Zephaniah

1:7–16
Zephaniah describes the day of the Lord. The day of the Lord’s judgment will be a terrible day for Judah—that day when the enemy attacks them and they are conquered. Verses 15–16 describe that day. Make a list of everything that will happen.

Thinky knows you wrote a list of many scary things. These things remind many people of the day when Jesus will return to earth. That can make people afraid. But anyone who believes in Jesus doesn’t need to fear. Jesus promises that if we believe in Him, we will live forever in heaven. (Read John 14:1–4 and Philippians 3:20.)

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1:12–13
The people of Judah thought the Lord had turned away from them.
They thought he didn’t care what they did. There are some people who still think this way today. But if you think about it, you can find the Lord working all around you.

Inny is always looking to find where God is working. Look carefully around you.
Where do you find the Lord’s work being done where you live? Ask your parents to tell you about a special time when the Lord worked in your family. Do you realize that the Lord is working in every part of your life? Thank him for everything he does for you!

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2 – 3
Zephaniah’s message tells of the judgment and punishment the Lord will bring to the nations. He tells the nations around Judah that they will be conquered and destroyed. He also tells the people of Judah that they will be conquered. But in his message to Judah, Zephaniah asks the people to repent.
He pleads with them to leave their evil ways and turn to the Lord.

2:3
Zephaniah comforts the people who serve the Lord. The day of the Lord will be a terrible, frightening day. But the people who serve the Lord should continue to obey him. They must be humble and do what is right. The Lord will keep them safe.

3:9–13
The prophets don’t end their books telling of the Lord’s punishment. They always end telling of his mercy. Zephaniah also states that the Lord will change the people so that they will serve him.
Their punishment will make them realise that they should turn back to the Lord. They will become humble and they will stop doing evil things. They will put their trust in the Lord.