Zephaniah 3:2 She obeys no one,
she accepts no correction.
She does not trust in the Lord,
she does not draw near to her God.

This chapter is most familiar to me from the fact that verse 17 has been set to music, but before we get to the good news we need to consider the factors that resulted in Jerusalem’s destruction. This verse could be summarized as, ignoring God. That is certainly the path the US has been running on for the past several decades. The overt push started with forbidding prayer in public schools, and it has progressed from there. The corruption started in institutions of “higher” learning, as communists from Europe, escaping WWII, came to America and were accepted into her universities as honored faculty, and it has spread from there. Elitism is one of the most obvious characteristics, which matches this verse perfectly. “Intelligencia” were taught that they were far superior to the “unwashed masses,” so naturally they would accept no correction. Those blinded by this movement forgot, and continue to forget, that pride was the root sin of Lucifer. Even the ancient Greeks recognized the grave danger of hubris, but those who have it are blind to it. The Bible is clear throughout that humility is essential, yet we are so prone to reject it. America has even labeled the open celebration of perversion as “Pride Month!” Again, this verse is perfectly descriptive. Thankfully the number of those waking up to this nonsense is increasing. Just yesterday I was reading an article about the bitter fruit of the “sexual revolution.” Those who have their eyes open need to be active in prayer that more and more people would wake up and reverse the things mentioned in this verse, in genuine repentance before a loving, gracious, and holy God.

As I have written many times, I have certainly struggled with pride. I was given many advantages in life, from a high IQ to a stable home and on and on, but I wound up thinking I somehow deserved it all, that I had somehow earned it, when in fact it was just dumped in my lap. Since my father was a “big cheese,” I got away with more than I should have simply by being his son. A different example of that is in the news a lot these days! I indeed thought that I was elite, that I was “better,” and it nearly ruined me. I had to learn obedience, to accept correction, to trust God and draw near to Him. I’m not there totally yet, but I am far closer than I once was. I have the comfort of knowing that Paul was in the same boat. (Philippians 3:12-14) I’ve got to remember to trust in the Lord and draw near to Him, in total gratitude that He would so love such a flawed child as I am.

Father, thank You for Your incredible, overwhelming love and grace. May I be ever more effective in communicating that love and grace to others, so that they too may repent and believe for their salvation, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!