God is active in rescuing prodigals  beginning with His sovereignty that spurs Him to action.  God’s holiness protects prodigals from wrath, His love destroys those who harm them, His righteousness leads to godly lifestyle, His truth purifies their lips to call on Him and His power rescues them so they can walk with God. 

The proper response of those who desire to rescue prodigals from sin is to reject complacency and idolatry, seek God in humility and righteousness, receive His inheritance, avoid a carefree lifestyle, wait on Him in truth without fear, and take delight in mighty God who empowers prodigals to walk with Him. 

God’s Sovereignty Spurs Him to Action
God said to Zephaniah during Josiah’s reign that He would sweep everything from the earth. He would stretch His hand against those in Judah and Jerusalem who worshiped Baal and Molech without seeking God. He would punish those who filled the temple of their gods with violence and deceit along with the complacent who thought God was inactive. He plundered their wealth and demolished their houses. They would build houses and not live in them and plant vineyards and not drink the wine (Zeph. 1:1-13). Know God hates complacency, idolatry, violence and deceit. 

God’s Holiness Protects You From Wrath
The day of the Lord brought wrath, distress, anguish, trouble, ruin and gloom. People would walk like blind men because of sin. Their money could not save them. God’s jealousy consumed and ended the whole world. The humble  who did what He commanded sought the Lord. They should seek righteousness and humility to gain shelter during the day of the Lord’s anger (Zeph. 1:14-2:3). Seek God in humility and righteousness for protection from His wrath. 

God’s Love Destroys Those Who Harm You
God would destroy the Philistines so the remnant of Judah would dwell in the houses of Ashkelon. He cared and restored their fortunes. Moab and Ammon insulted and made threats against God’s people who would inherit their land. After He destroyed all the gods of the land, every nation would worship Him (Zeph. 2:4-12). Receive His inheritance after He destroys every god that insults and threatens you.

God’s Righteousness Leads to Godly Lifestyle
God would destroy Assyria and leave Nineveh desolate. This was a carefree city that lived in safety. Nineveh said that there was none besides her. Nineveh became a ruin with everyone scoffing at her (Zeph. 2:13-15). Avoid a carefree lifestyle that leads to ruin and scoffing. 

God’s Truth Purifies Your Lips 
Zephaniah said Jerusalem was rebellious, accepted no correction and did not draw near to the Lord. Her officials were roaring lions, priests did violence to the law and  prophets were angry. God was righteous, dispensed justice and never failed. He demolished strongholds and destroyed cities. People acted corrupted and did not accept correction from God. They waited on Him for purified lips to call on His name. He removed those who rejoiced in pride only leaving the humble who trusted in God’s name. Israel’s remnant spoke no lies or deceit and no one made them afraid (Zeph. 3:1-13). Wait on God in truth without fear so purified lips can call on His name. 

God’s Power Rescues Prodigals
God turned back the enemy so Jerusalem did not fear. He was mighty to save and took great delight in them. He quieted them with His love and rejoiced over them with singing. God dealt with all who oppressed them, rescued the lame, gathered the scattered and gave them praise and honor in every land. He brought them home and  restored their fortunes before their eyes (Zeph. 3:14-20). Take delight in mighty God who rescues prodigals so they walk with Him. 

Ask God to empower you in the following ways by rescuing prodigals from sin: 
1. Reject complacency and idolatry
2. Seek God in humility and righteousness
3. Receive His inheritance
4. Avoid a carefree lifestyle
5. Wait on Him in truth without fear so you can call on Him
6. Delight in mighty God who rescues prodigals so they walk with Him


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