“I will search with lanterns in Jerusalem’s darkest corners to find and punish those who sit contented in their sins, indifferent to the Lord, thinking he will do nothing at all to them” (Zephaniah 1:12 NLT).
I’ve never been to Jerusalem, but I’m pretty sure the city has some dark alleys and abandoned places where folks could hide. Even in Bible times, there would have been places where people would have congregated out of public view to carry out sins or to hide from punishment. I’m pretty sure old Jerusalem was enough like modern day “hometown America” to state there were people content in their sins. Comfortable, one might say. Folks who have assumed they have gotten away with it all.
I don’t know about Jerusalem’s darkest corners—but I know about my own. I can’t tell you I’m capable of reading minds or that I’d dare to judge another’s relationship with God—but I am well aware of how content with sin I can become. I’m here to testify of times I’ve held to the lie of having slipped a sin under God’s nose undetected. I know all about it…
The places in my heart where I have held grudges. Hurts I’d sooner hold on to than give to Him. Old arguments I keep stoked up in my head and heart. Corners of my heart I think are unseen by God. The anger, bitterness and hatred. The issues I stuff behind my mask of service. Issues that are festering and raw—needing His attention.
I have tried to perfume the stench caused by me, trying to sit on top of my sins like nothing’s going on. I have personally felt the acid building in my stomach as I refuse to confess my sins before God. I’ve walked into church harboring evil thoughts and carried on as if nothing were amiss.
And I think He doesn’t notice? There are no dark corners…in Jerusalem or in my heart.
Malinda Edgell
Illinois
PRAY TOGETHER: Today is Day 12 of 40 days of Prayer and Fasting with International Missions. As a burden for the lost in the community grows, pray for God to direct your church to be intentional about sharing your faith. Ask for an awareness of opportunity and sensitivity to the Spirit’s leading.
“For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard” (Acts 22:15).
