God's True and Righteous Judgments - Zephaniah and Revelation 16

In the traditions of this world we find a figure like Santa Claus in most western cultures. He or she is said to bring gifts. In America the song says that he knows who has been "naughty and nice." Supposedly, Santa brings good gifts to the good folks and a lump of coal to those who have been bad. I know that it is a fun tradition for the children, and I enjoyed it when I was young. There is nothing wrong with having fun, but we must not discount the fact that only God makes true and righteous judgments. A lot of people love Santa, but they dislike God, because they can manipulate the worldly tradition, so that they get a good gift each year. They can't manipulate God, though. He really does know who has been "naughty and nice." Zephaniah foretold God's destruction of Judah and the surrounding countries. He was totally right in bringing this punishment. The people may have disagreed, but God is always right. In Revelation 16 we read about the bowls of God's wrath being poured out on the earth. God really knows how to bring a stop to things when He wants to, doesn't He? The interesting thing is that even those terrible judgments will not cause people to worship God and repent. The people blasphemed God, even though they knew He was in control. I am afraid that is the situation with a lot of people this Christmas. They know who the real blessing giver is, but they want a substitute, because they don't like how God does things.

I pray that each of you will have a very Merry Christmas and that you will receive the blessings of God, instead of just a few gifts. I pray that you will enjoy the love of family, but I pray that you will enjoy the love of Christ even more. After all, Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus. God became a man for you and me. The ultimate blessing is knowing Him. The ultimate life is living in right relation to Him. Everything else pales in comparison to knowing Him.

Tomorrow, I intend to read Haggai and Revelation 17.