“The TV audience laughs, and you are supposed to laugh, too. But the cause of the laughter wasn’t funny at all - an off-color joke, a scene depicting marital unfaithfulness, some remark ridiculing religion or even Jesus himself.
Sin really isn’t funny. It’s serious business. Sin ultimately brings horrible judgment and punishment, rather than a chuckle or uproarious laughter. God does not laugh at sin. God’s people should not laugh at sin either. With many of the prophets, we should weep because of the consequences that we see coming from sin.
During Josiah’s reign, Jeremiah, Habakkuk, Micah, and Zephaniah joined in speaking out against the evil so common in their land. Zephaniah did not laugh at evil, for he knew that God did not laugh at it. Instead, Zephaniah thundered his warnings against evil, pronouncing judgment and punishment upon all who were against the Lord. The punishment would be truly horrible. The entire nation, even the beautiful city of Jerusalem, would be destroyed. The survivors would be carried away into captivity. No one would laugh at that. But it was the only way to purge the nation of its sinful way of life, which had penetrated into every fiber of society.
But there was hope in the midst of the grim prophecies. There is a shelter from the Lord’s anger for those who humbly seek righteousness. A few of the scattered Judeans would be permitted to return to the land someday. God would gather the faithful and bring them back to start over as a nation under God. And someday, God will gather all his faithful – Jews and non-Jews alike – into his heavenly Kingdom, where all sin and sorrow and defeat will be forever removed. (Yes, Lord!)
As the book draws to a close, hope bursts into full bloom. “Sing…shout aloud!...Be glad and rejoice with all your heart!....They will praise you as I restore your fortunes.”
If Zephaniah could come to your house for dinner tonight, he would share two profound yet simple truths with you. Evil is no laughing matter, for it will bring God’s terrible judgment. But God’s forgiveness is like a song, a shout, a time of rejoicing, a time for honor and praise. Commit yourself to rooting out the repeated sins that have become a way of life. Choose to be one of God’s faithful by asking his forgiveness and obeying his Word. Then rejoice that one day we will never fear again but will live with the Lord forever in a place of goodness and perfect peace.” (Touch Point Bible)
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Create in us a spirit that pushes against sin, and one that fights diligently to turn from it daily. For our reward is far greater than sin’s temporary pleasures. Lord, we love you, and thank you for giving us another opportunity to study another of your wonderful books.
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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