D 27, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi: Who comes first?

Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi all right to the post-exilic people of Israel/Judah after the return of the Babylonian captivity and rebuild of Jerusalem. Haggai and Zechariah are contemporaries, and then Malachi receives his message from God much later in the piece - the last direct recorded revelation of God until the angel's message to (a different) Zechariah recorded in Luke.

The overall message in Haggai is quite simple. The people returning to the land had set a high priority on getting their houses and fields in order, but neglected to have any priority for the things of God - evidenced by them not rebuilding the temple of the Lord. As is often the case with Israel, God has this link of obedience to Him with the prosperity of the people and land in terms of crop growth, and this is no different. God prevented good crops while the people focused on themselves, and then blessed them with good harvest once they began firm steps to rebuild the temple. In this age of grace, physical blessing is not always linked to obedience (even back then, only the Israelites were under this arrangement with God); but spiritual blessing is certainly linked with putting God first before our own desires and comforts. It is challenging to think of how much we do truly put God first as we live, or whether we ensure 'our panelled houses' are in order first.

The message in Zechariah is more complicated, partly from being a longer book, and partly because of the obscurity of the message given via the visions, which require more in depth analysis for understanding the full meaning. There are certainly some themes that come through strongly though.
We see the continued gathering of the people of Israel from the lands into which they have been scattered, both as a prediction and encouragement of those remaining in the foreign countries. They are told strongly to withdraw from the wickedness that surrounds them, now that the exile is over - possibly indicating that some of the people were reluctant to leave, as we will see a bit in the narrative books also.
We see prophecy concerning the temple being rebuilt - evidently written a little later than Haggai. Zerubbabel, the governor, will be able to see it through to completion.
There are certainly a lot of messages about reminding the people of the reasons they went to Babylon, and exhortations to now work justice, mercy and kindness, unlike before. The current high priest (his position representative of the people before God) is seen in a vision re-clothed in unstained garments.
There are again predictions concerning consequences for Israel's enemies, also - the Lord used some of these as tools to punish Israel, but their own wickedness will not be unpunished.
As we progress through the book, there seems to be more and more focus on the coming Messiah. Initially described as a Branch - familiar language to us now from the other prophecies, we also see Zechariah acting out the role of Messiah as a shepherd of Israel who is rejected by the people, and is paid his 'wages' of 30 pieces of silver - about the price of a bondservant, and later identified by the gospel writers as the prophecy fulfilled in the price of Judas' betrayal. The two comings of the Lord Jesus as Saviour and conqueror are mixed and undistinguished in Zechariah, as many of the old testament prophets - the age inn between was not made known to them, but we can look both backwards to see what has been fulfilled, and forwards in the light of the New Testament to what will be fulfilled at His return. How great will that day be when He comes again for His own, and the revelation of His Majesty when He comes with His saints again in judgement against the people who continually rejected Him!
One other theme I noticed in Zechariah was the idea of the responsibility of leadership. We see it with the messages about the Shepherd, and the false shepherds, and the condemnation of the leaders of Israel. Leaders who by malicious deed, apathy, or laziness do not shepherd the sheep under them in obedience to God will be punished - we will be held to account for those whom He has given us responsibility over, whether in formal position or not!

Malachi, being the last book in the Old Testament, and fittingly the last recorded, is a warning against Israel for again turning against the Lord. Sure, they do things on the surface, but not only is their heart not in it, they are acting disrespectfully to God in the offerings that they bring - obviously diseased, lame, poor stock. They have not learned their lesson about false teachers, and the leaders who should be teaching righteousness are teaching wickedness. What is amazin reading through the book is the apparent lack of understanding they have that they are displeasing God - {sarcastic} after all they are 'going through the motions' {/sarcastic}!
There is still distinction between righteous and wicked. Today, there are many who try to blur the lines, but God knows, and He has given us His Word that we also may discern true teaching and practice from false. We also need to be careful that we do not despise God, selfishly keeping our money for ourselves/our own purposes under various excuses, instead of stewarding all our resources for His purposes.

Lord, help us for we are weak. Help us to put You and Your purposes first in all things, and give us wisdom and discernment to know false leaders and teachers from true - thank you for the guidance of Your Word and Your Spirit in this matter, for we are ever grateful for all You in Your mercy and Grace have granted to us.

