Through Prophets' Eyes: Song

A great song has a way of completely changing the mood of a room, doesn’t it? Like when I’m a little grumpy, and Jen puts on an epic Taylor Swift playlist as we make dinner. Suddenly, the mood shifts.

That’s what happens in the closing verses of the book of Zephaniah. The prophet begins with darkness and judgment: the “Day of the Lord,” a time of wrath, distress, and anguish as God confronts Judah’s idolatry. It’s harsh, even graphic, showing us how seriously God takes sin. But then—music begins to play.

Into that dark message comes a divine song that changes everything as Zephaniah invites us:

“Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart… The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; you shall never again fear evil.”

This is more than a celebration of forgiveness—though it is that too! It is a celebration of God’s presence - a celebration of Immanuel, “God with us.” It is the song and celebration of Christmas as Jesus enters our distress and anguish. In his presence, fear gives way to joy, darkness gives way to light, and mourning gives way to celebration.

But there’s more: God doesn’t just inspire our song. He joins it. Zephaniah declares, “He will exult over you with loud singing.” God throws a party over His people, rejoicing in their redemption and restoration. Rejoicing that His plan of salvation has come to fruition and our relationship with Him has been restored.

God’s song of salvation began at Jesus’ birth, carried on through His life, death, and resurrection, and it’s still being sung today among us, His Church. It is here that God meets us in Word and Sacrament. It is here that God sings joyfully over us.

Through tears or laughter, the song continues, giving hope and assurance to a world longing for God’s presence. And one day, when Christ returns, this song will swell into eternity. So, friends—sing! Rejoice! Because God is in our midst!

In Christ,

Pastor Nick