Kings usually father more than one son. Kings produce many heirs hoping one will survive and continue their family dynasty. What happens to those who through their birth order never become king? They also have families, who have families. Today we hear the message of King Hezekiah’s great great grandson. This descendant is a distant cousin to the king in his day, King Josiah. He is also contemporary with the prophet Jeremiah. This royal grandson, Zephaniah, brings a message of judgment to his kingly cousin and the people of the land. Zephaniah spoke of a coming judgment affecting the entire world and not sparing Jerusalem or its inhabitants. Zephaniah’s message ends on a happier note as his prophecy clearly states that God will not abandon His people. Instead, after they are judged, God prevails and delivers His people from all who would hurt them. Today we prepare for the joy of Messiah’s arrival by remembering Zephaniah’s words, that the coming Messiah brings renewed joy.