D 18, Lamentations and Obadiah: The devastated land of the Lord

Coming to the book of Lamentations just after reading Jeremiah helps us understand the setting of these dirges. The author is not specified, but is generally accepted to be Jeremiah. Evidently, the date is just after the captives have been taken away, approximately 583 BC, but while he was still in the land and the Israelites hadn't forced him down to Egypt.

There seems no anger in the laments, but sorrow and resignation. There is a recognition of God's hand in the destruction, and a remembrance of why the devastation occurred - with a hope coming through the tragedy. The key seems to be in chapter 3. The first two lamentations consider the desolation of Judah and the sin of the people, and God's rightful anger against them which has caused the people to suffer, and chapter three starts to turn it around into a message of hope in the midst of all this, recognising the the care of the Lord for His people.

Lam 3:22-24  It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.  (23)  They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.  (24)  The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

The last two laments then look to the continued suffering in the future. Because of the greatness of Israel's sin, it is no quick turning around, but a prolonged period of judgement. As seen by the words of the prophet though, the appropriate response is to continue calling on the Lord and following him, not giving up and rejecting Him again because He does not bring an immediate end to the sufferring. In the midst of suffering, He endures unchanging.

Obadiah is a very short read. We have seen some of the themes of judgement against Edom in other prophets - from our understanding of history at that time we know that Edom never really accepted either Israel or God, but rejected Him as did Esau their ancestor. A nation so close in many ways to Israel, with similar heritage, in a similar locality, and yet they took such a different path, and when Israel suffered they rejoiced and went to divvy up Jerusalem after the Babylonians left it relatively alone. Interesting to hear a bit about the geography in that video linked - it does really enhance the understanding of why the language in the chapter is chosen - they were trusting and prideful of their location in the world, but God tears away their security and their location, and will in a coming day give it to Israel (partial fulfilment now, as half of Edom was made up of the Negev desert in Israel today). The final promise is telling though - the kingdom will not be Israel's, but the LORD's. A great thing to remember!

D 11 & 12, Micah, Zephaniah, Nahum, Habbukuk: How God Judges.

Whew! Busy few days recently - last week spent at uni finishing off a few things before a 'holiday' with family. Holiday in inverted commas because there is plenty of work to do at home too, and I might have to do some work on reports via email during this time... but don't worry, I will at least be taking Christmas day off to relax with family and celebrate our Saviour's birth!

Covering a few books today. Small ones, but lots in them! There is a bit of a gap between Micah (contemporary of Hosea and Isaiah) and the next three - the rest are all speaking at a time when only Judah is left in the land - Israel (Northern Kingdom) has already been taken by Assyria. Broadly speaking, we see in these four judgement coming on Israel and Judah for rejection of God - later Judah repents and reforms somewhat but it is not enough to influence the whole nation and the judgement is simply delayed rather than prevented. We see judgement against Ninevah also, a foreign nation that earlier repented and turned to God, but returned to its wicked ways. And we see a prophet discussing the judgement of God, seeking to understand why God acts the way He does.

So Micah - what do we see here?
We see the prediction of the catastrophe arriving on both the northern kingdom of Israel and the kingdom of Judah. For their rejection of God, He will lead them into captivity. We see themes come through noted elsewhere - the desire for heart worship and obedience rather than multitude of sacrifices - the idolatry present, and the witchcraft - the cheating and deceit of the rich for unjust gain.
One statement stood out to me - I think I might have mentioned something similar in a previous prophecy - "Then they will cry unto Him, but He will not hear them... there is no answer God" Chapter 3.
Yet through it all are messages of hope. There will be a remnant left in the land, and there is a prophecy regarding the coming kingdom of the Messiah - which we also look forward to. And the beautiful conclusion:

"7:18 Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.

