The cause and cure of God's coming Judgment

Read Zephaniah 1.

The Holy Spirit revealed to Zephaniah a vision concerning "the day of the LORD."  The phrase is used 20 times in these 53 verses.  It refers to both the future judgment and the future blessings God has in store.  This prophecy majors on judgment.

Immediately, the message proclaims worldwide punishment on everything (vv.2-3).  Pointedly, Judah and the capital of Jerusalem will be among the targets.  This indicates that the prophecy blends the impending invasion by Babylon and the ultimate judgment of God on the earth.  Often, the prophets' visions of the events to come were joined and not separated by time, as is the actual case

The Apostle Peter wrote of the earth's judgment as still future.  "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed." (2 Peter 3:10)

What is the root cause of such a horrific future?
"Because they sinned against the LORD" (v.17b).  It is the sin of "those who have turned back from following the LORD who do not seek the LORD or inquire of him."  Instead of seeking and worshiping God, people have turned away from Him to their own devices.  Verses 4-5 provide just a few examples: Baal worship, following idolatrous spiritual leaders, looking to the planets and stars for guidance, and the Ammonite god Milcom (Molech).

What is a common response to God's announced judgment?
"The LORD will not do good nor will he do ill." (v.12b)  In other words, they do not believe God cares about their beliefs or behaviors.  They willfully ignore the plain statements of God's words to them.  His warnings do not prompt them to change the spiritual direction of their lives.

Jesus taught the same messages of warning.
"The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace.  In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 13:41-42)

"Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken." (Matthew 24:29)

What is the only hope?
"Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains of him." (John 3:36)