm. And where Assyria would come from. Mhm. And where Assyria would come from. Mhm. And it says it's going to leave Assyria it says it's going to leave Assyria it says it's going to leave Assyria utterly desolate. And I didn't pick this utterly desolate. And I didn't pick this utterly desolate. And I didn't pick this out yet, but but previously, if we had out yet, but but previously, if we had out yet, but but previously, if we had looked, we'd see this word desolate looked, we'd see this word desolate looked, we'd see this word desolate actually repeated in this chapter. actually repeated in this chapter. actually repeated in this chapter. Desolate, desolate, desolate. And it's Desolate, desolate, desolate. And it's Desolate, desolate, desolate. And it's three times. And it's because It's again three times. And it's because It's again three times. And it's because It's again that de-creation theme. Yeah. It goes that de-creation theme. Yeah. It goes that de-creation theme. Yeah. It goes from good order to like ruin, to lack. from good order to like ruin, to lack. from good order to like ruin, to lack. And And you see even here that where And And you see even here that where And And you see even here that where people lived, there're going to be wild people lived, there're going to be wild people lived, there're going to be wild animals. Where there was like luxury and animals. Where there was like luxury and animals. Where there was like luxury and parties, instead there's going to be parties, instead there's going to be parties, instead there's going to be owls and these random animals that we owls and these random animals that we owls and these random animals that we wouldn't expect at all, right? wouldn't expect at all, right? wouldn't expect at all, right? >> yeah. >> yeah. >> yeah. That's right. So, And this is a city That's right. So, And this is a city That's right. So, And this is a city that's full of pride and that's full of pride and that's full of pride and self-dependence. We see it down here in self-dependence. We see it down here in self-dependence. We see it down here in verse 15. The city of of revelry that verse 15. The city of of revelry that verse 15. The city of of revelry that lived in safety. She said to herself, "I lived in safety. She said to herself, "I lived in safety. She said to herself, "I am the one and there is none beside me." am the one and there is none beside me." am the one and there is none beside me." And so, that is going to be a theme in And so, that is going to be a theme in And so, that is going to be a theme in Zephaniah. Like, do we believe that we Zephaniah. Like, do we believe that we Zephaniah. Like, do we believe that we get to decide what's true? Do we get to get to decide what's true? Do we get to get to decide what's true? Do we get to decide what to do? That we can take care decide what to do? That we can take care decide what to do? That we can take care of ourselves or are we humble and of ourselves or are we humble and of ourselves or are we humble and dependent on the Lord?

dependent on the Lord? dependent on the Lord? So, then there's this transition as it's So, then there's this transition as it's So, then there's this transition as it's been going around the compass to the been going around the compass to the been going around the compass to the different nations around the people of different nations around the people of different nations around the people of Judah. And we come now to chapter 3. And Judah. And we come now to chapter 3. And Judah. And we come now to chapter 3. And it's almost It's not unlike the it's almost It's not unlike the it's almost It's not unlike the beginning of Amos, right? Where it goes beginning of Amos, right? Where it goes beginning of Amos, right? Where it goes around to the different the different around to the different the different around to the different the different countries, other foreign nations. And countries, other foreign nations. And countries, other foreign nations. And then finally, we see in chapter then finally, we see in chapter then finally, we see in chapter >> Focuses in, yeah. That's right. Focuses >> Focuses in, yeah. That's right. Focuses >> Focuses in, yeah. That's right. Focuses in chapter 3, verse 1. "Woe to the city in chapter 3, verse 1. "Woe to the city in chapter 3, verse 1. "Woe to the city of oppressors, rebellious and defiled." of oppressors, rebellious and defiled." of oppressors, rebellious and defiled." We think, "Ooh, is this another foreign We think, "Ooh, is this another foreign We think, "Ooh, is this another foreign city?" Oh, no, he's going to [laughter] city?" Oh, no, he's going to [laughter] city?" Oh, no, he's going to [laughter] flip it on us, right? She obeys no one. flip it on us, right? She obeys no one. flip it on us, right? She obeys no one. She accepts no correction. She does not She accepts no correction. She does not She accepts no correction. She does not trust in the Lord. She does not draw trust in the Lord. She does not draw trust in the Lord. She does not draw near to her God. And we realize that he near to her God. And we realize that he near to her God. And we realize that he is speaking about Jerusalem. is speaking about Jerusalem. is speaking about Jerusalem. And that it's because of what she has And that it's because of what she has And that it's because of what she has done wrong now that the judgment is done wrong now that the judgment is done wrong now that the judgment is coming on her because she's just as coming on her because she's just as coming on her because she's just as violent, just as oppressive, just as violent, just as oppressive, just as violent, just as oppressive, just as disobedient and proud that she will not disobedient and proud that she will not disobedient and proud that she will not hear correction. hear correction. hear correction. And then it speaks of the the leaders in And then it speaks of the the leaders in And then it speaks of the the leaders in Judah. They are like these beasts that Judah. They are like these beasts that Judah. They are like these beasts that are devouring people. That they would are devouring people. That they would are devouring people. That they would actually harm the people they're actually harm the people they're actually harm the people they're supposed to protect. He talks about supposed to protect. He talks about supposed to protect. He talks about officials and rulers and prophets and officials and rulers and prophets and officials and rulers and prophets and priests. And then verse 5 is a It's just priests. And then verse 5 is a It's just priests. And then verse 5 is a It's just a jewel as it contrasts these evil a jewel as it contrasts these evil a jewel as it contrasts these evil leaders with who is Who is the Lord?

leaders with who is Who is the Lord? leaders with who is Who is the Lord? The Lord within her is righteous. He The Lord within her is righteous. He The Lord within her is righteous. He does no wrong. Morning by morning, he does no wrong. Morning by morning, he does no wrong. Morning by morning, he dispenses justice. And every new day, he dispenses justice. And every new day, he dispenses justice. And every new day, he does not fail. does not fail. does not fail. Mhm. And And then he goes on in chapter Mhm. And And then he goes on in chapter Mhm. And And then he goes on in chapter 3 to talk about how he has been dis- 3 to talk about how he has been dis- 3 to talk about how he has been dis- judging nations and calling people to judging nations and calling people to judging nations and calling people to repentance, but his people have not repentance, but his people have not repentance, but his people have not listened. And verse 8 is a transition as listened. And verse 8 is a transition as listened. And verse 8 is a transition as there's another command here to the there's another command here to the there's another command here to the remnant as there was in the beginning of remnant as there was in the beginning of remnant as there was in the beginning of chapter 2. "Wait for me," declares the chapter 2. "Wait for me," declares the chapter 2. "Wait for me," declares the Lord. And he talks about how he's going Lord. And he talks about how he's going Lord. And he talks about how he's going to gather and he's going to judge. He's to gather and he's going to judge. He's to gather and he's going to judge. He's going to judge even the whole world. But going to judge even the whole world. But going to judge even the whole world. But then in verse 9, he says, "In that day, then in verse 9, he says, "In that day, then in verse 9, he says, "In that day, he's also going to purify the lips of he's also going to purify the lips of he's also going to purify the lips of the peoples." And here's we see that the peoples." And here's we see that the peoples." And here's we see that global piece of what God is going to do. global piece of what God is going to do. global piece of what God is going to do. And he goes on to give us that idea all And he goes on to give us that idea all And he goes on to give us that idea all of this hope of what he's going to do in of this hope of what he's going to do in of this hope of what he's going to do in restoration. So, as we talked about that restoration. So, as we talked about that restoration. So, as we talked about that in Zephaniah, God is going to judge and in Zephaniah, God is going to judge and in Zephaniah, God is going to judge and that his just anger, here's also his that his just anger, here's also his that his just anger, here's also his faithful and delighting love. faithful and delighting love. faithful and delighting love. He's going to gather his people. He's He's going to gather his people. He's He's going to gather his people. He's going to leave the meek and humble and going to leave the meek and humble and going to leave the meek and humble and going to take out anyone who's haughty going to take out anyone who's haughty going to take out anyone who's haughty and proud. He tells them to sing and and proud. He tells them to sing and and proud. He tells them to sing and rejoice for the king of Israel's with rejoice for the king of Israel's with rejoice for the king of Israel's with you. There's this repetition of his you. There's this repetition of his you. There's this repetition of his presence that's in here that they're presence that's in here that they're presence that's in here that they're going to He's going to be with his going to He's going to be with his going to He's going to be with his people. There's that famous verse, people. There's that famous verse, people. There's that famous verse, probably the most famous verse in probably the most famous verse in probably the most famous verse in Zephaniah, right? In 3:17.

