Daily Devotional

“I will appoint them for praise and fame in every land where they were put to shame” (Zephaniah 3:19). 

Shame can prevent crime. Or at least, that is the theory behind recent efforts to prevent stealing and graffiti. One supermarket in Sacra- mento is displaying pictures of people who were caught stealing on camera. The pictures are displayed on a wall that faces the entrance to the supermarket. Next to the pictures is a sign that declares the name of the collection: “Wall of Shame.” 

While this technique may become common place in gas stations and supermarkets, it will also be used to protect a famous destination. The Chinese government is planning to publicly share a list of tourists who have left graffiti on signs at the base of Mt. Everest. This strategy is intended to prevent the frequent inscription, “I was here.” 

Shame works only when people care about their reputation. Zephaniah was sent to proclaim the destruction that was coming upon those who had lost their sense of shame (Zephaniah 2:1). It is possible that those who had “made arrogant threats against the people of the Lord of hosts” (Zephaniah 2:10) may have repented after hearing Zephaniah’s message. 

However, those who could really benefit from the prophet’s words were those who had remained humble and obedient in the midst of the wicked nations (verse 3). In the end, God’s work through Zephaniah was not simply to terrorize the people before a great destruction, but rather to declare that God’s justice would finally relieve the oppressed. 

One of the most hopeful messages that Zephaniah brought was for the Israelites. Though they had dwelt in the middle of a group of shameless people, God was now going to lift up those who had faced reproach. Zephaniah had the privilege of telling the lame and the outcast that they would now receive praise and fame in the very places where they had once felt shame (Zephaniah 3:19). 

Although shame sometimes comes to those who do not deserve it, God sees their plight and seeks to overturn it. 

Father, use me to bring relief to those who bear unjust shame.