When I first read the VOICE translation of Zephaniah 3:17, the imagery of the “champion who will rescue you” sounded like an oxymoron. My cynical self just couldn’t wrap my head around a pro athlete, wearing a championship ring on one hand, holding a huge trophy high in the other hand, as someone who rescues others. Then I took another look at how Merriam Webster defines “champion.”

When I scrolled down to definition number four, Zephaniah’s words (via the VOICE translation) became much clearer. Number four reads, “one that does battle for another’s rights or honor.”

The prophet, Isaiah, also shares God’s promise to be with us when we pass through rivers or walk through fire, whatever our personal battles are. He will be with us, rescue us because He’s the One who will always go to battle for and rescue His children (that’s us).