Read To Me Daily Semester 4Sample

ZEPHANIAH 1-2:
The concluding words of Habakkuk are the most often quoted and memorized, because they are so encouraging. That quote begins like this: 

Hab. 3:17 NLT “Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,
and there are no grapes on the vines;”
… yet I will rejoice in the LORD!

Today we begin another three-chapter book, Zephaniah. Constable tells us that “Zephaniah” means “Yahweh hides [or has hidden],” “Yahweh’s watchman,” or “Yahweh treasured.” The uncertainty arises over the etymology of the prophet’s name, which scholars dispute. I prefer “Yahweh hides.”

Zephaniah was very likely a descendent of king Hezekiah, and he was born sometime during the reign of the wicked king Manasseh, and was active as a prophet during the reign of King Josiah (640-609 BC). Like Nahum, Zephaniah prophesied against Nineveh. He preached vehemently against idols. He also prophesied these important things:

• A faithful remnant will be delivered from captivity.
• The Gentile nations will be converted.
• One day people everywhere— not only in Jerusalem— will worship God (2:11; John 4:21).

ISAIAH 56:
Rather than commenting on the Bible translator’s favorite verse (Is. 55:11), I’m picking this section to highlight instead:

Is. 55:8 NLT “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD.
“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so my ways are higher than your ways
and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.

How true it is that God’s thoughts are always counter-intuitive for humans! Take for instance what God says in this chapter: “Come to me. Seek me while I may be found. Come, I am offering eternal food and water for free. You don’t have to earn it.” Time and again, humans think they have to earn salvation. Another way we misunderstand what God offers is by saying, “Oh, free food and water mean that people don’t need to repent.” Those who think that should read verses 6-7 of chapter 55 and the whole book or Revelation.

REVELATION 10:
Note that after some huge judgments in Revelation— such as at the end of chapter 6, the people on earth recognize God’s hand and react to the Almighty in some way, such as trying to hide from God. But in response to the plagues in chapter 9, the people close their eyes and refuse to repent of demon worship and all kinds of immorality.

Let’s pray.
Dear heavenly Father, it is a sign of your love that You have warned the human race again and again about your coming judgment. Your judgment cannot be held back forever, because then You would not be just. It is because you are just and righteous that judgment must come. We pity those who close their ears and eyes to the truth and continue in their wickedness. But they will have no excuse and it is right that they get what they deserve. Once again, Lord, You prove that your thoughts and ways are high above our thoughts and ways. May those who are right now in the Destroyer’s power hear your offer:
Turn to the Lord and pray to him, now that he is near.
Let the wicked leave their way of life and change their way of thinking.
Let them turn to You, Lord— at this time before it is too late— because
You are merciful and quick to forgive.
But as for us, Lord, we will wait quietly for You. May we have the same heart as Habakkuk and say,
“Even though the fig trees have no fruit and no grapes grow on the vines, even though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no grain,
Even though the sheep all die and the cattle stalls are empty,
I will still be joyful and glad,
Because the Lord God is my savior.
You, O Sovereign Lord give me strength.
You make me sure-footed as a deer
And keep me safe on the mountains.”