God's Glory Church

“They zealously spoiled all their deeds.” — Zephaniah 3:7

My friend’s eyes showed what I felt too – fear! We, two teenagers, had misbehaved and were now standing in front of the camp director. He, who knew our parents well, lovingly but firmly said that they would be very disappointed. We wanted to crawl under the table. We keenly felt our responsibility for what we had done.

God gave the prophet Zephaniah a message for the inhabitants of Judea, which also spoke about responsibility for sin (Zeph. 1:1, 6-7). After describing the judgments that He will carry out on the enemies of Judah (Zeph. 2), the Lord addressed His guilty people: “Woe to the city that is warlike and polluted, the city of rapists!” (Zeph. 3:1). He was kind and patient towards them, but “they zealously corrupted all their works” (v. 7).

God saw the hardened hearts of the Jews, their spiritual apathy, social injustice and greed. He was going to punish them. And it doesn’t matter if it was about princes, judges or prophets (vv. 3-4) – everyone was guilty before Him.

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Jewish people of his time: “You store up anger for yourself for the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who will render to each one according to his deeds” (Rom. 2:5-6). But we, unlike them, have the power of Christ, so let’s live in such a way that the holy, loving Father is glorified through us and that in the future we have nothing to regret.

Why do we need to be aware of personal responsibility for sin? Have you ever dishonored God with your actions?

Heavenly Father, help me to do only what is good and right in Your eyes.

Author: Our Daily Bread