Route 66 Zephaniah and Haggai

ZEPHANIAH
God Will Judge
Background:
A contemporary of Jeremiah, Zephaniah traces his ancestry back four generations (1:1). Even though no reference of title is given, the name Hezekiah could refer to the king of Judah, who was favorably influenced by Isaiah and Micah.
Zephaniah dates his ministry to the reign of Josiah (640-609 B.C.). In the 18th year of his reign, the Book of the Law was discovered in the temple, and this discovery further fueled his religious reform efforts in Judah (2 Kings 22-23). This could serve as the background for the tone of Zephaniah’s message.

Outline and Message:
I. God Will Judge Judah (1:1-2:3)
Many worshipped Baal, Molech, and the hosts of heaven (1:4). They viewed God as indifferent to them and their actions (1:12). But the Day of the Lord was coming (1:14). It would bring about punishment to every rebellious corner of Jerusalem. They were warned with descriptive and dark images to prepare for this day (1:15-18).

II. God Will Judge the Nations (2:4-15)
Zephaniah, like the other prophets, affirmed God’s sovereignty over all the nations, not simply Judah. Those closest to them, the Philistines (2:4-7), the Moabites, and the Ammonites (2:8-11), would pay for the penalty of their evil. The Ethiopians and Assyrians (2:12-15) would fare no better and receive payment for their arrogance.

III. God Will Judge Judah and the Nations (3:1-8)
Judah’s corrupt leadership displayed itself at every level—royalty, judges, prophets, and priests (3:1-7). The leadership didn’t trust in God nor heed His word. Zephaniah promised that the Lord would bring real justice to the nations (3:8).

IV. Restoration of Israel and the Nations (3:9-20)
The conclusion of the book brings a gentle reminder that there is always hope in God. The day of God’s judgment would also bring God’s healing and restoration. The Lord would purify their lips so that they may serve Him faithfully (3:9). He would remove the haughty, exalt the humble, and give them refuge in the land (3:12-13). Such a blessing would cause the people to rejoice over Him (3:14), but Zephaniah happily proclaimed that God would rejoice over them (3:17b)!

Key Passage (2:1-3):
1 Come together and hold assembly, O shameless nation,
2 before you are driven away like the drifting chaff, before there comes upon you the fierce anger of the LORD, before there comes upon you the day of the wrath of the LORD.
3 Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, who do his commands; seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the wrath of the LORD.

Closing Thought:
Zephaniah gave them a glimpse into the future to motivate them to live for God that day. His message is for us today. We need to give our lives to Him daily in gratitude for all He has done, is doing, and will do in the days to come.

Haggai
Do You Truly Care?

Background:
The Hebrews returned from Babylonian captivity in 536 B.C. They enthusiastically began rebuilding the temple. Their enthusiasm caught the attention of their neighbors who sought to discourage them from their project. Work ceased for fifteen years. Haggai prophesied in this period around 520 B.C. (1:1). He possessed a great zeal for the Lord’s temple. He wanted the people to complete it immediately! But the people had become apathetic. They didn’t care about the temple as much as they did their own comfort. In a series of four messages, God would use Haggai to encourage the people to focus on God’s desire.

Outline and Message:
I. First Message: It’s Time to Build (1:1-15)
Haggai began with a question (1:4)—“Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins?” The people had plenty of time for their own desires, but no time to work on God’s temple. He confronted them with their current state—meager harvests, food and drink that don’t satisfy, clothes that don’t comfort, and wages that disappear quickly (1:5-6). Why? Because they pursued their own desires while God’s house laid in ruins (1:7-11). Haggai assured them that God would be with them in the process (1:13). Within the month, the temple work resumed (1:14-15)!

II. Encouraging the Discouraged (2:1-9)
About a month later, Haggai brought a word of encouragement to the people. He asked how this temple compared to the former temple. Clearly, this one was far less glorious (Ez. 3:10-13). Haggai encouraged them to keep working because God’s Spirit was with them (2:5) and He would make this house “greater than the former“ (2:9).

III. The Need for Patience (2:10-19)
After another two months, Haggai asked the priests about clean and unclean things. Would holy meat in a man’s garment make other food holy if it touched it? No. If it touched someone unclean, would it make it unclean? Yes. Haggai said, “So is it with this people… what they offer there is unclean” (2:14). The people thought they would become holy by having the temple. Instead, they profaned the temple with their unholy living. Despite their sin, God was determined to bless them and told them to mark it on their calendars (2:15-19)!

IV. The Promise (2:20-23)
God had more in store for the people. The Lord would bring down kingdoms and exalt them. He said God would establish David’s kingdom again. Zerubbabel was a descendant of David. His appointment inspired hope in the people. We see the fulfillment of their hope today in Jesus Christ (Luke 1:32-33; Matthew 1:1, 12).

Key Passage:
This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways.” (1:7)

Closing Thought:
In spite of our sinful ways, the Lord desires to bless us and for us to be a blessing to others. In spite of our sinful ways, He blessed us with a Redeemer. In spite of sinful ways, He blessed us with forgiveness and salvation. We should thank Him daily by living for Him and sharing His love to all people.