Today's first reading offers a harsh assessment of Judah, especially condemning the stubbornness of the people in refusing God's teaching. Again and again, God has tried to turn the people away from idolatry, but instead these people have followed bad leaders and unfaithful priests. Now, God hopes that the punishment of the surrounding nations -- and God's transformation of them -- will irrefutably prove God's power for Judah, so that the people will return to faith in God.
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Reading the Bible in Its Entirety
The second reading promises a better day for God's people after the "Day of the Lord." After the punishment of nations, and the resulting encouragement for Judah to return to faith in God, the past will be forgiven. And God's chosen people will live in freedom, with riches, and in peace.
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If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Zephaniah 3 today.
