AUGUST 28 - JUDGMENT AND JOY
READ Zephaniah 3
Beyond impending judgment there is joy.
INSIGHT
Blue blood flows through Zephaniah´s veins. He is the great-great-grandson of Hezekiah, the thirteenth king of Judah and one of the most righteous of all kings. The flame for revival and religious reform burns as hot in Zephaniah´s heart as it did in his forefathers´. Zephaniah´s book has been called one of the “hottest” books in the Old Testament. He portrays “the final crash of the universe.” The impending Day of the Lord is his all-encompassing message. Twenty-three times in this short book he refers specifically to the day that signifies the final judgment of God on the earth. Following the time of terrible judgment is the time of restoration and peace. Beyond judgment there is joy.
PRAYER
Give thanks to the Lord, and praise Him that all events are in His control and that eventually His children will know only joy:
Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue;
I will proclaim your greatness.
Everyone will share the story
Of your wonderful goodness;
They will sing with joy about your righteousness.
The Lord is merciful and compassionate,
Slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
The Lord is good to everyone.
He showers compassion on all his creation
(Psalm 145:6-9).
Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
The Lord is compassionate and merciful,
Slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
The Lord is like a father to his children,
Tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
For he knows how weak we are;
He remembers we are only dust
(Psalm 103:8, 13-14).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
If you love me, obey my commandments (John 14:15).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
In closing, ask God to help you:
Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
(2 Peter 3:18).
Beyond impending judgment there is joy.
INSIGHT
Blue blood flows through Zephaniah´s veins. He is the great-great-grandson of Hezekiah, the thirteenth king of Judah and one of the most righteous of all kings. The flame for revival and religious reform burns as hot in Zephaniah´s heart as it did in his forefathers´. Zephaniah´s book has been called one of the “hottest” books in the Old Testament. He portrays “the final crash of the universe.” The impending Day of the Lord is his all-encompassing message. Twenty-three times in this short book he refers specifically to the day that signifies the final judgment of God on the earth. Following the time of terrible judgment is the time of restoration and peace. Beyond judgment there is joy.
PRAYER
Give thanks to the Lord, and praise Him that all events are in His control and that eventually His children will know only joy:
Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue;
I will proclaim your greatness.
Everyone will share the story
Of your wonderful goodness;
They will sing with joy about your righteousness.
The Lord is merciful and compassionate,
Slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
The Lord is good to everyone.
He showers compassion on all his creation
(Psalm 145:6-9).
Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
The Lord is compassionate and merciful,
Slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
The Lord is like a father to his children,
Tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
For he knows how weak we are;
He remembers we are only dust
(Psalm 103:8, 13-14).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
If you love me, obey my commandments (John 14:15).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
- Greater faithfulness in sharing Christ
- The work of the Lord in national and world affairs
- The concerns that God has laid on your heart
In closing, ask God to help you:
Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
(2 Peter 3:18).
A Dogwood Church Discipleship Ministry Resource. © Walk Thru the Bible 2025.