Zephaniah prophesied during the reforms of King Josiah of Judah. Zephaniah spoke of the coming “Day of the LORD!” This day has two meaning throughout the writings of the prophets: 1) judgment against His own people for their sins, and various other nations for their sins that took place in their times; and 2) the LORD’s ultimate return and establishing of His Kingdom forever.
In Zephaniah 1, the LORD pronounces judgment against Judah for their sin, and also speaks of the day of the LORD. In that time, no one will escape the LORD’s hand, many nations will be brought to task for their sin against the LORD.
In Zephaniah 2, the LORD pronounces judgment against all of Judah’s near enemies for their sin against Judah as well as for their own sin. While we have seen the LORD’s hand go against His own people throughout our readings, because He always judges sin, it is no small matter to attack His people, or to fail to help them in their times of need. The nations surrounding Judah and Israel had done both.
Zephaniah 3 starts with judgment for Judah and the nations, for their evil at every level. Then as we draw to the end, the LORD tells us He will bring people from every nation to Himself. Finally, we’re told Israel will be restored and those who are humble and lowly will experience His favor. As is typically the case, in the words of the prophets, words of hope are the final word.
As we return to John 6, we read again of the only miracle performed by Jesus recorded in all four gospels: the feeding of the five thousand. Only in John’s gospel, though, does this amazing incident turn into an extended battle not only between Jesus and the religious leaders, but also between Jesus and most of His followers. The point of contention is Jesus’ statement He is the Bread of life and people needed to “eat His flesh and drink His blood,” which was obviously intended figuratively, but which they all took literally. By the time the discussion ended, everyone had left Jesus but the twelve disciples. Jesus asked them, “Are you going to leave, too?” They responded with a question and a powerful statement: :To whom shall we go? You hold the words of life.” It must have been a challenging day for everyone, but at the end of it, Jesus had made clear the preeminent place He must hold in our lives, if He is truly our Savior and Lord.