Zephaniah 1-3: Zephaniah Abreviated

 “I will sweep away everything
   from the face of the earth,”
            declares the LORD. - Zeph 1:2 NIV

Gather together, gather together,
   O shameful nation, before the appointed time arrives
   and that day sweeps on like chaff,
before the fierce anger of the LORD comes upon you,
   before the day of the LORD’s wrath comes upon you. 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. - Zeph 2:1-3 NIV

 The LORD your God is with you,
   he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
   he will quiet you with his love,
   he will rejoice over you with singing.” - Zeph. 3:17 NIV

How is it possible that this God, this avenging God, is also one who will quiet those he loves with his love and rejoice over them with singing.  Can this be the same God.  Is it God that has changed or is it his creation.  Is there any of his creation who realize just what God demands.  That he's not looking for show, for our own greatness, for big or for better.  He's looking for righteousness and humility: a humble and contrite heart, that's all.  Everything else will be swept away.  Everything.

2010 Post - Zephaniah:  The Great Day of the Lord