19 He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea."

Moving on to Zephaniah:

Zephaniah prophesied during the reign of Josiah. It is interesting to note that there is no prophecy recorded for us during the reign of Manasseh of Ammon (two wicked kings between Hezekiah and Josiah). Quite possibly there were prophets in that time, but God chose not to record their exhortations in the Bible for us - perhaps because it was a repetition of messages heard often before, or many other reasons. We do have htis enlightening prophecy in the reign of Josiah though. Josiah reigned from the young age of eight years (2 Kings 22), and as he grew older, he instigated a number of reforms, such as destroying idolatrous places of worship, casting the idols out of the Temple, rebuilding the Temple, and reading the book of the law to the people. Zephaniah was likely a large part responsible (as a mouthpiece of God) for some of of the reform of Josiah, as we can see in Zephaniah that this prophecy takes places when these places of worship still are present.

Quoting a few key verses:

1:17 And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the Lord: and their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung.

18 Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord's wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land.

3:7 I said, Surely thou wilt fear me, thou wilt receive instruction; so their dwelling should not be cut off, howsoever I punished them: but they rose early, and corrupted all their doings.

3:12 I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the Lord.

3:17 The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

Again we see this message of hope coming through in the remnant - their own wealth or strength cannot save them, but God will save them once again, purifying to Himself a holy people that turn back to following Him with pure hearts.

Zephaniah also includes a prophecy about Ninevah's destruction, a theme that is the focus of the next book, Nahum:

It is provoking to think of this book in the light of what we know from Jonah, that we recently read, and in light of Isaiah, knowing the conquest of Israel and attempted conquest of Judah that Assyria undertook some time after their repentance (a generation or two later). Like Israel, their memory only seems to last a generation before the unrighteousness and therefore judgement return. The verses that stood out to me in this passage are all in the beginning description of the Lord:

1:2 God is jealous, and the Lord revengeth; the Lord revengeth, and is furious; the Lord will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies.

3 The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the Lord hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.

...

7 The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

8 But with an overrunning flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue his enemies.

9 What do ye imagine against the Lord? he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time.

How great is our God, and how fearful when He says 'I am against thee'! Assyria was one of the great powers in the time - and the prophecy goes through describing aspects of that power that shall become as nothing. All the power in the world does not hold out against our Lord, for He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

In Habbakuk we have a slightly different form of prophecy - more similar to Job in that we see a conversation between Habbakuk and God as he wrestles with the message God is asking him to preach. Very useful to have heading sin your Bible for reading this section, as it helps to clarify who is speaking (always check for yourself, but I think most versions split this book up well, the divisions are quite evident once you start looking closely).

1:13 Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity: wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, and holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous than he?

The sticking point seems to be God's use of judgement via a nation that is (to outward appearance at least) more evil than Judah. It is good to see the humility of Habakkuk in phrasing his argument and questions to God - very respectful, and expecting to be reproved (have his questions refuted for good reasons). Indeed, the Lord impresses upon Habakkuk how far above He is from men, and how His ways are beyond our ways, and sometimes beyond our understanding. Habakkuk responds appropriately in trusting the Lord to work out his plans, and whether good or suffering, he would rejoice in the Lord.

Habakkuk always makes me think of how we respond to God doing something we don't understand. Yes, the suffering here described is on a human level, but it always makes me think about who we are in God's sight, and what we deserve and what He deserves compared to the reality of the blessings He has granted us and the feebleness of our current response to Him. Thought experiment for meditation: would I still worship God and seek to obey Him if there was no path of salvation and I knew I was going to Hell (as I deserved for my sin) - He is still the righteous just God Who deserves honour, glory and praise - He is still the Creator and Sustainer of all the world and our individual lives - and as we know the deserved punishment for our sin is hell eternally. Would we still praise Him? I hope so, but fortunately we are not in that situation and can never know for sure. Praise God we know Him as Just, Righteous, Creator and Sustainer! Praise God we know Him also as Saviour and Merciful Redeemer! He deserves our praise for ALL that He is, for He is our Holy God!

D 4, Hosea: Indefatiguable Love

Hosea is a remarkable for the picture of God's love not only described from visions or preached to the people, but lived out in the life of a prophet directed by God to exemplify His relationship with Israel.

The time is clearly marked in the beginning of the chapter by mention of the kings that reigned during the prophecy, putting him in the group of contemporaries Isaiah, Amos, and Jonah as we noticed in when considering Amos. So the prophecies that describe Israel as an unjust and idolatrous generation in Amos, are describing the same group of people present that Hosea witnesses to.

