The Day of the Lord

Song: There's A Great Day Coming

Scripture: Zephaniah 3:1-13

Zephaniah prophesied during the reign of King Josiah, one of Judah’s good kings. Both the king and the prophet (1:1) were descendants of King Hezekiah, another godly king. Zephaniah likely prophesied in the 630’s or 620’s BC, making him a contemporary of Nahum and Jeremiah also.

The dominant theme of Zephaniah’s prophecy is the “day of the Lord.” The day of the Lord is a time in the future, sometimes distant and sometimes near, when God will visit mankind. The phrase is found frequently in the prophets but finds its fullest expression in Zephaniah’s message.

The day of the Lord is a day of judgment. It is the day when God’s patience finally runs out. Zephaniah reveals that God’s wrath will eventually be executed against Judah and against the other nations who have neglected His will.

The day of the Lord can also be a day of salvation. Zephaniah looks into the future in our text and shows that God will restore a remnant in Israel. It is rare that God ever discloses a specific day that He will visit mankind. He gives warnings and supplies the principles by which His salvation or judgment is executed. He comes when He wills.

Will there be a day of the Lord for the U.S.? That will depend on the conduct of her people. There is certainly a day of the Lord to come for all mankind, the final day of the Lord. It will be both a day of judgment and salvation for all the nations. Get ready for that day. It will surely come.

Jason Moore