Cut off

“I will stretch out my hand against Judah and against all who live in Jerusalem. I will cut off...

those who turn back from following the LORD and neither seek the LORD nor inquire of him.”                                                   Zeph. 1.4, 6

Zephaniah is directing these words to an apostate Judah. They have largely abandoned the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. They have embraced idolatrous ways, turning to Baal, Molech and others.

God is a jealous God. His first requirement of Moses is:

               “You shall have no other gods before me.”  (Exodus 20.3)

His very first command has been ignored. He has been spurned and the joy of His people in relationship with Him has been defiled.

Several millennia later the scene is repeated. In today’s world, many people have consciously chosen not to follow the Lord God. They neither seek Him nor enquire of Him. Perhaps, like Judah, they may face the prospect of God stretching out His hand against them. This is highly possible.

What impacts me even more at this time is the realisation that these people miss out on relationship with the Almighty. They actually deny themselves this blessing. And it is, most assuredly, a blessing. I know from my own experience. I want nothing more than to seek the Lord, inquire of Him, and embrace Him in all that I am and do.

Holy Lord,

I cry out for those who turn from You. I pray that You will be merciful to them, reach out to them and draw them to You. Forgive them, Lord, and lead them into the everlasting life of Your love.

I love You, and seek You in all that I am and all that I do. I ask You to direct me in all things. I want to go only Your way. I know You will not leave nor forsake me and I rejoice greatly in this assurance.

As the day opens ahead, I ask for Your clear direction and guidance. May all that I do be in the fullness of Your will, and may I honour You in everything. I pray this in Jesus’ name.               Amen.

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