Zeph 3:5   The LORD within her is righteous; he does no wrong. Morning by morning he dispenses his justice, and every new day he does not fail, yet the unrighteous know no shame.

    

This is a terrible verse. The prophet has just been castigating Jerusalem for her activities: “She does not trust in the LORD, she does not draw near to her God.” (v.2), “her officials are roaring lions,” (v.3), “Her prophets are arrogant….. Her priests profane the sanctuary.” (v.4). Yes, all those in authority are not exercising it properly and as a result the people are going astray. And this is the people of God!!!

 

Then comes this verse in sharp contrast. They do wrong but “The LORD within her is righteous; he does no wrong.” The Lord is utterly righteous, He does NO wrong, you cannot criticise Him! “Morning by morning he dispenses his justice.” Whatever the Lord does He acts justly. Part of His activity is to deal with lawbreakers but whenever He does it, as He works to counter sin in the world that harms His people, He always does it perfectly. If we saw the detail of what He does, we would always have to agree with Him and with what He does.

 

But then comes something terrible: “yet the unrighteous know no shame.” Despite the goodness of God being in their city, so many disregarded Him and disregarded His activity. No, they just carried on without thought, and certainly without shame, thinking they could get away with it for ever. They couldn't! Realise that the Lord is with you and don't be kidded by the enemy that you can get away with ongoing sin. If you are aware of it, sort it! If you know people around you who are clearly living unrighteous lives, pray for them, love them and look for the opportunity and God's grace to share with them that there is a better way, His way that comes through knowing His Son, Jesus Christ.