The videos linked you were a nice respectful portrayal of events as they might occur in a modern setting. I did like the way they depicted the events without speaking - allowing the actions to speak for themselves.


Some interpretive comments about the first chapter: Though it says that Hosea married a prostitute, both as a picture of Israel and in accordance with the truth that God will never ask us to sin, we can observe that Hosea's wife is described as a prostitute because the immorality she would show was known by God and revealed to Hosea beforehand, not because of what she was when they married - it is against God's character to marry someone actively in an immoral lifestyle.
Secondly, I was curious about the comment that the blood of Jezreel would be avenged/visited upon the house of Jehu (the line of kings reigning at the time). Now the story in 2 Kings 9 shows that Jehu was appointed of God to overthrow the king's family (who lived in Jezreel) - but later we learn that Jehu followed the idolatry of the previous kings, and seemed more concerned with his own aggrandisement. It is generally believed, and makes sense to me, that this comment is about God punishing Jehu's line for the way that Jezreel was overthrown, and the departure from God - not the fact that they were overthrown/killed.

We see in Hosea a love that does not give up. Metaphorically, his wife spits in his face. She rejects him, and gives him every cause to break the marriage. She ignores the fact that her husband is taking care of her even when she is rejecting him, and continually pursues her own desires. Despite the fact that her choices leave her destitute, ashamed, and hurt, she still seeks them rather than her husband in whose care she prospered. Even when he buys her back - he is her husband, he should not need to buy her time like as a prostitute, but he does anyway to remove her from that scene. How much this sounds alike to how people ignore God, and take Him for granted, pursuing their own desires, the fancies of people around them, and ignore the walls of thorns God puts up to lovingly try to prevent them going down that path. I wish it wasn't true of me, but in some aspects certainly it does apply - praise God that He continually is merciful in drawing me back to Himself and hedging up the way to prevent me straying far!

Throughout the book, the theme of whoredom (prostitution/sexual immorality) and idolatry is intertwined. Not only in the example of the adultery of Hosea's wife, but we see the idolatry of Israel described  vividly with their sacrifices to other gods and the prostitution of the women in service to these 'gods'. Sex was considered in the ancient world, and still today in some circles to bring one closer to the god - hence the many 'temple prostitutes' seen in these sort of contexts. A lot of 'new age' philosophy follows similar lines, but in many ways this society's fascination with sexual freedom and excellence is equally idolatry.

For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. But they like men have transgressed the covenant: there have they dealt treacherously against me. 

(Hos 6:6-7)

Here is the key to the passage - part of God's direct words to Israel and Judah. Also interesting to note that Hosea seems to speak equally to both nations - unlike some prophets that focus on Judah or Israel predominantly.

In the latter chapters we see God dealing with Israel not only as a wayward and adulterous wife, but also as a child under His care that requires chastisement. His care and desire to give good things and hold back the punishment and judgement come through again and again. Oh how great is the patience and long-suffering of God!

We see Israel and Judah seek help from other nations, rather than looking to God Who seeks to help them. 

O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help. I will be thy king: where is any other that may save thee in all thy cities? and thy judges of whom thou saidst, Give me a king and princes? 

(Hos 13:9-10)

O Israel, return unto the LORD thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity. Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips. 

(Hos 14:1-2)

 Thought I would finish with a hymn that was on my heart while reading this:

O Love that wilt not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in thee;
I give thee back the life I owe,
That in thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be.

O light that followest all my way,
I yield my flickering torch to thee;
My heart restores its borrowed ray,
That in thy sunshine’s blaze its day
May brighter, fairer be.

O Joy that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to thee;
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
And feel the promise is not vain,
That morn shall tearless be.

O Cross that liftest up my head,
I dare not ask to fly from thee;
I lay in dust life’s glory dead,
And from the ground there blossoms red
Life that shall endless be.

O Love that wilt not let me go

D 4, Hosea

Reading the book of Hosea in the ESV version of the bible, a mixture of thoughts and feelings arose across the story. God told Hosea to marry a prostitute, made him name his children names that seemly undesirable (‘Lo-ruhama, which means No Mercy’ and ‘Lo-ammi, which means Not my people’). God had order Hosea to call her back, even after deserting him and sleeping with other men ( and also after receiving the punishment she deserved), and to love her ten folds as much as he had love her before.