Zephaniah, right? In 3:17. Zephaniah, right? In 3:17. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. "The Lord your God is with you, the "The Lord your God is with you, the "The Lord your God is with you, the mighty warrior who saves. He will take mighty warrior who saves. He will take mighty warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you. In his love, he great delight in you. In his love, he great delight in you. In his love, he will no longer rebuke you, but will will no longer rebuke you, but will will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing." And then rejoice over you with singing." And then rejoice over you with singing." And then he talks again, finishing it out about he talks again, finishing it out about he talks again, finishing it out about gathering his people, giving them praise gathering his people, giving them praise gathering his people, giving them praise and honor, gathering them. That he's and honor, gathering them. That he's and honor, gathering them. That he's going to restore their fortunes, says going to restore their fortunes, says going to restore their fortunes, says the Lord. the Lord. the Lord. I couldn't help but but as you were I couldn't help but but as you were I couldn't help but but as you were walking through this, especially when walking through this, especially when walking through this, especially when you were highlighting the you were highlighting the you were highlighting the a desolateness of the first part. And a desolateness of the first part. And a desolateness of the first part. And then And then And then you get the then And then And then you get the then And then And then you get the contrast of that through the end at the contrast of that through the end at the contrast of that through the end at the end of chapter 3. end of chapter 3. end of chapter 3. I kept getting this picture of I kept getting this picture of I kept getting this picture of of this idea of life with God and life of this idea of life with God and life of this idea of life with God and life without God. And what you're saying without God. And what you're saying without God. And what you're saying through this desolate and this through this desolate and this through this desolate and this destruction and in what life is like destruction and in what life is like destruction and in what life is like without God, both literally when he without God, both literally when he without God, both literally when he removes his presence, but also in our removes his presence, but also in our removes his presence, but also in our own lives. own lives. own lives. And then life with and I couldn't help And then life with and I couldn't help And then life with and I couldn't help but think about what we see in but think about what we see in but think about what we see in John then with that full abundant life, John then with that full abundant life, John then with that full abundant life, life with you know, I've I've come to life with you know, I've I've come to life with you know, I've I've come to give life.

give life. give life. And you get the clear contrast of what And you get the clear contrast of what And you get the clear contrast of what when we live on our own and we do not when we live on our own and we do not when we live on our own and we do not engage with the Lord, when the people engage with the Lord, when the people engage with the Lord, when the people have forgotten or gone their own way, have forgotten or gone their own way, have forgotten or gone their own way, this is that picture of life without. this is that picture of life without. this is that picture of life without. And then what you get through the end of And then what you get through the end of And then what you get through the end of chapter 3 and then what Jesus talks chapter 3 and then what Jesus talks chapter 3 and then what Jesus talks about then in the Gospels is that life about then in the Gospels is that life about then in the Gospels is that life with. So you you have the desolate with. So you you have the desolate with. So you you have the desolate picture, you have the abundant picture. picture, you have the abundant picture. picture, you have the abundant picture. And And And I don't know if we've seen that much I don't know if we've seen that much I don't know if we've seen that much clearer painted than here in these three clearer painted than here in these three clearer painted than here in these three chapters of Zephaniah. chapters of Zephaniah. chapters of Zephaniah. Um and so So as as you walked us through Um and so So as as you walked us through Um and so So as as you walked us through that, that was the picture that really that, that was the picture that really that, that was the picture that really stood out to me in my mind. stood out to me in my mind. stood out to me in my mind. Yeah, I think that's great, Jason. And I Yeah, I think that's great, Jason. And I Yeah, I think that's great, Jason. And I think that the the key here is will you think that the the key here is will you think that the the key here is will you humble yourself and receive correction humble yourself and receive correction humble yourself and receive correction from the Lord. Right? That that is the from the Lord. Right? That that is the from the Lord. Right? That that is the key. And if they will, if they will key. And if they will, if they will key. And if they will, if they will humble themselves and receive his humble themselves and receive his humble themselves and receive his correction and change their worship and correction and change their worship and correction and change their worship and the way they treat other people, right?

the way they treat other people, right? the way they treat other people, right? Loving God and loving people, Loving God and loving people, Loving God and loving people, then this is what God wants to do. God then this is what God wants to do. God then this is what God wants to do. God desires to restore and rescue and to desires to restore and rescue and to desires to restore and rescue and to give his presence. And you know, I would give his presence. And you know, I would give his presence. And you know, I would argue that John, when he was speaking of argue that John, when he was speaking of argue that John, when he was speaking of the triumphal entry, he quoted the triumphal entry, he quoted the triumphal entry, he quoted Zechariah, but he also referenced Zechariah, but he also referenced Zechariah, but he also referenced Zephaniah because there's part of the Zephaniah because there's part of the Zephaniah because there's part of the way John does it that he includes pieces way John does it that he includes pieces way John does it that he includes pieces about the daughter of Zion and and it's about the daughter of Zion and and it's about the daughter of Zion and and it's here in Zephaniah, right? So he's here in Zephaniah, right? So he's here in Zephaniah, right? So he's thinking about the presence of God thinking about the presence of God thinking about the presence of God coming to his people as he watches Jesus coming to his people as he watches Jesus coming to his people as he watches Jesus enter Jerusalem. enter Jerusalem. enter Jerusalem. Yeah. And to take this all with that Yeah. And to take this all with that Yeah. And to take this all with that context that we talked about earlier of context that we talked about earlier of context that we talked about earlier of Josiah, right? Is in saying like, "Hey, Josiah, right? Is in saying like, "Hey, Josiah, right? Is in saying like, "Hey, things have not been good." things have not been good." things have not been good." Right? The ways have been forgotten Right? The ways have been forgotten Right? The ways have been forgotten the ways of God in refocusing and the ways of God in refocusing and the ways of God in refocusing and humbling himself and seeking that humbling himself and seeking that humbling himself and seeking that correction like you know, have been correction like you know, have been correction like you know, have been forgotten for generation, you know, for forgotten for generation, you know, for forgotten for generation, you know, for at that point two kings removed. And so at that point two kings removed. And so at that point two kings removed. And so then you have Josiah who refines this then you have Josiah who refines this then you have Josiah who refines this and there's this opportunity. And to be and there's this opportunity. And to be and there's this opportunity. And to be a king who says, "Oh, yeah, we need a king who says, "Oh, yeah, we need a king who says, "Oh, yeah, we need this."

this." this." Need that return to the ways of the Lord Need that return to the ways of the Lord Need that return to the ways of the Lord to to to humble ourselves to receive that humble ourselves to receive that humble ourselves to receive that correction, to seek proper worship of correction, to seek proper worship of correction, to seek proper worship of the Lord. And so it's it's helpful to the Lord. And so it's it's helpful to the Lord. And so it's it's helpful to keep that context in mind of what of keep that context in mind of what of keep that context in mind of what of what's happening in in Zephaniah what's happening in in Zephaniah what's happening in in Zephaniah speaking speaking speaking to the king, you know, speaking into to the king, you know, speaking into to the king, you know, speaking into what is going on at that season. what is going on at that season. what is going on at that season. Um so okay. Um so okay. Um so okay. Perfect picture that we have in mind. I Perfect picture that we have in mind. I Perfect picture that we have in mind. I I love that we have this. So now let's I love that we have this. So now let's I love that we have this. So now let's get into some of those major themes. get into some of those major themes. get into some of those major themes. We've talked about humbling ourselves. We've talked about humbling ourselves. We've talked about humbling ourselves. So maybe you want to So maybe you want to So maybe you want to expound on that a little bit more or are expound on that a little bit more or are expound on that a little bit more or are there other major themes that you wanted there other major themes that you wanted there other major themes that you wanted to focus in on here? Yeah, there's two to focus in on here? Yeah, there's two to focus in on here? Yeah, there's two themes I want to think on. And one of themes I want to think on. And one of themes I want to think on. And one of them was humility and pride because I them was humility and pride because I them was humility and pride because I think it's so beautiful here in think it's so beautiful here in think it's so beautiful here in Zephaniah and so applicable to us, Zephaniah and so applicable to us, Zephaniah and so applicable to us, honestly. honestly. honestly. >> Oh, for sure. >> Oh, for sure. >> Oh, for sure. This this virtue of humility is a This this virtue of humility is a This this virtue of humility is a uniquely Christian virtue and is needed uniquely Christian virtue and is needed uniquely Christian virtue and is needed in our day. And the fall of the arrogant in our day. And the fall of the arrogant in our day. And the fall of the arrogant isn't unique to Zephaniah, but you will isn't unique to Zephaniah, but you will isn't unique to Zephaniah, but you will see it emphasized here that it's only see it emphasized here that it's only see it emphasized here that it's only the humble in verse in chapter 2 verse 3 the humble in verse in chapter 2 verse 3 the humble in verse in chapter 2 verse 3 there that are invited to seek the Lord, there that are invited to seek the Lord, there that are invited to seek the Lord, right? It's not everyone, it's the right? It's not everyone, it's the right? It's not everyone, it's the humble. And implying the remnant are humble. And implying the remnant are humble. And implying the remnant are those who will see their deep need.

those who will see their deep need. those who will see their deep need. And it's the pompous foreign nations who And it's the pompous foreign nations who And it's the pompous foreign nations who will fall and it's the boosters and the will fall and it's the boosters and the will fall and it's the boosters and the haughty who'll be removed from God's haughty who'll be removed from God's haughty who'll be removed from God's people in chapter 3. When everyone is people in chapter 3. When everyone is people in chapter 3. When everyone is purified and restored, it is the purified and restored, it is the purified and restored, it is the haughty, the self-dependent, those who haughty, the self-dependent, those who haughty, the self-dependent, those who think that they can handle it themselves think that they can handle it themselves think that they can handle it themselves who will not be there. And so it's the who will not be there. And so it's the who will not be there. And so it's the meek and humble who will find refuge in meek and humble who will find refuge in meek and humble who will find refuge in the name of the Lord, it says in 3:12. the name of the Lord, it says in 3:12. the name of the Lord, it says in 3:12. So we need to remember that this is the So we need to remember that this is the So we need to remember that this is the way of God's people. Has been for way of God's people. Has been for way of God's people. Has been for centuries and it will continue to be. centuries and it will continue to be. centuries and it will continue to be. The second thing I want to hit on is The second thing I want to hit on is The second thing I want to hit on is maybe a little bit more academic, but maybe a little bit more academic, but maybe a little bit more academic, but important for us to read the prophets important for us to read the prophets important for us to read the prophets and it's the day of the Lord. and it's the day of the Lord. and it's the day of the Lord. So when we read our Bibles, we think So when we read our Bibles, we think So when we read our Bibles, we think about the day of the Lord is the time of about the day of the Lord is the time of about the day of the Lord is the time of God's powerful action in the world for God's powerful action in the world for God's powerful action in the world for judgment and for hope. God comes against judgment and for hope. God comes against judgment and for hope. God comes against evil and redeems his people on those evil and redeems his people on those evil and redeems his people on those days, just like he did in Egypt for the days, just like he did in Egypt for the days, just like he did in Egypt for the in the Exodus. And Amos is the first in the Exodus. And Amos is the first in the Exodus. And Amos is the first prophet to use this term. I think you prophet to use this term. I think you prophet to use this term. I think you guys talked about that. And then Isaiah guys talked about that. And then Isaiah guys talked about that. And then Isaiah not long after him and they pointed to not long after him and they pointed to not long after him and they pointed to this corruption and violence within the this corruption and violence within the this corruption and violence within the people of God, declaring the day will people of God, declaring the day will people of God, declaring the day will come. Israel had become like the evil come. Israel had become like the evil come. Israel had become like the evil oppressors who defined what was right on oppressors who defined what was right on oppressors who defined what was right on their own rather than what the Lord their own rather than what the Lord their own rather than what the Lord said. And the vulnerable were being said. And the vulnerable were being said. And the vulnerable were being harmed. And so the day of the Lord would harmed. And so the day of the Lord would harmed. And so the day of the Lord would break into history.

