Zephaniah 2

Warnings against the impending judgment of God continue through this chapter. The prophet relays the message, nation by nation, of the coming day of the Lord, which is described here as a day of terrible judgment. Instead of the pride and arrogance for which they will be judged, Zephaniah calls the people to change their ways, seeking humility and righteousness. Pride isn't exactly viewed by our society as something to steer away from, let alone something that is sinful. On the contrary, from athletes to politicians, the headliners in our culture are (almost without exception) exude pride, pretension, and egotism. In fact, such an attitude is often viewed as a virtue instead of a vice. But here, the principal sin mentioned and the primary reason for God's judgment is pride. Zephaniah calls the people over and over to humility and righteousness. What an incredibly relevant message for our own day.

Luke 13.10-17

In this passage, Jesus again faces criticism for healing on the Sabbath and again teaches the Jewish leaders about the true meaning behind God's Sabbath day. Whereas the leader of the synagogue, along with the other Jews, took the Sabbath literally as a day of no work, Jesus points out that it was by no means intended to be prohibition against good works but as a day of rest, picturing the future day of eternal rest. Ultimately, their mouths were closed in humiliation. "Shame fell then on those who had uttered these corrupt opinions, stumbled against the chief cornerstone, and had been broken. When busied in straightening his crooked vessels, they clashed against the wise Potter and resisted the Physician. They could make no reply. They had unanswerably convicted themselves. They were put to silence, doubting what they should say. The Lord closed their bold mouths. The crowds who reaped the benefit of the miracles were glad. The glory and splendor of his works solved all inquiry and doubt in those who sought him without ill will" (Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on Luke).