After reading through previous books of the bible on prophecy (Jonah, Joel and Amos), there always is a similar pattern( some may call it structure) of how prophecies were written. There always seems to be a structure of punishment and judgment, and God’s promise of greater goodness and positive end for those who repent and follow.

The book of Hosea had shown similarities to this pattern as well. The book of Hosea remind me of some really deep theme, mercy and forgiveness, compassion and unconditional love. Mercy for the prostitute who doesn't deserve to be forgiven after committing sins of adultery, compassion of a Father who took pity on the suffering of what the prostitute had gone through in her suffering, and the unconditional love God show by making Hosea reaching out to his wife even after the sins she committed, and love her even more than before. As I read and reflect upon the passage, I realized how great God’s love is to his people, and that he’ll not forsake us, no matter what we had done in the past.

How great thou art, oh Lord.

- on behalf of Emily Khong -

D 2-3, Amos: Transgression and punishment

The first thing I notice opening up the book of Amos is his 'humble' occupation - God uses all men, not just the ones born into high society, influential, or affluent positions. Sometimes/often He has a special job for people in an everyday job, because it is His power and words at work, and not our own.

The first two chapters of Amos go through the nations around Israel generally. We have references to the two kings reigning at the time, so we know where in history we are - and the known contemporaries Jonah, Hosea, and Isaiah, with possibly other prophets around also. So it was a time when there was a lot of warning and preaching to the people of both nations of Israel. Amos preached primarily to the people of Israel, so Judah (the second nation of Israel, with just two tribes out of 12) is grouped in witht eh other surrounding nations. It is interesting to note the emphasis on the transgressions and the idea that the judgement is not coming on a whim or as the result of one action, but on the back of many rejections of God. ('three transgressions and for four' is not an author accidentally writing down the wrong number, but deliberately emphasising the multitude of transgressions)

In terms of justice, both the surrounding nations and Israel seem to follow the same practices - despising the poor and 'selling them for food/silver/pair of sandals'. Chapter five deals with their abuse of judgements in the gates to exploit the poor and afflict the righteous. 'The gate' is where civil matters were decided in Israel back then - analogous to the courts today, where the warning is still relevant. Other countries are often well-known for corruption in the judicial system, and western culture often tries or pretends to minimise it, but there are still abuses of power that can occur within the system against the poor and righteous. There is also warning for the idle rich, who live in luxury and do not concern themselves with the suffering of the poor and oppressed. Again and again we are told to hate evil and seek good - in every area of life!

There are two warnings that stood out to me particularly, because they related more directly to God - the first was a warning not to desire the day of the Lord to come. It's not going to be a time of rejoicing, especially for the self-righteous who think God will be punishing everyone else. Even for the truly righteous, it is not rejoicing but sorrow that is the appropriate response to seeing the wrath of God poured out. The second was the warning that God would be silent. In an analogy from first aid training, it is a bit like shivering being a sign of cold, but the real danger is when the shivering stops, because the body stops fighting the cold - it is worn out, and the body temperature then plummets quickly. Likewise, God's warnings and judgement He brings to turn them back to Him are good, as they are a sign He is still being patient with them, trying to turn them back - but there will be a time when it becomes silent, and He does not speak, and then the evil may increase for a short time without the constraint, but will soon be judged.

In the end of all the judgement though, there is that promise that God will restore His people, and rebuild it. A hope and a light that the whole world is not overcome by evil, but God has saved a few for Himself!

D 1, Joel and Jonah: Judgement and Repentance

Considering the books of Jonah and Joel, we see both similarities and contrasts. In Jonah we learn more about the prophet than the judgement, and about the people's response. In Joel we see a vivid description of the judgement, but the response of the people is not seen (from other books we know that they ignored the warnings). Both preach judgement, one to Israel and one to foreigners - the nation that would conquer Israel (northern kingdom) later. Both teach that God is an upholder of righteousness, and that He would prefer people to repent that the judgement does not have to come

First considering Joel, as he prophesied earlier than Jonah:
Joel was a preacher to the northern tribes of Israel, probably around the time of Jehu or Joash, in a similar period to the prophet Elisha - although the time is not known with any certainty. The book does not itself give direct reference to a specific time we can pinpoint, possibly because the message does not need this - it is a message relevant for all times.

