Devotions this week based on The Prophets Week 9 – Zephaniah (WATCH HERE)
“The Lord will be awesome to them when he destroys all the gods of the earth. Distant nations will bow down to him, all of them in their own lands.” — Zephaniah 2:11 (NIV)
Yesterday was election day in the United States. Each election sees different candidates with different ideas win an office of high trust, whether at the local, state or national level. Certainly their are policies that support the life of the Christian and some that certainly stand opposed to it. In seasons of elections, I know my anxiety can rise higher than I would like it. But then I remember that every nation ultimately is ruled by the Lord and is accountable to him. Some nations recognize that and others won’t.
The prophet Zephaniah reminds us of this as he expands his message beyond Judah’s borders. God’s justice, he declares, will sweep through all the nations—Philistia, Moab, Cush, Assyria—because every nation that exalts itself against the Lord will be brought low. Yet, even in judgment, there’s a glimpse of grace: one day, people from every nation will bow before the true God.
This is one of the most powerful themes in all of Scripture. God’s justice is universal, but so is His mercy. He is not confined to one country or group of people. Rather, He is the sovereign Lord of all creation. When Zephaniah speaks of “destroying the gods of the earth,” he means that the idols people trust—wealth, power, military might, fame—will ultimately crumble. Only the Lord will stand.
The phrase “all of them in their own lands” is remarkable. It points forward to a day when people from every culture will acknowledge the Lord as God. For many this finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who opened the door of salvation to all nations. But for all it will be real as they bow before the holy, righteous God on the last day. Unfortunately, many will face his justice on that day and miss out on his grace.
Our world still builds idols, though they look different than in Zephaniah’s time. We may not bow to statues, but we give our devotion to status, possessions, or political power. We look for security in what we can control, forgetting that every “god” we create eventually fails us. We can even set up our government as our God and expect it to provide spiritual guidance and godly morals to our land.
Zephaniah’s prophecy reminds us to anchor our faith in the only God who lasts, the Lord Jesus. His kingdom will endure beyond any earthly kingdom. When you see corruption, greed, or violence in the world, don’t despair—remember that the Lord still reigns. He will have the final word. His justice may seem delayed, but it is never denied.
As believers, we are called to live as ambassadors of Christ’s kingdom. We do this as we let our faith shine and live to the glory of God in integrity, compassion, and faithful witness. Every time you choose honesty over compromise, generosity over greed, forgiveness over resentment, you are declaring that God’s kingdom is real and His rule is righteous.
Even now, God is gathering worshipers “from every nation.” Your prayers, your giving, your kindness, your words of truth—all play a part in His global purpose. The same God who once judged the nations now sends His people to proclaim His mercy to them.
And as long as we have opportunity on this earth, let us do that boldly!
Application: What “modern idols” are most tempting for you to trust? How can you live this week as a reflection of God’s justice and mercy in a world that worships false gods?
Prayer: Sovereign Lord, You alone are worthy of worship. I repent for the times I’ve trusted in temporary things instead of Your eternal strength. Teach me to live with eyes fixed on Your kingdom and to honor You in my choices, my work, and my relationships. Let my life proclaim that You reign over all the earth. Use me to help others see Your mercy and turn from their idols to Your love. Amen.