Why does prophecy have to be so dramatic, and even shocking?

Have you ever come across a passage in the Bible so jarring that you had to put it down and exclaim, “What!?” Why does God speak so shockingly through the prophets at times? If you’ve ever found yourself puzzled by these moments, you’re not alone. These powerful messages can leave us questioning, “Why did He say that? And why in that way?”

To help you understand one reason, I want to share a short story that sheds some light on these often startling prophetic words.

The Mountaintop

On top of a vibrant, sunlit mountaintop, a tapestry of wildflowers swayed gently in the breeze, their colors a vivid contrast to the endless blue sky above. Scarlet poppies, golden daisies, and violet lupines painted the landscape, creating a breathtaking scene that felt almost otherworldly. The distant, rhythmic roar of the ocean waves crashing against the cliffs far below added a symphony of sound to this natural paradise.

Hand in hand, a father and child made their way along the flower-strewn path. For the parent, this was a familiar haven, a place visited many times, where every curve of the trail and each rocky outcrop was known intimately. The child, however, was seeing this splendour for the first time, eyes wide with wonder, heart beating in joyous discovery.

As they walked, the child couldn’t contain their excitement. They began to dance, their small feet skipping lightly over the ground, arms outstretched like a bird in flight. Laughter bubbled up, pure and free, as they twirled among the flowers, completely absorbed in the moment. The parent watched with a tender smile, memories of their own childhood adventures here flickering in their mind.

But beneath the gentle smile lay a flicker of concern. Just ten meters ahead, the land grew treacherous. The grassy expanse gave way to a rocky, uneven surface, where one misstep could lead to a perilous fall. The father’s heart tightened at the thought.

“Jo’el, listen to me,” His voice steady but urgent. “See those rocks up ahead? It’s very easy to trip there. You must be careful and stay away from the edge.”

The child paused, mid-twirl, looking back with a serious expression that belied their young age. “I understand, Papa. I’ll be careful, I promise.”

Satisfied with the child’s acknowledgment, the father let them return to their play, though they remained vigilant, eyes never straying far from the dancing figure. For a while, everything was perfect. The child’s laughter mingled with the sound of the sea, a melody of pure joy.

But then, the child’s skipping grew more exuberant, their dance more daring. With each leap and twirl, they edged closer to the dangerous cliffs. The father’s heart was now pounding!

“Jo’el!” The father’s voice, sharp and loud, cut through the air. “Stop it right now! Come back here!”

The child froze, startled by the intensity of the call. He turned, eyes wide with surprise and a hint of fear. Seeing his father’s outstretched arms and the palpable relief in their eyes, the child quickly ran back, throwing themselves into the father’s embrace.

Tears of relief welled up in the father’s eyes as He held the child close. “Oh, Jo’el, I just didn’t want you to get hurt. The edge is so dangerous.”

“I’m sorry, Papa. I didn’t realize how close I was,” the child whispered, burying their face in his father’s shoulder.

The father stroked the child’s hair, soothingly. “It’s okay, my son. Just stay with me, and you’ll be safe.”

This moment, this heart-stopping fear and the subsequent rush of relief, mirrors those jarring passages in the Bible, where God’s voice seems to thunder through the pages, stark and urgent. Just as the parent screamed to protect their child from imminent danger, so too does God cry out through His prophets, warning His children of the perils ahead, of the abyss that lies just beyond their sight.

And after the startling warning, just as the parent offers comfort and reassurance, God extends His arms, offering peace and the promise of His presence. “Return to Me,” He says, “and I will return to you and give you shalom-peace.”

In the tender embrace of the mountaintop, amidst the beauty and the looming dangers, the parent and child found safety together, a small reflection of the divine promise and love that seeks to guide and protect you too.

Do you want to return to the Father to join His Kingdom today?