Joel describes the devastation of the suffering that the children of Israel have faced recently in very descriptive language. We who live in a land of plenty do not really understand what famine means in many ways - we see it on the news sometimes, but it is hard to know exactly what the people go through. He recounts the environmental devastation as a warning from God, a call to repentance, and warns that the time is coming when the judgement will come by war also, and bring even more devastation. We see the heart of the Lord in the latter half of chapter five - that longing for His people to come to Him, to return. The change in tone in verse 18 seems to indicate some turning back of the people - some pleading for help at least and realising their dependence on Him, hopefully some turned back out of genuine repentance and acknowledgement of God. In light of this, the Lord turns to bless His people both with food and protection from their enemies. He has control over the plants, the beasts, the rain, and the nations around.
The passage leads on into a discussion of future events - perhaps the repentance between v17 and v18 is also somewhat prophatic, foreshadowing a future time when many will turn back to the Lord and He will bless them in the Millennial kingdom. Certainly Peter indicated in Acts 2 that there was a partial fulfilment at Pentecost, but the full prophecy is still yet to be fulfilled in a coming day. How glorious will that day be, to see many turning again to their Lord and Saviour!
Joel finishes with describing the judgement of the nations. Not all will turn and repent - some will reject God and exploit and persecute the innocent, and especially His people - God will return the suffering they inflict upon their own heads.
These verses seem to be the cornerstone of Joel:

And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; and who can abide it? Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. 

(Joe 2:11-13)

And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed. 

(Joe 2:26)

The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel. So shall ye know that I am the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more. 

(Joe 3:16-17)

A good reminder to be sincere and realise our dependence upon Him when coming to the Lord - He is Great, Righteous, Gracious, and Merciful. Blessed be His Name!

Considering Jonah, I was contemplating how God uses everyone for His purposes  -  Jonah was unwilling to the point of running away, but not because he was scared of the people of Ninevah, but because He knew God well enough as a merciful and gracious God and he hated the people of Ninevah. He wanted the judgement to come upon them - he wanted to watch the judgement fall. There are many people today who seem to have this idea, though perhaps more subtly. There is a selfish concern for wanting the exclusive privilege for 'being right' and delight in seeing others suffer - but this is not the characteristic of a Christian. People like this may claim the name, but they have not experienced the love of God that reaches towards all, nor their own unworthiness before God. Yet God can still use them. I am reminded of the Apostle Paul, who said 

"What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice."(Php 1:18)

(provided it is the true gospel that is preached, and not a false gospel, which Paul also warns about!!!!)

I am also reminded of stories where famous preachers have left 'Christianity' after preaching the gospel for many years, and denying that they believe it any longer. Having never truly believed and repented, they were still used of God for bringing about true repentance and faith in others - He uses both Christians and non-Christians to bring Him glory in different ways, but it is always His power and not ours that works. Of course this does not minimise our responsibility to follow His guidance - if He can work with an unwilling tool to His glory how much more a willing tool!

But ultimately, in Jonah we see the care and concern of God. He sees the innocent and the guilty in the city and He loves them - He holds off judgement long enough for a warning to go out, and in this case they respond fully - judgement is forestalled! How great a testimony to the glory of the Lord than the chief city of the leading world empire at that time all repenting in sackcloth and ashes before God! He cares for all - nations and individuals, and would have everyone everywhere come to repentance and knowledge of the truth. How are we - how am I - showing His concern for others?

D 2-3, Amos: A picture of Destruction

The book of Amos talks mainly about the destruction and punishment God will bestow upon the many countries around Israel. Some of the many forms of destruction involved sieges, fires and damage to building/property. Here is a picture of what I imagine the destruction might have looked like.

- on behalf of Emily Khong -

D 1, Jonah: Warnings for the sinful deed and blessings for the meek

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Blogging about what I read could potentially be my comeback blog post after leaving the blogging community for nearly 5 years. Thank you readers for your interest and hopefully you’ll gain something from this blog post.