break into history. break into history. Isaiah also used this term to condemn Isaiah also used this term to condemn Isaiah also used this term to condemn foreign nations, referencing it as that foreign nations, referencing it as that foreign nations, referencing it as that day. And Zephaniah joins in with these day. And Zephaniah joins in with these day. And Zephaniah joins in with these other prophets, declaring that the day other prophets, declaring that the day other prophets, declaring that the day will be outpouring of judgment on their will be outpouring of judgment on their will be outpouring of judgment on their own people and even broader a day of own people and even broader a day of own people and even broader a day of destruction for the whole earth. So the destruction for the whole earth. So the destruction for the whole earth. So the But there's also this hope provided on But there's also this hope provided on But there's also this hope provided on that day that there's a remnant that that day that there's a remnant that that day that there's a remnant that will survive. We see that in 2:7 and will survive. We see that in 2:7 and will survive. We see that in 2:7 and then these consistently again in chapter then these consistently again in chapter then these consistently again in chapter 3. But there's these references of the 3. But there's these references of the 3. But there's these references of the day of the Lord that they speak also of day of the Lord that they speak also of day of the Lord that they speak also of the restoration in other prophets as the restoration in other prophets as the restoration in other prophets as well as here in Zephaniah. well as here in Zephaniah. well as here in Zephaniah. And you have to realize that the day of And you have to realize that the day of And you have to realize that the day of the Lord is not one day in history. the Lord is not one day in history. the Lord is not one day in history. That's where I think we can get really That's where I think we can get really That's where I think we can get really confused. But Zephaniah will use this confused. But Zephaniah will use this confused. But Zephaniah will use this term to describe the day when the Lord term to describe the day when the Lord term to describe the day when the Lord will use the Babylonian army to bring will use the Babylonian army to bring will use the Babylonian army to bring judgment against Judah, fulfilling the judgment against Judah, fulfilling the judgment against Judah, fulfilling the covenant curses from Deuteronomy 28 that covenant curses from Deuteronomy 28 that covenant curses from Deuteronomy 28 that he said he would do. I think that that's he said he would do. I think that that's he said he would do. I think that that's what's happening at the beginning of what's happening at the beginning of what's happening at the beginning of chapter 1 when he's talking about global chapter 1 when he's talking about global chapter 1 when he's talking about global global judgment because it's the known global judgment because it's the known global judgment because it's the known world that is going to get swept away by world that is going to get swept away by world that is going to get swept away by the Babylonian [clears throat] army. So the Babylonian [clears throat] army. So the Babylonian [clears throat] army. So when they think about the whole earth, when they think about the whole earth, when they think about the whole earth, like this is everybody they know is like this is everybody they know is like this is everybody they know is going to be conquered by the Babylonian going to be conquered by the Babylonian going to be conquered by the Babylonian army. And he also uses this day of the army. And he also uses this day of the army. And he also uses this day of the Lord for a future day when God is going Lord for a future day when God is going Lord for a future day when God is going to gather and judge. And a day when he to gather and judge. And a day when he to gather and judge. And a day when he will gather and restore. Especially you will gather and restore. Especially you will gather and restore. Especially you see this in chapter 3, both of those.

see this in chapter 3, both of those. see this in chapter 3, both of those. And multiple scholars see the day of the And multiple scholars see the day of the And multiple scholars see the day of the Lord in Zephaniah connected to the Lord in Zephaniah connected to the Lord in Zephaniah connected to the covenant as it fulfills God's promises covenant as it fulfills God's promises covenant as it fulfills God's promises and consequences and ultimate blessings. and consequences and ultimate blessings. and consequences and ultimate blessings. Zephaniah speaks of a day also we see, a Zephaniah speaks of a day also we see, a Zephaniah speaks of a day also we see, a day of the Lord when he will prepare a day of the Lord when he will prepare a day of the Lord when he will prepare a sacrifice. We see this in 1:8. In and sacrifice. We see this in 1:8. In and sacrifice. We see this in 1:8. In and it's going to be almost implying that it's going to be almost implying that it's going to be almost implying that Judah's leaders are the sacrifice. But Judah's leaders are the sacrifice. But Judah's leaders are the sacrifice. But the ultimate day of the Lord of with the the ultimate day of the Lord of with the the ultimate day of the Lord of with the day of sacrifice was the day of Jesus' day of sacrifice was the day of Jesus' day of sacrifice was the day of Jesus' death. That was also a day of the Lord. death. That was also a day of the Lord. death. That was also a day of the Lord. He He Jesus was the Passover lamb and He He Jesus was the Passover lamb and He He Jesus was the Passover lamb and the sacrifice of the covenant, received the sacrifice of the covenant, received the sacrifice of the covenant, received the judgment on evil on himself. the judgment on evil on himself. the judgment on evil on himself. Judgment came that day to change how Judgment came that day to change how Judgment came that day to change how final judgment would end for the remnant final judgment would end for the remnant final judgment would end for the remnant of God, right? So when we see the day of of God, right? So when we see the day of of God, right? So when we see the day of the Lord, it's talking about ultimate the Lord, it's talking about ultimate the Lord, it's talking about ultimate justice sometimes, too. One day God will justice sometimes, too. One day God will justice sometimes, too. One day God will finally judge by a savior who was a finally judge by a savior who was a finally judge by a savior who was a slain lamb on a different day of the slain lamb on a different day of the slain lamb on a different day of the Lord. And on that final day, it will not Lord. And on that final day, it will not Lord. And on that final day, it will not just be for condemnation, but also for just be for condemnation, but also for just be for condemnation, but also for restoration and rescue. restoration and rescue. restoration and rescue. And there's this global hope for a And there's this global hope for a And there's this global hope for a gathered people to be with God on the gathered people to be with God on the gathered people to be with God on the final day. And that's hope that we need.

final day. And that's hope that we need. final day. And that's hope that we need. Just as Zephaniah says that there's Just as Zephaniah says that there's Just as Zephaniah says that there's going to be a day that we can be with going to be a day that we can be with going to be a day that we can be with the Lord one day. the Lord one day. the Lord one day. Yeah, it seems Yeah, it seems Yeah, it seems to me that these two themes do go to me that these two themes do go to me that these two themes do go together well. This idea of being humble together well. This idea of being humble together well. This idea of being humble and meek is not is in one way for us is and meek is not is in one way for us is and meek is not is in one way for us is a very a very a very personal thing as we have to personal thing as we have to personal thing as we have to continuously continuously continuously fight against the temptation of fight against the temptation of fight against the temptation of pride and wanting to do things our own pride and wanting to do things our own pride and wanting to do things our own way and thinking that we can be our own way and thinking that we can be our own way and thinking that we can be our own God. And you know what? We're going to God. And you know what? We're going to God. And you know what? We're going to get into that a little bit more in the get into that a little bit more in the get into that a little bit more in the next couple weeks as we get into Haggai next couple weeks as we get into Haggai next couple weeks as we get into Haggai and Zechariah. Um and Zechariah. Um and Zechariah. Um but this idea of pride which which again but this idea of pride which which again but this idea of pride which which again this is this is this is goes back to the very beginning. So this goes back to the very beginning. So this goes back to the very beginning. So this idea of of having to humble ourselves idea of of having to humble ourselves idea of of having to humble ourselves against our own pride, against our own pride, against our own pride, but then also with the day of the Lord but then also with the day of the Lord but then also with the day of the Lord is a recognition of the sovereignty of is a recognition of the sovereignty of is a recognition of the sovereignty of God. It's that God is in control and and God. It's that God is in control and and God. It's that God is in control and and he will he will he will restate his place. He's like, "No, this restate his place. He's like, "No, this restate his place. He's like, "No, this is my place. I'm going to you know, as is my place. I'm going to you know, as is my place. I'm going to you know, as he says right in verse 4 of chapter 1, I he says right in verse 4 of chapter 1, I he says right in verse 4 of chapter 1, I will crush you in Jerusalem with my fist will crush you in Jerusalem with my fist will crush you in Jerusalem with my fist and destroy every last trace of their and destroy every last trace of their and destroy every last trace of their bail worship. I will put an end to all bail worship. I will put an end to all bail worship. I will put an end to all idolatrous priests so that even the idolatrous priests so that even the idolatrous priests so that even the memory of them will disappear."

