Zephaniah 2

“Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, who do his just commands; seek righteousness; seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the anger of the LORD.” (Zephaniah 2:3, ESV)

Zephaniah prophesied about God’s future judgment of the nations. Many of these were perennial enemies of Israel: the Philistines, Moabites, Ammonites, Ethiopians, and Assyrians. They had all cursed or attacked God’s people for generations. But God would pay them back as they had treated others.

When God judges a people, what are the righteous to do? The LORD told Zephaniah how His people could protect themselves through the coming storm.

First, they could seek humility. This means to become nothing so that God may be all in all. It means giving preference to others, considering them better than ourselves. Humility is probably the least appreciated and least imitated characteristic of Christ.

Second, they could seek the LORD. God wants us to seek Him. He spoke through Jeremiah, saying, “You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)

Third, they could seek righteousness. This means to obey the LORD’s commandments, even when you do not feel like it, others do not understand, or you would suffer for it.

If they would do these three things, then who knows? Perhaps God would hide them in the day of His anger and preserve them through the coming trouble.

Even if God does not bring judgment soon, these are great things to practice that will keep us standing firm in the love of God.