During Black History Month, we spotlight African-American achievers. We remember and celebrate Civil Rights icons, business moguls, and black politicians among other melanin-kissed sisters and brothers. The Black Presence in the Bible is worthy of the attention as well. Simon of Cyrene (the brother who helped Jesus carry the cross), the Ethiopian official in Queen Candace’s court (who is baptized on his way back home as recorded in Acts), and Zipporah (Moses’ Cushite wife who saved his life and made her in-laws jealous) all deserve attention. Alongside them and many others, it may surprise you to know that one of the Biblical Prophets in the Old Testament is specifically identified as having close African ancestry. Of course, everyone is ultimately descended from original humans of Africa, but Zephaniah is stated to be “son of Cushi”. (Zeph 1:1) Cush is considered an identifier of people native to the region of Ethiopia. In fact, perhaps to make sure his Nubian identity isn’t missed, this Prophet quotes God as saying “From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia My worshipers, My dispersed ones, will bring My offerings.” (Zeph 3:10). So what does this Black Prophet have to say?
Zephaniah’s overall message to God’s people is not different than the other Biblical Prophets – honor God the Creator and do right by your fellow humans, especially those who are in need such as the poor, widows, and orphans. But looking a bit closer, we can discern special encouragement from the Word that is written in this book. In typical prophetic tradition, Zephaniah begins with a scathing rebuke of those in authority. For example, he quotes God as saying “…I will punish the princes, the king’s sons…all who leap on the temple threshold, who fill the house of their lord with violence and deceit.” (Zeph 1:8-9). And the end of the revelation turns to reveal God’s love and redemption for those who are marginalized. His message is that God will call and purify certain people, and He promises, “…they will feed and lie down, with no one to make them tremble.” (3:13). He also declares, “I am going to deal at that time with all your oppressors. I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will turn their shame into praise and renown in all the earth.” (3:19)
Zephaniah’s Word is reassurance for people who belong to groups that are oppressed, terrorized, and discriminated against. First, it identifies that God knows that many of those in authority are wicked. More importantly, this Cushite Prophet declares that there is a Divine plan of action to turn the tables of history – the last will indeed be first; sorrow will be turned to joy. The God of eternity has spoken through our ancestors, and used at least one of them to write a sacred message that reverberates thousands of years later.
The ELL Word 