memory of them will disappear." memory of them will disappear." This These are these day of the Lord This These are these day of the Lord This These are these day of the Lord pieces. These is this coming judgment of pieces. These is this coming judgment of pieces. These is this coming judgment of God saying, "I will not let this stand." God saying, "I will not let this stand." God saying, "I will not let this stand." And so we in our humility And so we in our humility And so we in our humility in in recognizing the sovereignty of God in in recognizing the sovereignty of God in in recognizing the sovereignty of God as God's rightful place as king, as as God's rightful place as king, as as God's rightful place as king, as ruler. Um so these two themes really do ruler. Um so these two themes really do ruler. Um so these two themes really do tie in really well together of, "Hey, tie in really well together of, "Hey, tie in really well together of, "Hey, God is God. I am not. I am loved by God God is God. I am not. I am loved by God God is God. I am not. I am loved by God and God wants to give me and God wants to give me and God wants to give me guidance and direction and has shown me guidance and direction and has shown me guidance and direction and has shown me through his word the proper way to live. through his word the proper way to live. through his word the proper way to live. And so I need to acknowledge him as king And so I need to acknowledge him as king And so I need to acknowledge him as king and then do my part in living the way and then do my part in living the way and then do my part in living the way that he has set before me. that he has set before me. that he has set before me. Yeah, I think that's true. And that's Yeah, I think that's true. And that's Yeah, I think that's true. And that's some of the things that we learn about some of the things that we learn about some of the things that we learn about God in Zephaniah, right? Which ties into God in Zephaniah, right? Which ties into God in Zephaniah, right? Which ties into the next question. I see where you're the next question. I see where you're the next question. I see where you're going, Taylor. This is perfect. So what going, Taylor. This is perfect. So what going, Taylor. This is perfect. So what does this book teach us about God? does this book teach us about God? does this book teach us about God? >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> I mean, I think the book of Zephaniah >> I mean, I think the book of Zephaniah >> I mean, I think the book of Zephaniah expresses God's anger and God's love in expresses God's anger and God's love in expresses God's anger and God's love in some of the most strongest statements of some of the most strongest statements of some of the most strongest statements of the entire Bible. That both of those are the entire Bible. That both of those are the entire Bible. That both of those are very strong. That God is justly angry very strong. That God is justly angry very strong. That God is justly angry and faithfully loving. He will judge his and faithfully loving. He will judge his and faithfully loving. He will judge his people's idolatry and complacency and people's idolatry and complacency and people's idolatry and complacency and pride.

pride. pride. He's also going to purify and forgive He's also going to purify and forgive He's also going to purify and forgive and gather and restore and delight and and gather and restore and delight and and gather and restore and delight and love. I mean some have said that love. I mean some have said that love. I mean some have said that Zephaniah 3:17 is like the John 3:16 of Zephaniah 3:17 is like the John 3:16 of Zephaniah 3:17 is like the John 3:16 of the Old Testament, right? It's It's this the Old Testament, right? It's It's this the Old Testament, right? It's It's this huge infectious joy over his people. And huge infectious joy over his people. And huge infectious joy over his people. And the power of Zephaniah lies in a book the power of Zephaniah lies in a book the power of Zephaniah lies in a book that contains both truths about God, not that contains both truths about God, not that contains both truths about God, not in isolation, but in context together. in isolation, but in context together. in isolation, but in context together. Because some people only want one of Because some people only want one of Because some people only want one of those and not both of them. But this is those and not both of them. But this is those and not both of them. But this is who our God is. He will judge the world who our God is. He will judge the world who our God is. He will judge the world for wickedness. He will judge his own for wickedness. He will judge his own for wickedness. He will judge his own people for their injustice and people for their injustice and people for their injustice and unfaithfulness. He will judge the unfaithfulness. He will judge the unfaithfulness. He will judge the leaders who have turned on those who leaders who have turned on those who leaders who have turned on those who they've cared for. Man, even in a day they've cared for. Man, even in a day they've cared for. Man, even in a day when we see people misuse power for when we see people misuse power for when we see people misuse power for their own gain and try to push other their own gain and try to push other their own gain and try to push other people down, like we need to know God is people down, like we need to know God is people down, like we need to know God is not like that. I love that beginning of not like that. I love that beginning of not like that. I love that beginning of chapter 3 where it says speaks and chapter 3 where it says speaks and chapter 3 where it says speaks and describes the ravenous wolves describes the ravenous wolves describes the ravenous wolves and the roaring lions that are these and the roaring lions that are these and the roaring lions that are these people that are supposed to be doing people that are supposed to be doing people that are supposed to be doing good by the people. Then it says, "But good by the people. Then it says, "But good by the people. Then it says, "But the Lord is still in the city. He does the Lord is still in the city. He does the Lord is still in the city. He does no wrong." This is verse 5. "Day by day no wrong." This is verse 5. "Day by day no wrong." This is verse 5. "Day by day he stands down He hands down justice."

he stands down He hands down justice." he stands down He hands down justice." It's It's like morning by morning. It It's It's like morning by morning. It It's It's like morning by morning. It literally every day. And he will do literally every day. And he will do literally every day. And he will do what's just and he doesn't fail. He is what's just and he doesn't fail. He is what's just and he doesn't fail. He is not like the manipulative selfish not like the manipulative selfish not like the manipulative selfish leaders. But he's also the God who who leaders. But he's also the God who who leaders. But he's also the God who who goes on right after that who's judged goes on right after that who's judged goes on right after that who's judged and wants his people to see their and wants his people to see their and wants his people to see their warnings, but instead it says that they warnings, but instead it says that they warnings, but instead it says that they were eager to do what's wrong. But that were eager to do what's wrong. But that were eager to do what's wrong. But that we sometimes go that way. And so the we sometimes go that way. And so the we sometimes go that way. And so the even in the midst of this judgment, even in the midst of this judgment, even in the midst of this judgment, God's mission is never gone. He's still God's mission is never gone. He's still God's mission is never gone. He's still on a mission to gather and this concept on a mission to gather and this concept on a mission to gather and this concept again, like I said, is repeated in again, like I said, is repeated in again, like I said, is repeated in Zephaniah, gathering people from across Zephaniah, gathering people from across Zephaniah, gathering people from across the globe. the globe. the globe. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> That's what we see in 3:9 and I think >> That's what we see in 3:9 and I think >> That's what we see in 3:9 and I think that's really important to see. It says, that's really important to see. It says, that's really important to see. It says, "I will purify the lips of the peoples "I will purify the lips of the peoples "I will purify the lips of the peoples and all of them may call on the name of and all of them may call on the name of and all of them may call on the name of the Lord and serve him shoulder to the Lord and serve him shoulder to the Lord and serve him shoulder to shoulder." So there's these these words shoulder." So there's these these words shoulder." So there's these these words that he's pulling on from the narrative that he's pulling on from the narrative that he's pulling on from the narrative of the Tower of Babel, right? We see of the Tower of Babel, right? We see of the Tower of Babel, right? We see this gathering instead of scattering, this gathering instead of scattering, this gathering instead of scattering, lips that are going to be unified and lips that are going to be unified and lips that are going to be unified and purified instead of languages that are purified instead of languages that are purified instead of languages that are spread, that they're going to call on spread, that they're going to call on spread, that they're going to call on the name of the Lord instead of make a the name of the Lord instead of make a the name of the Lord instead of make a name for themselves, that there's this name for themselves, that there's this name for themselves, that there's this unity, that's what shoulder to shoulder unity, that's what shoulder to shoulder unity, that's what shoulder to shoulder is, together. Yeah, and I am pretty sure is, together. Yeah, and I am pretty sure is, together. Yeah, and I am pretty sure that when Luke wrote Acts 2, he was that when Luke wrote Acts 2, he was that when Luke wrote Acts 2, he was thinking of this passage in Zephaniah, thinking of this passage in Zephaniah, thinking of this passage in Zephaniah, right? I mean he uses all of these right? I mean he uses all of these right? I mean he uses all of these words. And he's saying, "Look, Pentecost words. And he's saying, "Look, Pentecost words. And he's saying, "Look, Pentecost is Zephaniah coming. This is it."

is Zephaniah coming. This is it." is Zephaniah coming. This is it." He's even as we see it and then later in He's even as we see it and then later in He's even as we see it and then later in Acts it says there's this Ethiopian who Acts it says there's this Ethiopian who Acts it says there's this Ethiopian who comes to faith and we're like, comes to faith and we're like, comes to faith and we're like, >> [gasps] >> [gasps] >> [gasps] >> "Luke loves Zephaniah." >> "Luke loves Zephaniah." >> "Luke loves Zephaniah." >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Because it talks about Cush right after >> Because it talks about Cush right after >> Because it talks about Cush right after this, right? That That these are the this, right? That That these are the this, right? That That these are the people of God that are going to be people of God that are going to be people of God that are going to be gathered from other nations. And he's gathered from other nations. And he's gathered from other nations. And he's going to remove the haughty and prideful going to remove the haughty and prideful going to remove the haughty and prideful and leave the meek and humble, it says and leave the meek and humble, it says and leave the meek and humble, it says right after this. And they're going to right after this. And they're going to right after this. And they're going to be people who don't tell lies. be people who don't tell lies. be people who don't tell lies. They're going to be people that are They're going to be people that are They're going to be people that are going to be with their God. So that our going to be with their God. So that our going to be with their God. So that our God is a rescuing and restoring God. God is a rescuing and restoring God. God is a rescuing and restoring God. He'll bring good for his people. And And He'll bring good for his people. And And He'll bring good for his people. And And that central idea of his presence that's that central idea of his presence that's that central idea of his presence that's repeated, that he God is the God who's repeated, that he God is the God who's repeated, that he God is the God who's the king is in your midst. He's in your the king is in your midst. He's in your the king is in your midst. He's in your midst. He's in your midst. Like we we midst. He's in your midst. Like we we midst. He's in your midst. Like we we need that and we need to know this is need that and we need to know this is need that and we need to know this is who he is. who he is. who he is. Yeah, I'm really glad that you brought Yeah, I'm really glad that you brought Yeah, I'm really glad that you brought up that that focus on gathering because up that that focus on gathering because up that that focus on gathering because that had stood out to me and I had meant that had stood out to me and I had meant that had stood out to me and I had meant to mention it earlier. And so I'm really to mention it earlier. And so I'm really to mention it earlier. And so I'm really glad that you pulled into that because glad that you pulled into that because glad that you pulled into that because there is so much there is so much there is so much of that language of with or gather of that language of with or gather of that language of with or gather that's that's seen in this book. It's that's that's seen in this book. It's that's that's seen in this book. It's It's so clear that this is a part of his It's so clear that this is a part of his It's so clear that this is a part of his message and this idea of message and this idea of message and this idea of Well, I should say it stands in such Well, I should say it stands in such Well, I should say it stands in such contrast to what we see at the beginning contrast to what we see at the beginning contrast to what we see at the beginning of chapter 1 with the uh of chapter 1 with the uh of chapter 1 with the uh you know, with the I'm going to wipe you know, with the I'm going to wipe you know, with the I'm going to wipe humanity from the face of the earth. I humanity from the face of the earth. I humanity from the face of the earth. I will you know, all these all these will you know, all these all these will you know, all these all these things about separation. I will separate things about separation. I will separate things about separation. I will separate and I will destroy, you know. But really and I will destroy, you know. But really and I will destroy, you know. But really what he wants to do is bring people in.

