I am writing today’s Lesson as we ride up the road, Interstate 22 from Myrtle, Mississippi over toward Birmingham, Alabama! Wirelessly, on-line and sharing God’s Word with each of you.

On a bright and sunny morning. Debbie just said how lovely the sky appears out the front windshield. And yet I must discuss with you a Bible Passage about judgment, dark days of God’s Wrath!

“Therefore their goods shall become a booty, and their houses a desolation: they shall also build houses, but not inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, but not drink the wine thereof.” Zephaniah 1:13-14

God is here speaking, via His Prophet.

His people (the Nation of Judah) have sinned and sinned. And will not heed, will not repent, though warned again and again.

Therefore, the things the people had gained through hard work … will be taken from them as spoils of war!

Their homes, which were supposed to be havens of safety, relaxation … have become desolate (the Hebrew = wasted, stunningly so)!

And their houses under construction … will never be inhabited, not by the people themselves anyway!

And their crops (particularly their grape vines, likely a symbol of joy and fellowship) … will never be reaped!

These tragedies are called “the wages of sin!”

The results of disobeying God.

That’s the underlying philosophy, theology of the Old Testament Prophets of God.

Paul echoes the same truth in Galatians 6:7. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

Oh, what an encouragement these 2 verses should be to each of us … to live more godly lives, thereby avoiding God’s mighty (yet loving) Hand of Discipline.

The Lord willing, more sobering thoughts tomorrow.

The Book of Zephaniah … dark at first, but much brighter by the end of chapter 3, its grand finale!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell