Gather and Repent

This morning as I study the word “gather” I am reminded of the passover where the houses of the Israelite people were spared allowing them to escape Egypt. It was their obedience to God that allowed them to be spared. Here this morning Zephaniah advises to gather again.

“¹Gather together, yes, gather, O shameless nation,” – Zephaniah 2:1 (ESV)

Here is a simple verse to advise actions that have great reward. But it does not stop just there in the direction. There are a number of times to gather and in the following verse Zephaniah explains when this gathering should take place.

“²before the decree takes effect—before the day passes away like chaff—before there comes upon you the burning anger of the LORD, before there comes upon you the day of the anger of the LORD.” – Zephaniah 2:2 (ESV)

Gathering should take place now. There is no time to wait, no time to put it off. I don’t know when the LORD is coming back and as such, I should be repenting and gathering with my fellow Christians to fellowship with God.

“³Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, who do his just commands, seek righteousness; seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the anger of the LORD.” – Zephaniah 2:3 (ESV)

As I am gathered with my brothers and sisters in Christ in fellowship with Him, I am to lead a life of righteousness and humility. I am to seek those qualities and live them out each day. As I do, I just might be passed over and accepted as a child of God and allowed to enter into heaven as God is passing judgment on this world.

I know that I have accepted the gift of salvation, but I am a sinner and continue to sin every day. I have the opportunity to gather with my brothers and sisters in Christ each day and demonstrate my salvation through righteousness and humility and I continue to work doing the will of God in my life.

When you are in the world, are you seeking righteousness and humility? Are you seeking the council of your brothers and sisters and in fellowship with God? Are you gathering together and repenting to escape the destruction in the world?