what he wants to do is bring people in. what he wants to do is bring people in. And that's the picture that he has in And that's the picture that he has in And that's the picture that he has in mind for how we are meant to be is is mind for how we are meant to be is is mind for how we are meant to be is is gather, is together, his family. gather, is together, his family. gather, is together, his family. Yeah, but he does use the word gather Yeah, but he does use the word gather Yeah, but he does use the word gather both for judgment and restoration. both for judgment and restoration. both for judgment and restoration. >> an important point. That's true. He He >> an important point. That's true. He He >> an important point. That's true. He He does it both times. But he But he But does it both times. But he But he But does it both times. But he But he But there's But it's this idea of pulling there's But it's this idea of pulling there's But it's this idea of pulling people together. And it's like as we are people together. And it's like as we are people together. And it's like as we are pulled together, are we gathering to pulled together, are we gathering to pulled together, are we gathering to worship the Lord or are we gathering worship the Lord or are we gathering worship the Lord or are we gathering recognizing that we're going to receive recognizing that we're going to receive recognizing that we're going to receive judgment because we won't, right? So judgment because we won't, right? So judgment because we won't, right? So which way are we going to go? And that's which way are we going to go? And that's which way are we going to go? And that's I mean that's like the the choice for I mean that's like the the choice for I mean that's like the the choice for us. And us. And us. And >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Another thing I I wanted to Another thing I I wanted to Another thing I I wanted to We haven't spent much time in this We haven't spent much time in this We haven't spent much time in this series series series yet talking about yet talking about yet talking about the the the how similar God or how God how God's how similar God or how God how God's how similar God or how God how God's message carries from message carries from message carries from a prophet to prophet in a similar way. a prophet to prophet in a similar way. a prophet to prophet in a similar way. And that's something that's standing out And that's something that's standing out And that's something that's standing out to me as we're talking about this is we to me as we're talking about this is we to me as we're talking about this is we see a lot of these same themes, these see a lot of these same themes, these see a lot of these same themes, these same pieces that are that are seen in same pieces that are that are seen in same pieces that are that are seen in other prophets. And to me that's just a other prophets. And to me that's just a other prophets. And to me that's just a picture of God's clear message. Like God picture of God's clear message. Like God picture of God's clear message. Like God that God has a has a focus. He has that that God has a has a focus. He has that that God has a has a focus. He has that these are things that are important to these are things that are important to these are things that are important to him. So much so that he is going to him. So much so that he is going to him. So much so that he is going to reiterate them through different reiterate them through different reiterate them through different prophets.

prophets. prophets. Um so so like everything that you were Um so so like everything that you were Um so so like everything that you were saying about the leadership being saying about the leadership being saying about the leadership being judged, like that I I I was thinking judged, like that I I I was thinking judged, like that I I I was thinking back to what we talked about in Micah back to what we talked about in Micah back to what we talked about in Micah about that being a theme in there. And about that being a theme in there. And about that being a theme in there. And then we've already talked about Amos then we've already talked about Amos then we've already talked about Amos and the day of the Lord being there and the day of the Lord being there and the day of the Lord being there being seen in Joel and and even this being seen in Joel and and even this being seen in Joel and and even this returning idea of being seen in Joel, returning idea of being seen in Joel, returning idea of being seen in Joel, this gathering together piece. So all of this gathering together piece. So all of this gathering together piece. So all of these uh key really these uh key really these uh key really deep important things about who God is deep important things about who God is deep important things about who God is and what he wants and what he wants and what he wants for his people being seen carrying for his people being seen carrying for his people being seen carrying through all these different prophets. through all these different prophets. through all these different prophets. Yeah, I think that's right. Because he Yeah, I think that's right. Because he Yeah, I think that's right. Because he This is the same character of God. He This is the same character of God. He This is the same character of God. He doesn't change. And so we would expect doesn't change. And so we would expect doesn't change. And so we would expect that his prophets who are speaking for that his prophets who are speaking for that his prophets who are speaking for him are going to be reminding the people him are going to be reminding the people him are going to be reminding the people of these same things. Things that you of these same things. Things that you of these same things. Things that you mentioned as well as this call to mentioned as well as this call to mentioned as well as this call to faithfulness to him. Against idolatry, faithfulness to him. Against idolatry, faithfulness to him. Against idolatry, against mistreatment of other people. against mistreatment of other people. against mistreatment of other people. That again and again it's humble That again and again it's humble That again and again it's humble yourself, return to me. And there is yourself, return to me. And there is yourself, return to me. And there is judgment, but there's also restoration judgment, but there's also restoration judgment, but there's also restoration and hope and rescue. In all of them. and hope and rescue. In all of them. and hope and rescue. In all of them. It's such a beautiful picture. Okay, so It's such a beautiful picture. Okay, so It's such a beautiful picture. Okay, so what does Zephaniah then teach us about what does Zephaniah then teach us about what does Zephaniah then teach us about people, about ourselves?

people, about ourselves? people, about ourselves? >> Yes. This is similar to what we were >> Yes. This is similar to what we were >> Yes. This is similar to what we were just talking about that we are people just talking about that we are people just talking about that we are people who need to be warned. And we don't who need to be warned. And we don't who need to be warned. And we don't always like that. We're like, "Don't always like that. We're like, "Don't always like that. We're like, "Don't tell me what to do." Right? Like tell me what to do." Right? Like tell me what to do." Right? Like sometimes it's someone sometimes it's someone sometimes it's someone Right? Like even if we had a pastor read Right? Like even if we had a pastor read Right? Like even if we had a pastor read Zephaniah, like this was his sermon, we Zephaniah, like this was his sermon, we Zephaniah, like this was his sermon, we would be like, "I don't know if this is would be like, "I don't know if this is would be like, "I don't know if this is a good church." Right? Because it's so a good church." Right? Because it's so a good church." Right? Because it's so strong. But I think that as we come strong. But I think that as we come strong. But I think that as we come become more familiar with the prophets, become more familiar with the prophets, become more familiar with the prophets, which is good for us, it is part of our which is good for us, it is part of our which is good for us, it is part of our Bible, friends, that we are people that Bible, friends, that we are people that Bible, friends, that we are people that put ourselves under warnings and put ourselves under warnings and put ourselves under warnings and correction rightly. And Zephaniah even correction rightly. And Zephaniah even correction rightly. And Zephaniah even says it openly. The Lord says, "You says it openly. The Lord says, "You says it openly. The Lord says, "You would not take correction. would not take correction. would not take correction. I warned you. You would not listen." And I warned you. You would not listen." And I warned you. You would not listen." And And I think even in our culture today And I think even in our culture today And I think even in our culture today there's so much we are tempted to our there's so much we are tempted to our there's so much we are tempted to our pride and self-dependence and pushing pride and self-dependence and pushing pride and self-dependence and pushing against warning rather than moving against warning rather than moving against warning rather than moving towards this idea of humble repentance towards this idea of humble repentance towards this idea of humble repentance and openness. and openness. and openness. And I would argue that this is actually And I would argue that this is actually And I would argue that this is actually tied to idolatry. The prophets tie pride tied to idolatry. The prophets tie pride tied to idolatry. The prophets tie pride to idolatry because we like shiny idols to idolatry because we like shiny idols to idolatry because we like shiny idols that give us what we want, like that give us what we want, like that give us what we want, like reputation or money or control. And it's reputation or money or control. And it's reputation or money or control. And it's also tied to complacency. In chapter 1 also tied to complacency. In chapter 1 also tied to complacency. In chapter 1 it says because the people believed that it says because the people believed that it says because the people believed that God would do neither good nor bad. It's God would do neither good nor bad. It's God would do neither good nor bad. It's It's functional atheism. Even if we live It's functional atheism. Even if we live It's functional atheism. Even if we live as if we're Christians, we're like, "But as if we're Christians, we're like, "But as if we're Christians, we're like, "But it doesn't really matter. It's not like it doesn't really matter. It's not like it doesn't really matter. It's not like God's going to punish me." Like that's God's going to punish me." Like that's God's going to punish me." Like that's what we believe. We don't believe that what we believe. We don't believe that what we believe. We don't believe that God's going to engage in our lives. And God's going to engage in our lives. And God's going to engage in our lives. And so we would use our power. In chapter 1 so we would use our power. In chapter 1 so we would use our power. In chapter 1 they talk about using their power to get they talk about using their power to get they talk about using their power to get what's good for them even if it meant what's good for them even if it meant what's good for them even if it meant violence for other people. Do we believe violence for other people. Do we believe violence for other people. Do we believe that God is engaging in our lives? And

