Theme: ABIDING IN THE SECRET PLACE OF THE MOST HIGH
Text: “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty… Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.” – Psalm 91:1,14.
Comment: Earlier in Chapter one of the book of Zephaniah, the prophet had provided us a graphic narrative of the devastation awaiting the wicked, describing that day as a “day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness…” (Zephaniah 1:14-18). These frightening expressions justify why Amos the prophet pronounces “woe” on those who desire that day. He then asked, “to what end is it for you? the day of the LORD is darkness, and not light.” – Amos 5:18.
While the ungodly are drifting farther away from godliness, those who love life are exhorted to assemble themselves in fellowship, and to be consistent in it, “as ye see the day approaching”. (Hebrews 10:25) This resolve may not be popular, hence the text states “O nation not desired”. The essence of gathering together in the “acceptable year of the Lord” is to learn about God, and endeavour to put the knowledge acquired into practice. (Isaiah 2:3; Luke 4:19) The onus therefore is on all people of goodwill to make the most of the opportunity being availed them to seek “the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near.” – Isaiah 55:6.
The ultimate reward for affiliating with the people of God to learn righteousness is, all such ones will have the privilege to “be hid in the day of the LORD’S anger.” – Zephaniah 2:3.