Articles
A Bright Future
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"My determination is to gather the nations
To My assembly of kingdoms,
To pour on them My indignation,
All my fierce anger;
All the earth shall be devoured with the fire of My jealousy. . . .
Sing, O daughter of Zion!
Shout, O Israel!
Be glad and rejoice with all your heart,
O daughter of Jerusalem!"
(Zeph. 3:8, 14)
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Much of the little book of Zephaniah is filled with stern language castigating the sins of the people and promising a terrible judgment as a consequence. But near the end of the book there is a sudden shift in tone. In the closing verses, God promises a future filled with goodness and joy, where His people will be happy and at peace. The change in emphasis is almost jarring to the reader.
This literary device is a good example of a pattern that is found often among the Old Testament prophets. Much of what we read in these books is depressing--an endless commentary on the sin, corruption, wickedness, and evil that characterizes our world, along with threats of judgment that God will rain down upon the perpetrators.
But interspersed among all this gloomy language are assurances of a future splendor characterized by peace and joy. Sometimes these glimpses of glory are nestled right alongside the ugly stuff, as if to highlight the contrast.
This pattern of messaging conveys a powerful lesson that we need to learn. This world is an awful place, that's true; but someday God will make everything right. As surely as the dawn of morning follows the darkest night, so we can look forward to a beautiful home beyond this veil of tears. We don't know all the details of when or how, but God will make it so.
Hear the message of the prophets: This world is a sorry mess, and we must stay strong in standing up for what is right amidst the evil. But let's not be overwhelmed by all the depressing news. Stay positive. Be optimistic. Embrace life with enthusiasm, even on those days when there’s not much to cheer about.
The future is bright. Hang on a little longer, and we'll see it.
--David