that God is engaging in our lives? And that God is engaging in our lives? And so we will actually sacrifice ourselves so we will actually sacrifice ourselves so we will actually sacrifice ourselves like the way of Jesus to love and serve like the way of Jesus to love and serve like the way of Jesus to love and serve other people rather than to gain over other people rather than to gain over other people rather than to gain over them. them. them. And Jason, I believe that we have more And Jason, I believe that we have more And Jason, I believe that we have more power than we realize. Like we we do. power than we realize. Like we we do. power than we realize. Like we we do. And so if we follow the theology of And so if we follow the theology of And so if we follow the theology of Zephaniah, then sometimes when things Zephaniah, then sometimes when things Zephaniah, then sometimes when things get hard for us, get hard for us, get hard for us, we need to pay attention to our own we need to pay attention to our own we need to pay attention to our own hearts because God still disciplines his hearts because God still disciplines his hearts because God still disciplines his people. I I want to be careful. I'm not people. I I want to be careful. I'm not people. I I want to be careful. I'm not saying that anytime suffering comes saying that anytime suffering comes saying that anytime suffering comes that's because you did something wrong. that's because you did something wrong. that's because you did something wrong. Absolutely, that's not true. But some Absolutely, that's not true. But some Absolutely, that's not true. But some But I think that there is a theology of But I think that there is a theology of But I think that there is a theology of the prophets in both Habakkuk and in the prophets in both Habakkuk and in the prophets in both Habakkuk and in Zephaniah overtly that when there is Zephaniah overtly that when there is Zephaniah overtly that when there is suffering and hardship that comes that suffering and hardship that comes that suffering and hardship that comes that we should be like, "Oh Lord, I want to we should be like, "Oh Lord, I want to we should be like, "Oh Lord, I want to seek humility and righteousness even seek humility and righteousness even seek humility and righteousness even right now." And And I want to look at right now." And And I want to look at right now." And And I want to look at the way that God you might be the way that God you might be the way that God you might be disciplining me even if some of this is disciplining me even if some of this is disciplining me even if some of this is completely undeserved. I want to still completely undeserved. I want to still completely undeserved. I want to still be the person that's humble. And I be the person that's humble. And I be the person that's humble. And I really appreciate the writings of the really appreciate the writings of the really appreciate the writings of the Chinese church in this that even as they Chinese church in this that even as they Chinese church in this that even as they face persecution, face persecution, face persecution, you can read their writings and they you can read their writings and they you can read their writings and they talk about the way that they have worked talk about the way that they have worked talk about the way that they have worked to repent in any ways that they have to repent in any ways that they have to repent in any ways that they have mistreated other people even as they are mistreated other people even as they are mistreated other people even as they are mistreated. And And And that's just such mistreated. And And And that's just such mistreated. And And And that's just such a beautiful example to the global a beautiful example to the global a beautiful example to the global church. And to be clear, I am not church. And to be clear, I am not church. And to be clear, I am not implying they brought the persecution on implying they brought the persecution on implying they brought the persecution on themselves at all. Not what I'm saying.

themselves at all. Not what I'm saying. themselves at all. Not what I'm saying. But they are modeling an example of But they are modeling an example of But they are modeling an example of humility for the global church. And And humility for the global church. And And humility for the global church. And And seeking humility, Jason, I think it fits seeking humility, Jason, I think it fits seeking humility, Jason, I think it fits in our celebration of Advent really in our celebration of Advent really in our celebration of Advent really well, well, well, as we prepare ourselves for Advent or we as we prepare ourselves for Advent or we as we prepare ourselves for Advent or we maybe think back on the incarnation. But maybe think back on the incarnation. But maybe think back on the incarnation. But one of the ways we seek the Lord and one of the ways we seek the Lord and one of the ways we seek the Lord and appreciate his first coming is by appreciate his first coming is by appreciate his first coming is by seeking humility. But cuz this virtue, seeking humility. But cuz this virtue, seeking humility. But cuz this virtue, like I said, is not normal in society. like I said, is not normal in society. like I said, is not normal in society. It's distinctly for God's people. In the It's distinctly for God's people. In the It's distinctly for God's people. In the age of internet anger and age of internet anger and age of internet anger and self-proclaimed experts and AI self-proclaimed experts and AI self-proclaimed experts and AI exceptionalism, right? We have to be exceptionalism, right? We have to be exceptionalism, right? We have to be people who seek humility people who seek humility people who seek humility that leads us to repentance to show that that leads us to repentance to show that that leads us to repentance to show that we have a need. We need the good news of we have a need. We need the good news of we have a need. We need the good news of Christmas. We need the good news that Christmas. We need the good news that Christmas. We need the good news that prepares our hearts and trains us to prepares our hearts and trains us to prepares our hearts and trains us to follow our savior because the follow our savior because the follow our savior because the incarnation is enacted humility of the incarnation is enacted humility of the incarnation is enacted humility of the greatest one. Like he humbled himself to greatest one. Like he humbled himself to greatest one. Like he humbled himself to become man and to live not to be served become man and to live not to be served become man and to live not to be served but to serve in such a way that we come but to serve in such a way that we come but to serve in such a way that we come to this first coming as waiting people to this first coming as waiting people to this first coming as waiting people who that's the command in chapter 3 to who that's the command in chapter 3 to who that's the command in chapter 3 to his his remnant wait and then rejoice.

his his remnant wait and then rejoice. his his remnant wait and then rejoice. Those are the commands. So we wait and Those are the commands. So we wait and Those are the commands. So we wait and we rejoice with joy as the humble we rejoice with joy as the humble we rejoice with joy as the humble because it says the Lord has taken away because it says the Lord has taken away because it says the Lord has taken away your punishment in 3:15. And he has. The your punishment in 3:15. And he has. The your punishment in 3:15. And he has. The Lord has taken away our punishment. Lord has taken away our punishment. Lord has taken away our punishment. Because what Jesus incarnation led to to Because what Jesus incarnation led to to Because what Jesus incarnation led to to the cross and that this king is with you the cross and that this king is with you the cross and that this king is with you it says in chapter 3. And so now it says in chapter 3. And so now it says in chapter 3. And so now one day he's with us now in the spirit one day he's with us now in the spirit one day he's with us now in the spirit and one day in the fullest sense as we and one day in the fullest sense as we and one day in the fullest sense as we wait. What a beautiful What a beautiful little added on bonus of a Christmas little added on bonus of a Christmas little added on bonus of a Christmas message that we got right there. message that we got right there. message that we got right there. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> I love that. This I forget what day this is releasing I forget what day this is releasing soon. So right before Christmas I soon. So right before Christmas I soon. So right before Christmas I believe. When's this coming up? A week believe. When's this coming up? A week believe. When's this coming up? A week before Christmas. Perfect. before Christmas. Perfect. before Christmas. Perfect. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> I love it. The other thing that really >> I love it. The other thing that really >> I love it. The other thing that really stood out to me is a couple of months stood out to me is a couple of months stood out to me is a couple of months before we recorded this right now. before we recorded this right now. before we recorded this right now. I got to do an episode on confession. I got to do an episode on confession. I got to do an episode on confession. And so it just this idea And so it just this idea And so it just this idea as you said like as you said like as you said like using the events and things of life as using the events and things of life as using the events and things of life as an opportunity to an opportunity to an opportunity to kind of audit the humility of your kind of audit the humility of your kind of audit the humility of your heart. Which starts with this practice heart. Which starts with this practice heart. Which starts with this practice of confession. And when that becomes of confession. And when that becomes of confession. And when that becomes more of an engaged just part of your more of an engaged just part of your more of an engaged just part of your life life life and then you can't help but enter into a and then you can't help but enter into a and then you can't help but enter into a spirit of humility. They're they're spirit of humility. They're they're spirit of humility. They're they're they're so tied because confession is they're so tied because confession is they're so tied because confession is the acknowledgement of of God I messed the acknowledgement of of God I messed the acknowledgement of of God I messed up. I'm not perfect. I'm not right. And up. I'm not perfect. I'm not right. And up. I'm not perfect. I'm not right. And that's that's brings on that spirit of

that's that's brings on that spirit of that's that's brings on that spirit of humility. So you start to see things humility. So you start to see things humility. So you start to see things more through a lens of humility when more through a lens of humility when more through a lens of humility when confession is a more normal practice of confession is a more normal practice of confession is a more normal practice of your life. Um your life. Um your life. Um So I I just wanted to throw that in So I I just wanted to throw that in So I I just wanted to throw that in there too. there too. there too. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Um okay. >> Um okay. >> Um okay. Let's let's We've already talked about Let's let's We've already talked about Let's let's We've already talked about some of the key verses in here. We've some of the key verses in here. We've some of the key verses in here. We've talked about a lot of them. But are talked about a lot of them. But are talked about a lot of them. But are there two or three that you particularly there two or three that you particularly there two or three that you particularly want to say hey if you were the type of want to say hey if you were the type of want to say hey if you were the type of person who likes to you know star or person who likes to you know star or person who likes to you know star or flag a verse in your Bible, make sure flag a verse in your Bible, make sure flag a verse in your Bible, make sure that these ones are highlighted because that these ones are highlighted because that these ones are highlighted because you'll want to pay special you'll want to pay special you'll want to pay special attention there. Yes, my elementary attention there. Yes, my elementary attention there. Yes, my elementary school daughter is just beginning to school daughter is just beginning to school daughter is just beginning to highlight her Bible and she loves it, highlight her Bible and she loves it, highlight her Bible and she loves it, right? Like let's That's my son. right? Like let's That's my son. right? Like let's That's my son. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Let's go nuts. That's my 7-year-old son. >> Let's go nuts. That's my 7-year-old son. >> Let's go nuts. That's my 7-year-old son. He's gotten really into underlining He's gotten really into underlining He's gotten really into underlining right now. Yeah. So I would say chapter right now. Yeah. So I would say chapter right now. Yeah. So I would say chapter 2 verse 3 that we've talked about 2 verse 3 that we've talked about 2 verse 3 that we've talked about already. Seek the Lord you humble of the already. Seek the Lord you humble of the already. Seek the Lord you humble of the land. You who do what he commands seek land. You who do what he commands seek land. You who do what he commands seek righteousness to humility. righteousness to humility. righteousness to humility. Perhaps you will be sheltered in the day Perhaps you will be sheltered in the day Perhaps you will be sheltered in the day of the Lord's anger because it's not of the Lord's anger because it's not of the Lord's anger because it's not seeking him that saves us but rather seeking him that saves us but rather seeking him that saves us but rather throwing ourselves into dependence on throwing ourselves into dependence on throwing ourselves into dependence on him and then he responds. Um him and then he responds. Um him and then he responds. Um And then there's that famous one of And then there's that famous one of And then there's that famous one of God's love in 3:17. The Lord your God is God's love in 3:17. The Lord your God is God's love in 3:17. The Lord your God is with you the mighty warrior who saves.

