Through the Bible with Poetry: Zephaniah
Jon’s thoughts: I have this memory of a conversation with my stepfather many years ago about the forest fires that raged through Yellowstone National Park in the late 1980’s. As we watched and listened to the reports of the devastation, I remember telling him that we should remember to watch the news closely in the coming months to see and hear reports of the wonderful rebirth of the areas burned in the park. You see forest fires are not all doom and gloom. They are a natural part of a healthy ecosystem in some areas that clear away built up debris and choke the life out of a forest. In the aftermath of a raging fire comes the delicate rebirth of new life. Life that enjoys the freedom of a nutrient rich and open ecosystem. It is a blank canvas on which to paint.
Zephaniah
Rejoice
The wanton destruction of a forest fire destroys everything in its path.
The charred remains of life are what is left of its all consuming wrath.
It may burn cool or run hot, creep, or smolder with rage.
It may move upon the surface of the forest floor or in the crowns,
For it, all the world a stage.
Look again. This seemingly unnecessarily cruel and destructive force has left a remnant;
Burned away the tangled undergrowth and cleared the land for that which is still extant.
Valuable nutrients have been released and sunlight once again bathes the forest floor.
New habitats have been created for those who remain to come and start again.
For them an open door.
Graze and lie down,
Do not be afraid.
Sing aloud,
Rejoice and exult with all your heart.
The Lord has taken away the judgments against you;
He has cleared the way.
Jon Bannon
Image by Christofer Maximilian
© Jon Bannon 2021