Reflective Essay- Zephaniah
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Feb 20, 2024
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Reflective Essay: Zephaniah
Elizabeth Roh
OBST 520: Old Testament Orientation II
December 4, 2023
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The prophet, Zephaniah, who wrote the Book of Zephaniah, is one who stood firm in His faith during the reign of Josiah. This was a disappointing time, as the people of Israel had once again strayed away from God by worshipping pagan idols and being filled with much pride. The timing of Josiah being king during that specific time is significant, as Josiah’s implementation of reformation delayed God’s judgment.
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The timing of Zephaniah being appointed as a prophet to exhort the Israelites shows God’s grace because it reveals how much He cares for His people, to the point where time and time again, God would send prophets to reveal God’s message of either warning or encouragement towards them. It is also not a coincidence that Zephaniah is of royal descent, as he is from the same lineage as Hezekiah, who was a king where, just like Josiah was known to be a righteous king and enacted religious reforms.
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They both demolished pagan shrines and idols and made sure to purify the Temple.
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There was much impact when Zephaniah would warn the Israelites of the “day” when the Lord will return. The message the Zephaniah spoke to the people shows how God has a bigger redemptive plan, revealing that His justice will affect the whole earth. Justice will be shown on both the wicked, as well as to those who are repentant and depend on God.
While I was reflecting on this short yet impactful and deep passage, it reminds of the importance of being a humble follower of Christ. As the Book of Proverbs mention, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
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Without humility, there is no room to have genuine reverence and awe for God because we are so caught up in our own desires and logic. As
God has been continuing His good redemptive work in me this past year especially, there is much significance in the timing, place, and impact of choice that I made on the people to whom I
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Robert B. Chisholm Jr., Handbook on the Prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Minor
Prophets (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2002), 443.
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Zephaniah 1:1, New International Version
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2 Chronicles 34:4,8; 2 Chronicles 29, New International Version
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Proverbs 16:18, New International Version
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minister. Regarding time and place, God has allowed me to be devoted to my current church for the past year and I have seen much spiritual transformation through the community I have built, as well as my devotion to serve His ministry. By God’s grace, was He able to redeem me even though I was in a season of depression and resurfacing traumatic events. Before serving this year
at church, I had not served in a couple of years because I was spiritually dry and desperately needed to take a step back. When I decided to step into serving again, specifically in the youth ministry, it took a lot of courage and faith to believe that this was where God wanted me to serve.
I am currently a teacher for seventh-grade girls, and I believe that the personal relationship that I am continually building with the Lord is impacting the words that I say to them and giving me a deep desire and love for my students. Although I don’t know how long I will be serving the youth, I hope and pray that I will be reminded, as I read in Zephaniah, how important it is to depend on and seek God. However, I do not want to be motivated because I have a fear of punishment and wrath; rather, I want to consider how horrifying it will be to be eternally separated from God if I do not remain humble.
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