This is a warning of universal judgement (1:2-3) spoken as by the Lord Himself: 'I will sweep away ......... I will overthrow'. It is then concentrated on Judah and especially the inhabitants of Jerusalem. (vv. 4-13). The meaning of this for the whole world (vv 14-18) is described as Zephaniah takes up again the theme which he opened.

It is an assertion of God's sovereign right and power to judge the whole earth. Mentioning the various forms of life is designed to stress the totality of the scope of judgement, sin and its inevitable reward.

Jerusalem is regarded by Zephaniah as the fountainhead of the rampant evil and idolatory of the period. This is an End Time Book and these judgements are appropriate for today.

Jerusalem today is full of false god worship bordering on paganism. The same can be said of New Zealand today and sexual deviants getting the upper hand. The disloyalty today to God from the People of God is rife. They chase after worldly, earthly riches and not after the things of God.

This day is near and hastening fast. There is no favoritism with God and He has an appointment to keep with all men. There is a Hymn by Thomas of Celano called 'Dies Irae' (The Wrath of God) the urgency of the situation strikes home and is true in every age when men forget or defy God. No matter what sort of defenses you put up, you will not be safe as God will tear it down.

He is allowing Satan full sway at present and Satan knowing that he has but a short time, is making the most of it. Even the Elect are being deceived. Then the reckoning will come. God is to be worshipped exclusively, He resists the unfaithfulness of His sinning people. He could not be a jealous God, if He was not first a God of Love. He wants to possess His people all to Himself only if they allow Him.

But they keep backsliding because the leaders are full of self importance and concentrate on earthly things. The Shepherds are letting the flock down. The only way to God is Christ, all other things are meaningless. We must preach the Faith of Christ Crucified and get back to the Basics of the Gospel. ALSO TO HUMBLE OURSELVES BEFORE GOD AND OFFER OUR WHOLE SELVES TO GOD'S SERVICE AND BECOME A PART OF THAT REMNANT THAT IS TO BE SAVED.

Keep the Commandments of God, think seriously about the 4th. Commandment and its implication to mankind and Remember when it was instituted. There is a lifeline being offered, reach out and grab it. Rededicate your life to God and His Christ. This is my Prayer in His Holy Name. AMEN!

To Thee be Glory and Praise, now and ever, unto Ages of Ages.