I will utterly consume all things on the face of the earth, says the Lord;

Zephaniah 1:2–3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I will consume man and beast; I will consume the birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea, and the stumbling blocks with the wicked. I will cut off man from the face of the land, says the Lord.

This is the introduction of God’s word to Judah delivered through the prophet Zephaniah. Throughout the book many prophecies are given, some as this that will be global and others that are localized.

What is described is usually called ‘The Great Day of the Lord.’ It is the end of the age when the things on the earth will be consumed. The apostle Peter wrote of this day (2 Peter 3:10.)

As written yesterday, Peter speaks of the general apathy that will precede such things. We also know that this is not just to be thought of as a 24-hour day. The text is truly apocalyptic in nature. It is the time when God judges all unbelievers.

The name Zephaniah means God has hidden. That intrigues, as maybe there is a surprise. I have written previously of Old Testament hints of what is called “The Rapture.” Consider what is being said here:

Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, who carry out His judgment. Seek righteousness, seek humility. Perhaps you will be hidden on the day of the Lord’s anger.

Zephaniah 2:3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Yet again, we encounter this mysterious idea of those who seek righteousness being hidden from the Lord’s anger. Paul, when he spoke of the rapture, called it a mystery. Though he was the one to reveal the full idea, the Old Testament gives some corroboration.

It is such an adventure to read the Bible and let the Spirit teach. Praise God for that!