“All Will Be Well!”

“All Will Be Well!(Zph.3:18-20).
When a preacher dissects or x-rays any political maleficence, you hear some politicians shouting that the preacher should preach the gospel and leave politics to politicians.
About some 800 years ago, Thomas Acquinas, in his Summa Theologica, mentioned theology as the “Queen of Science.” Theology was considered as such for many centuries. Firstly, theology depends on the Bible, which is to many, a Super Book, or Book of Books. Secondly, theology deserves the place of Queen of Science because its scope includes all other disciplines.
A preacher is not poke nosing by addressing issues in any discipline or sphere of life.
The prophets of old challenged the status quo in all walks of life when things were not as they ought to be in any domain.
God called his prophets from different walks of life, with the common assignment of raising awareness where there was social injustice, economic imbalance, political bigotry, and religious negligence or deviations, etc.
Prophet Amos, for example, was a shepherd, and he also took care of sycamore trees when the LORD called him and sent him to go and prophesy(Am.7:14-15).
In the case of Zephaniah – by the way he introduces himself – he seems to have been “a person of considerable social standing” and of royal bloodline(1:1). Not much is known further about him.
Zephaniah was called to announce to Judah God’s approaching judgment. His main theme is, however, the day of the coming of the LORD, when God will punish the nations, including Judah, for her apostasy.
Like the other prophets, his prophecies of doom end with the hope of restoration for Judah:
“‘I will remove from you all who mourn over the loss of your appointed festivals, which is a burden and reproach for you. At that time I will deal with all who oppressed you. I will rescue the lame; I will gather the exiles. I will give them praise and honor in every land where they have suffered shame. At that time I will gather you; at that time I will bring you home. I will give you honor and praise among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your fortunes before your very eyes,’ says the Lord.”
God’s pronouncement of doom is directed to everyone who abandons his first love (YAHWEH) and begins to flirt with other gods. But since his anger lasts only for a little while, his message of hope through the cross comes as the balm of Gilead, soothing the pains and offering sweet relief to those who turn to him in faith and obedience, accepting his Son Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Prayer: Father LORD, we glorify you for the restoration of our salvation in Christ Jesus. Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.
01/05/2025.