with you the mighty warrior who saves. with you the mighty warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you. In He will take great delight in you. In He will take great delight in you. In his love he will no longer rebuke you his love he will no longer rebuke you his love he will no longer rebuke you but will rejoice over you with much but will rejoice over you with much but will rejoice over you with much singing. And I honestly hope that this singing. And I honestly hope that this singing. And I honestly hope that this is a more beautiful verse to our is a more beautiful verse to our is a more beautiful verse to our listeners now that we think about in listeners now that we think about in listeners now that we think about in context context context >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> because it is beautiful and in context I >> because it is beautiful and in context I >> because it is beautiful and in context I think it gives us such hope that this is think it gives us such hope that this is think it gives us such hope that this is the God who's faithfully loving his the God who's faithfully loving his the God who's faithfully loving his people. And the third one would be just people. And the third one would be just people. And the third one would be just the Lord within you is righteous. That's the Lord within you is righteous. That's the Lord within you is righteous. That's verse 5 of chapter 3. Morning by morning verse 5 of chapter 3. Morning by morning verse 5 of chapter 3. Morning by morning he dispenses justice because when we he dispenses justice because when we he dispenses justice because when we face injustice in this world and let's face injustice in this world and let's face injustice in this world and let's be honest there is injustice in this be honest there is injustice in this be honest there is injustice in this world. People mistreat other people in world. People mistreat other people in world. People mistreat other people in all in systemic ways and and on the all in systemic ways and and on the all in systemic ways and and on the other side of the globe and on our side other side of the globe and on our side other side of the globe and on our side of the globe. And there are times when of the globe. And there are times when of the globe. And there are times when it just can be so discouraging and it just can be so discouraging and it just can be so discouraging and depressing. Like what do we do when depressing. Like what do we do when depressing. Like what do we do when people misuse their power? And I think people misuse their power? And I think people misuse their power? And I think Zephaniah says we go to what's true Zephaniah says we go to what's true Zephaniah says we go to what's true about the Lord because and while we about the Lord because and while we about the Lord because and while we while we can still oppose it and say while we can still oppose it and say while we can still oppose it and say that's wrong, we can also comfort that's wrong, we can also comfort that's wrong, we can also comfort ourselves like this is not what God is ourselves like this is not what God is ourselves like this is not what God is like. like. like. But he's a righteous God. But he's a righteous God. But he's a righteous God. Most definitely. I did I wanted to add Most definitely. I did I wanted to add Most definitely. I did I wanted to add in there because it's underlined in my in there because it's underlined in my in there because it's underlined in my Bible. Uh 3:12 which is what we're Bible. Uh 3:12 which is what we're Bible. Uh 3:12 which is what we're talking about with humility, right? The talking about with humility, right? The talking about with humility, right? The those who are left will be the lowly and those who are left will be the lowly and those who are left will be the lowly and humble for it is they who trust in the humble for it is they who trust in the humble for it is they who trust in the name of the Lord. And just that reminder name of the Lord. And just that reminder name of the Lord. And just that reminder that call like that call like that call like which again we we see a lot which again we we see a lot which again we we see a lot very clearly in the sermon on the mount very clearly in the sermon on the mount very clearly in the sermon on the mount is the meek who shall inherit the earth.

is the meek who shall inherit the earth. is the meek who shall inherit the earth. So it is this call for the humble life So it is this call for the humble life So it is this call for the humble life that um is so important to our that um is so important to our that um is so important to our relationship with God. relationship with God. relationship with God. Um are there any sticky parts in this Um are there any sticky parts in this Um are there any sticky parts in this book? Are there any parts that for book? Are there any parts that for book? Are there any parts that for somebody who maybe has never read it be somebody who maybe has never read it be somebody who maybe has never read it be like hey just so you know you're going like hey just so you know you're going like hey just so you know you're going to read this. It might be a little hard to read this. It might be a little hard to read this. It might be a little hard to understand or hard to read or to understand or hard to read or to understand or hard to read or confusing or what not. Are there any confusing or what not. Are there any confusing or what not. Are there any parts like that that you want to point parts like that that you want to point parts like that that you want to point out in this book, Taylor? out in this book, Taylor? out in this book, Taylor? Yeah, you know there are repeated strong Yeah, you know there are repeated strong Yeah, you know there are repeated strong statements regarding the Lord's anger, statements regarding the Lord's anger, statements regarding the Lord's anger, wrath, jealousy and how he will consume wrath, jealousy and how he will consume wrath, jealousy and how he will consume the whole earth. And sometimes you read the whole earth. And sometimes you read the whole earth. And sometimes you read that and you're like what is going on that and you're like what is going on that and you're like what is going on here? And I think we have to remember here? And I think we have to remember here? And I think we have to remember that how does this happen? That how are that how does this happen? That how are that how does this happen? That how are we talking about this? Did it happen? we talking about this? Did it happen? we talking about this? Did it happen? Did it did God consume the whole earth Did it did God consume the whole earth Did it did God consume the whole earth because it's we're here so it seems to because it's we're here so it seems to because it's we're here so it seems to be easy. Right? But he many times I be easy. Right? But he many times I be easy. Right? But he many times I think he is referring to the Babylonian think he is referring to the Babylonian think he is referring to the Babylonian conquest that's going to come. And the conquest that's going to come. And the conquest that's going to come. And the all of the nations in the known world all of the nations in the known world all of the nations in the known world will be devoured. And so the as other will be devoured. And so the as other will be devoured. And so the as other prophets had also specifically spoken prophets had also specifically spoken prophets had also specifically spoken even mentioned Babylon's work by the even mentioned Babylon's work by the even mentioned Babylon's work by the sending of the Lord Zephaniah I think is sending of the Lord Zephaniah I think is sending of the Lord Zephaniah I think is referencing that.

referencing that. referencing that. And also I think it's important for us And also I think it's important for us And also I think it's important for us to remember that God's anger and wrath to remember that God's anger and wrath to remember that God's anger and wrath against injustice and evil is good. We against injustice and evil is good. We against injustice and evil is good. We are not super used to this and I bet you are not super used to this and I bet you are not super used to this and I bet you have talked about this with other people have talked about this with other people have talked about this with other people on on on >> Just a couple times but let's do it. >> Just a couple times but let's do it. >> Just a couple times but let's do it. Yeah. Yeah, [laughter] Yeah. Yeah, [laughter] Yeah. Yeah, [laughter] but I mean just that it is good for us but I mean just that it is good for us but I mean just that it is good for us to know that because God's anger is not to know that because God's anger is not to know that because God's anger is not like our anger that like explodes when like our anger that like explodes when like our anger that like explodes when we are just irritated or we feel like we are just irritated or we feel like we are just irritated or we feel like our reputation is being challenged, our reputation is being challenged, our reputation is being challenged, right? God is patient and slow to anger. right? God is patient and slow to anger. right? God is patient and slow to anger. And when his anger comes it is after And when his anger comes it is after And when his anger comes it is after hundreds of years of warning that he is hundreds of years of warning that he is hundreds of years of warning that he is going to discipline his people with going to discipline his people with going to discipline his people with promises of rescue as well, right? And promises of rescue as well, right? And promises of rescue as well, right? And so but that there is this this jealousy so but that there is this this jealousy so but that there is this this jealousy of the Lord be not because he wants what of the Lord be not because he wants what of the Lord be not because he wants what somebody else has but because he is somebody else has but because he is somebody else has but because he is rightly good and needs to care about rightly good and needs to care about rightly good and needs to care about good and actions of other people. good and actions of other people. good and actions of other people. Additionally, the prophets will often do Additionally, the prophets will often do Additionally, the prophets will often do this. They'll speak of the Lord working this. They'll speak of the Lord working this. They'll speak of the Lord working for the sake of his justice and for the sake of his justice and for the sake of his justice and judgement in a time that's happening in judgement in a time that's happening in judgement in a time that's happening in the Old Testament. And also lift our the Old Testament. And also lift our the Old Testament. And also lift our eyes to the horizon to the end when God eyes to the horizon to the end when God eyes to the horizon to the end when God will do the entire judge the whole earth will do the entire judge the whole earth will do the entire judge the whole earth in entirety. So he'll do it at the same in entirety. So he'll do it at the same in entirety. So he'll do it at the same time. And that can be confusing for us time. And that can be confusing for us time. And that can be confusing for us as we read it. Like we which one is it?

as we read it. Like we which one is it? as we read it. Like we which one is it? Talking about Old Testament times or the Talking about Old Testament times or the Talking about Old Testament times or the end time? Yes. And and that he does that end time? Yes. And and that he does that end time? Yes. And and that he does that with judgement and with redemption. So with judgement and with redemption. So with judgement and with redemption. So that it's as if the line of sight goes that it's as if the line of sight goes that it's as if the line of sight goes towards what's nearby and then we're towards what's nearby and then we're towards what's nearby and then we're supposed to look over their shoulder supposed to look over their shoulder supposed to look over their shoulder even further towards the horizon as the even further towards the horizon as the even further towards the horizon as the prophets are speaking that both of those prophets are speaking that both of those prophets are speaking that both of those things are happening. things are happening. things are happening. If that makes sense. If that makes sense. If that makes sense. >> Yeah. No, I think I again from our >> Yeah. No, I think I again from our >> Yeah. No, I think I again from our context now as 21st century Christians context now as 21st century Christians context now as 21st century Christians who have the whole breadth of the Bible, who have the whole breadth of the Bible, who have the whole breadth of the Bible, it's helpful to be able to go back to it's helpful to be able to go back to it's helpful to be able to go back to the prophets to see how God talked about the prophets to see how God talked about the prophets to see how God talked about judgement in what was happening then judgement in what was happening then judgement in what was happening then onto Jerusalem onto the you know. And onto Jerusalem onto the you know. And onto Jerusalem onto the you know. And then but also be able to look ahead at then but also be able to look ahead at then but also be able to look ahead at the second coming. Like it's helpful um the second coming. Like it's helpful um the second coming. Like it's helpful um to be able to see okay I I I have a to be able to see okay I I I have a to be able to see okay I I I have a picture of how God feels and is thinking picture of how God feels and is thinking picture of how God feels and is thinking and everything. Like yeah. So I that's and everything. Like yeah. So I that's and everything. Like yeah. So I that's helpful. And yes about that anger piece. helpful. And yes about that anger piece. helpful. And yes about that anger piece. I forget in it may have been in the I forget in it may have been in the I forget in it may have been in the Nahum episode that we talked about with Nahum episode that we talked about with Nahum episode that we talked about with Thomas. But we Thomas. But we Thomas. But we talked about how if we like we have this talked about how if we like we have this talked about how if we like we have this beautiful picture of God's character and beautiful picture of God's character and beautiful picture of God's character and seeing who he is. So we know he's seeing who he is. So we know he's seeing who he is. So we know he's patient. We know that he that it's it's patient. We know that he that it's it's patient. We know that he that it's it's rooted in in his love for us and his rooted in in his love for us and his rooted in in his love for us and his disappointment and sadness disappointment and sadness disappointment and sadness when we choose not to follow him. That when we choose not to follow him. That when we choose not to follow him. That there's not a single person he has made there's not a single person he has made there's not a single person he has made who he doesn't love. So it is sad like who he doesn't love. So it is sad like who he doesn't love. So it is sad like God must feel so just kind of sad that God must feel so just kind of sad that God must feel so just kind of sad that we that we choose to go away from him.

