Judgment on the Nations

A popular Christian radio station advertises itself as “positive” and “encouraging.” A majority of contemporary worship songs are upbeat. Many churches advertise themselves as “the friendly church.” None of this is necessarily bad. Visitors might hesitate to try a church that promises, “We will make you miserable!” However, for the nations that reject God, today’s prophecy is anything but encouraging.

The third major division of the book of Zechariah opens with a series of threats aimed at nations and cities that had shown hostility toward Jerusalem. Such threats may seem uncharacteristic of God to modern worshipers who have only heard upbeat preaching that promises to bless. But we should remember the promise to Abraham: “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Gen. 12:3). Modern readers, especially those unfamiliar with biblical history, may be tempted to view these judgments through the lens of nationalism or ethnic prejudice. However, verse 8 makes it clear that they reflect divine justice. They focus on those who practice oppression. There is grace as well as judgment in the verses. According to verse 7, Israel’s ancient enemies, the Philistines, would eventually be incorporated into the people of God. This promise foreshadows the wonderful truth which is spelled out more explicitly in the New Testament: God’s grace of forgiveness is available to both Jew and Gentile.

The church’s desire to make everyone feel happy and comfortable is understandable. But it may also be doing a disservice to those who need to remember judgment. Judgment is consistent with its offer of grace and forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ.

Pray with Us

In addition to our Chicago campus, Moody Theological Seminary provides classes in Plymouth, Mich. Today and tomorrow, join our prayers for this campus’s faculty and staff. Amber Tucker, Eric Moore, and Eugene Mayhew are in our prayers today.

BY Dr. John Koessler

John Koessler is Professor Emeritus of Applied Theology and Church Ministries at Moody Bible Institute. John authors the “Practical Theology” column for Today in the Word of which he is also a contributing writer and theological editor. An award-winning author, John’s newest title is When God is Silent: Let the Bible Teach You to Pray (Kirkdale). Prior to joining the Moody faculty, he served as a pastor of Valley Chapel in Green Valley, Illinois, for nine years. He and his wife, Jane, now enjoy living in a lakeside town in Michigan.