Zephaniah 2

Scripture Reading:  Read Zephaniah Chapter 2. 

The God of Perhaps: 

Zephaniah 2:3 – “Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands.

Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger.” (NIV)

I can’t imagine the weight of being a judge. Indeed, judges become comfortable with being unpopular.  I’ve watched someone’s sentencing before, and in this case, I was surprised and encouraged to see the judge strive to judge fairly but also offer hope to this man, who seemed genuinely remorseful and ready to make amends.  Praise the Lord; our God is a good, gracious, and righteous judge.

Zephaniah is a strong book of judgment, and that judgment is deserved.  However, we see here a glimmer of hope that comes with conditions.  The Lord would indeed bring judgment to Judah, but here we see an invitation from God for His people, Judah, to turn from their sin and return to the Lord. 

Our God is so gracious.  He promises hope for Judah, clarifying that they have an opportunity to leave behind their life of rebellion and seek the Lord. The Lord invites them to seek righteousness and humility; they don’t have to remain in rebellion. 

Yes, our God is a righteous, sovereign judge who will punish wicked nations and individuals at the proper time.  But make no mistake; He invites sinners to turn from their sin toward God in obedience and humility.  Our God is the God of the “perhaps.”  That word “perhaps” speaks of this glimmer of hope for those who turn from rebellion.  May we experience this gracious “perhaps” of our God. 

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for your mercies, which are new every morning.  Thank you, that you are a God of “perhaps.”