we that we choose to go away from him. we that we choose to go away from him. Whether it's the people of Israel or Whether it's the people of Israel or Whether it's the people of Israel or whether if it was you know whether if it was you know whether if it was you know other people of other nations. And so other people of other nations. And so other people of other nations. And so his that anger this judgement is really his that anger this judgement is really his that anger this judgement is really tied into grief and sadness. And tied into grief and sadness. And tied into grief and sadness. And so it helps to just paint this beautiful so it helps to just paint this beautiful so it helps to just paint this beautiful picture of who God is back then and picture of who God is back then and picture of who God is back then and still now. Um that you know he's he he still now. Um that you know he's he he still now. Um that you know he's he he loves us so much so deeply loves us so much so deeply loves us so much so deeply but is sad for us when we choose not to but is sad for us when we choose not to but is sad for us when we choose not to obey or follow his you know as obey or follow his you know as obey or follow his you know as his way of life for us. Yeah, and he's his way of life for us. Yeah, and he's his way of life for us. Yeah, and he's justly angry. It's justly angry, yeah. justly angry. It's justly angry, yeah. justly angry. It's justly angry, yeah. Because he loves good. Yeah. Because he loves good. Yeah. Because he loves good. Yeah. >> And it would be right for him to love >> And it would be right for him to love >> And it would be right for him to love creation and for and to love the right creation and for and to love the right creation and for and to love the right actions of his people that he created. actions of his people that he created. actions of his people that he created. And then he has creator's rights over us And then he has creator's rights over us And then he has creator's rights over us and that sometimes we don't like to and that sometimes we don't like to and that sometimes we don't like to think that way but he does. Well, it think that way but he does. Well, it think that way but he does. Well, it goes back to that picture that we talked goes back to that picture that we talked goes back to that picture that we talked about about about the proper order and about about about the proper order and about about about the proper order and then how God is laying out I'm going to then how God is laying out I'm going to then how God is laying out I'm going to I'm going to completely untangle this I'm going to completely untangle this I'm going to completely untangle this proper order that you guys have already proper order that you guys have already proper order that you guys have already messed up. Um so yes. [laughter] messed up. Um so yes. [laughter] messed up. Um so yes. [laughter] Uh okay.

Uh okay. Uh okay. As we start to wrap up our time through As we start to wrap up our time through As we start to wrap up our time through Zephaniah, what would you want to leave Zephaniah, what would you want to leave Zephaniah, what would you want to leave people with as they think about this people with as they think about this people with as they think about this book now after this conversation? Um you book now after this conversation? Um you book now after this conversation? Um you know Zephaniah may not be at the top of know Zephaniah may not be at the top of know Zephaniah may not be at the top of your study list or even the one that you your study list or even the one that you your study list or even the one that you would like would like would like >> now. teach other people but I would just >> now. teach other people but I would just >> now. teach other people but I would just say the church needs us today, friends. say the church needs us today, friends. say the church needs us today, friends. The book offers a powerful correction The book offers a powerful correction The book offers a powerful correction against syncretism, mixing our worship, against syncretism, mixing our worship, against syncretism, mixing our worship, against self-rule and pride. And each against self-rule and pride. And each against self-rule and pride. And each day ideas compete for our attention. day ideas compete for our attention. day ideas compete for our attention. Whether it be a a false god or Whether it be a a false god or Whether it be a a false god or philosophies that are clamoring for our philosophies that are clamoring for our philosophies that are clamoring for our devotion. And the day of the Lord is devotion. And the day of the Lord is devotion. And the day of the Lord is still near. For it still near. For it still near. For it Zephaniah is foreshadowing a very real Zephaniah is foreshadowing a very real Zephaniah is foreshadowing a very real return of Christ and his judgement. We return of Christ and his judgement. We return of Christ and his judgement. We need the call to faithfulness, seeking need the call to faithfulness, seeking need the call to faithfulness, seeking the Lord and joyful waiting. And when we the Lord and joyful waiting. And when we the Lord and joyful waiting. And when we see where Zephaniah is placed in the see where Zephaniah is placed in the see where Zephaniah is placed in the book of the 12 or what we might call the book of the 12 or what we might call the book of the 12 or what we might call the minor prophets, it shows a history of minor prophets, it shows a history of minor prophets, it shows a history of its interpretation a little bit because its interpretation a little bit because its interpretation a little bit because chronologically it would be placed chronologically it would be placed chronologically it would be placed before Habakkuk. Yeah. But instead it's before Habakkuk. Yeah. But instead it's before Habakkuk. Yeah. But instead it's placed after it, after the seventh other placed after it, after the seventh other placed after it, after the seventh other seventh century prophets right before seventh century prophets right before seventh century prophets right before the post-exilic books. And but it shows the post-exilic books. And but it shows the post-exilic books. And but it shows perhaps that this book has been read in perhaps that this book has been read in perhaps that this book has been read in light of the people's ultimate light of the people's ultimate light of the people's ultimate disobedience ending up in exile.

disobedience ending up in exile. disobedience ending up in exile. And the end of Zephaniah, it's his clear And the end of Zephaniah, it's his clear And the end of Zephaniah, it's his clear portrayal of the coming judgement portrayal of the coming judgement portrayal of the coming judgement continued to be a warning and it's continued to be a warning and it's continued to be a warning and it's ending of hope of rescue and God's ending of hope of rescue and God's ending of hope of rescue and God's presence was designed to be hope for all presence was designed to be hope for all presence was designed to be hope for all of us because it describes the darkness of us because it describes the darkness of us because it describes the darkness and it describes the light at the end of and it describes the light at the end of and it describes the light at the end of the tunnel. Because we know that the the tunnel. Because we know that the the tunnel. Because we know that the king of Israel did ride into Jerusalem king of Israel did ride into Jerusalem king of Israel did ride into Jerusalem and that Jesus did do that and his and that Jesus did do that and his and that Jesus did do that and his spirit is still in our midst and the spirit is still in our midst and the spirit is still in our midst and the love of God that reverberates in this love of God that reverberates in this love of God that reverberates in this final chapter and the wrath of God final chapter and the wrath of God final chapter and the wrath of God through the other chapters should throw through the other chapters should throw through the other chapters should throw us on our knees in worship of the Lord. us on our knees in worship of the Lord. us on our knees in worship of the Lord. Thank you so much for being our guide Thank you so much for being our guide Thank you so much for being our guide through the book of Zephaniah today, through the book of Zephaniah today, through the book of Zephaniah today, Taylor. I really appreciate it. Would Taylor. I really appreciate it. Would Taylor. I really appreciate it. Would you mind uh closing us in prayer, you mind uh closing us in prayer, you mind uh closing us in prayer, specifically praying for people as they specifically praying for people as they specifically praying for people as they read this book that we've been talking read this book that we've been talking read this book that we've been talking about? Oh, I'd love to. about? Oh, I'd love to. about? Oh, I'd love to. Father, thank [music] you Father, thank [music] you Father, thank [music] you for your word for your word for your word and for the book of Zephaniah. and for the book of Zephaniah. and for the book of Zephaniah. God, we are people who want to be humble God, we are people who want to be humble God, we are people who want to be humble and remembering who you are and learning and remembering who you are and learning and remembering who you are and learning from [music] you.

from [music] you. from [music] you. Even now I pray for the listeners and Even now I pray for the listeners and Even now I pray for the listeners and all of us as we read the book of all of us as we read the book of all of us as we read the book of Zephaniah. Lord, we say that we want to Zephaniah. Lord, we say that we want to Zephaniah. Lord, we say that we want to be people who hear your correction. be people who hear your correction. be people who hear your correction. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> We want to be people who turn from our >> We want to be people who turn from our >> We want to be people who turn from our own self-rule and self-dependence own self-rule and self-dependence own self-rule and self-dependence [music] [music] [music] to humility, to seek the humility, seek to humility, to seek the humility, seek to humility, to seek the humility, seek the Lord and seek righteousness. the Lord and seek righteousness. the Lord and seek righteousness. And God, we exalt and are full of joy And God, we exalt and are full of joy And God, we exalt and are full of joy because you are the good God who we because you are the good God who we because you are the good God who we believe has rescued in the work of believe has rescued in the work of believe has rescued in the work of Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Because of him we can have hope and we Because of him we can have hope and we Because of him we can have hope and we read [music] this book knowing that you read [music] this book knowing that you read [music] this book knowing that you are with us now and that one day all of are with us now and that one day all of are with us now and that one day all of those promises will be [music] fully those promises will be [music] fully those promises will be [music] fully fulfilled. We will be with you in the fulfilled. We will be with you in the fulfilled. We will be with you in the greatest sense and we praise you for it. greatest sense and we praise you for it. greatest sense and we praise you for it. We pray this in Jesus' strong name. We pray this in Jesus' strong name. We pray this in Jesus' strong name. Amen. [music]