Care Can Be Confrontational

Sometimes scripture can feel like a punch in the gut. When God’s wrath is full of a desire to destroy cities and people, we may pause and wonder “What do we do with that?” The Bible can be both comforting and confrontational. It speaks truth kindly and bluntly, maybe a little too bluntly at times, if we are honest.

In my early understanding of JesusJesus is the Messiah whose life, death, and resurrection are God's saving act for humanity. More, I saw him as the comforter, the prince of peace. And certainly, that is true. And, Jesus confronts. In my own studies, I have struggled with Jesus’ more difficult words. And honestly, when they still come up, I wince a bit hearing and reading them. And maybe that’s the point. As I have grown in pastoral studies, biblical interpretation, and spiritual care, I have come to realize care isn’t always comfortable. It can be confrontational. I had to come to realize that with Jesus’ ministry as well. But the broader questions I have explored are how do we deal with God’s confrontational judgment in the Bible? How do we read and interpret it well? And, what is at the heart of God’s desire in it for us?

While teaching a Bible study on lesser-known prophetic books with my colleague, StephenThe first Christian martyr. More Bond, I had a chance to lean into these questions. Zephaniah became a new favorite of mine, which gave me a rich understanding of the deeper theological questions I had simmering on the backburner of my brain. Maybe it is a softball choice for a trained classical singer like me, especially since the last chapter ends in a grand opera chorus starring God and God’s people. But this little prophetic book is a poetic gem of beauty and challenge. While it does hold some challenging images in the mix, it draws us, as readers, into an understanding of God’s fiery heart of passionPassion is the theological term used to describe Jesus' suffering prior to and including his crucifixion. The Passion Narrative (the portions of the Gospels that tell of the Last Supper, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus) are often read in church during Holy Week. More for justice and mercyMercy is a term used to describe leniency or compassion. God's mercy is frequently referred to or invoked in both the Old and New Testaments. More that longs to overcome evil that oppresses and causes dissonance, and to restore what is broken, bringing the world back into unified harmonic song.”

Zephaniah opens by telling us that this takes place in the time of the reign of King JosiahJudean king noted for his reforms of Israel's worship in the time of Jeremiah. More, one of the prominent kings of JudahJudah was the name of Jacob's fourth son and one of the 12 tribes. More known for worship reform. Prior to this, the intermingling of other nations’ gods in worship was common, which the prophet responds to throughout the book, especially the worship of Milcom and Ba’al. (You already see where this is going, right?) 

The opening begins in a dramatic fashion–the word of the LORD through the prophet declares destruction upon all creationCreation, in biblical terms, is the universe as we know or perceive it. Genesis says that in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. In the book of Revelation (which speaks of end times) the author declares that God created all things and... More (1:2-3). There will be a sweeping away of all humans, animals, birds of the air, fish of the sea…

(Record scratch) Hang on! Didn’t God tell NoahBuilt the ark in which his family and the animals were saved from a flood. More after the floodThe flood refers to the catastrophic deluge in Genesis. In the biblical account Noah, his family, and selected beasts survive the flood in an ark; thereafter they received a rainbow in the sky as a sign of God's promise. Many other cultures also have flood... More in Genesis 9 that the world would not be destroyed again? Why is God doing away with all of creation? 

Well, what is the reason for God’s destruction and language? The Israelite priests have been allowing the worship of other gods alongside worship of the LORD God. Specifically, the worship of the Canaanite god Ba’al and Ammonite god Milcom is still present in Judah. This intermingling also has crossed the boundaries of foreign dress (1:8) and the practice of unjust behavior (1:9). Also, those in power have become apathetic to the law, their own sin, and to the suffering of others around them. And their attitude, Zephaniah says, is like dregs in wine (1:12-13). They do not believe there is a consequence to their behavior. Nothing good or bad is going to happen. They have wealth, land, and strong homes and fortresses to secure them. That is where their trust is–in themselves. 

God’s response is the coming great day of the LORDThe Day of the Lord, in prophetic writing, is the day of judgment when God will intervene directly in world affairs. As described in Zephaniah, for instance, God will sweep everything away. In Matthew's gospel God is described as gathering the elect on the day... More, which is known as a day of God’s judgment. The people’s wealth, power, and status–all things they considered their security that have done harm to all creation–cannot save them. Apocalyptic images burst forth from Zephaniah’s prophecyProphecy is the gift, inspired by God, of speaking and interpreting the divine will. Prophets such as Amos, Isaiah, and Ezekiel spoke words of judgment and comfort to the people of Israel on behalf of God. More as the coming of the day of the LORD hastens quickly upon them–the sound of trumpets, the warriors’ cry, a shroud of darkness covering the landscape. All will be destroyed. This is not looking good for the surrounding nations that have taunted Israel (1:14-18; 2:5-15), but also this is not good news for Jerusalem (3:1-7). Why all this destruction? And again, what do we do with this? 

In my own struggle, I had to consider a different perspective, which Zephaniah offers, especially in the ending song. This great day of the Lord can certainly be bad news. God is definitely on the move and something is going to happen if you see those words, and you better pay attention. But on the other hand, what if you are the one crying out? What if you are in need of mercy, peace, and justice? Zephaniah’s prophecy communicates a God who shows up. God isn’t the dregs in the wine that is apathetic to the needs of the people, or sits on the sidelines and says “Well, you’re on your own.” God sees, hears, and responds, and chooses to confront and not let evil win the day. 

Mercy is possible for those who mess up. Zephaniah 2:1-4 shows us God’s call to the people to turn their trust in gathering together, to seek the Lord, in righteousness and humility before the time of destruction falls upon them. To turn from the old ways and set their sights on the way of the Lord. There is hope that it is not too late to avoid being swept up like the chaff blowing in the wind. But let’s be clear–a call to return is a call to new life in God. Returning to the Lord is putting an end to evil ways and practices. But, with the understanding that God is not changing course. God will not side with evil, nor will God cross the line to give it an inch.

One note of consideration on this topic–care should be taken when interpreting violence and God’s violence in the Bible. As we approach these challenging texts, I believe we are called to be faithful students of biblical practice and approach these texts with discernment and study with others to further understand the deeper heart of God’s desire for us as faithful people. Also, it is fair to say some texts are not appropriate in certain spaces, times, and places. That is for communities to discern based on their context. 

On the other hand, I think sitting with challenging scripture can be an important spiritual practice that shapes and forms us, causing us to ask what the Spirit is stirring in us. I know for myself the difficult words send a shock to my system because I can see myself in them. I can play and have played the same silly games the world plays— looking to myself for security, clenching my fists tight around boundaries and projects, passing judgment and letting my anger overflow, causing words and actions that hurt myself and others. Those difficult words can be like an ice bath, confronting me and slowing me down on my worst days. Maybe it doesn’t always feel good, but we can know that it is God’s desire to draw us back to life. Perhaps we lean into the uncomfortable and the challenging, open to the possibility that the Spirit is making something new in us, and singing a new song in our own hearts.