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“Warnings for the sinful deed and blessings for the meek”

The story of Jonah is well heard by every Christian born child. Sitting in Sunday school listening to our Sunday school teacher, we listened to the story of this man who disobeyed God and ran away, only to be punished and swallowed by a giant whale and sitting in his stomach for 3 long days (I wonder whats for dinner during that 3 dreadful days?). Later on getting spit out when he confesses his wrong doing, and grudgingly works his way to Nineveh, Capital of Assyria, to warn of God’s punishment to the people unless changes are made.

And we have Joel, whose background was mostly untold, and was God’s “minor prophet” who walks up to the people of Judah to prophesize of a devastating locust plague. He sees this plague as a sign of God's judgment and warned that unless the people returned to the Lord they would face even greater judgment on the day of the Lord.

As God sent both these men to be his messengers and warn His people I would like to think this shows that he always has an alternative plan behind every one of these grave warnings.
God did not carry out his plan of destruction over the city of Nineveh when the people repented and had a change of heart; he promised the people of Judah a “great blessing” that would more than repay "the years the locusts have eaten" to those who changed.

Using the analogy of a father with his child, the father has the right to teach his child what is right and wrong, to punish (or send his child to the ‘naughty corner’) his child when a misdeed has been done, and to reward them when they apologize and attempt very hard to be on ‘best behaviour’.

The two stories remind me that God is sovereign over everything, he is a father to us all, he teaches us what we need, he warns and punishes us when we sin, and he blesses us with greatness when we repent and walk closer to his word.

- On behalf of Emily Khong -

d27 Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi

Haggai
Read Haggai in the bible http://www.biblica.com/bibles/chapter/?verse=Haggai+1&version=niv

For an overview http://www.ivpress.com/bible/haggai/

Zechariah
Read Zechariah in the bible http://www.biblica.com/bibles/chapter/?verse=Zechariah+1&version=niv

For an overview http://www.ivpress.com/bible/zech/
Canterbury Staff Worker, Geoff Robinson gave a series of talks on Zechariah, check it out http://sermon.net/ststephensshirley/sermonid/1199830971/type/audio for more
http://geoffrobson.wordpress.com/bible-talks/my-bible-talks/

Malachi
Read Malachi in the bible http://www.biblica.com/bibles/chapter/?verse=Malachi+1&version=niv

For an overview http://www.ivpress.com/bible/malachi/

How do all three prophets point to Jesus? What do you marvel at today?

d18 Lamentations and Obadiah

Read Lamentations in the bible http://www.esvbible.org/Lamentations+1/

 

Lamentations is a group coming together to mourn. Do you marvel at the idea? We often come together to celebrate and sing praise but what about mourn?

 

For an overview http://www.ivpress.com/bible/lam/

 

Read Obadiah in the bible http://www.esvbible.org/Obadiah/

 

Obadiah warns Edom because the nation was gloating over Israel's downfall. Do we gloat when Christians who are not part of our community fall into misfortune? Do you marvel at that idea? 

For an overview http://www.ivpress.com/bible/obadiah/



d12 Nahum and Habakkuk

Read Nahum in the Bible http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Nahum+1&version=NIV
If you would like to watch a video about Nahum http://www.bibledex.com/videos/nahum.html
Material for self study http://www.ivpress.com/bible/nahum/
What is the tone of the book? Nahum means to comfort, do you see comfort in the book?

Read Habakkuk in the Bible http://www.biblegateway.com/quicksearch/?quicksearch=Habakkuk&qs_version=NIV

Habakkuk uses a type of oracle called a "woe oracle" Woe oracles contain, either explicitly or implicitly, three elements that uniquely characterize this form:
(1) an announcement of distress (the word “Woe,” for example),
(2) the reason for the distress, and
(3) a prediction of doom.
Read Habakkuk 2:6-8 as an example of a woe oracle spoken against Babylon. The oracle announces “woe” in verse 6. The reason is also given in verse 6, where Babylon is personified as a thief and extortionist. Disaster is predicted in verses 7-8, when all those Babylon has oppressed will one day rise up against it. This form is allegorical, though not all woes are (other examples are Micah 2:1-5; Zeph. 2:5-7) Taken from https://bible.org/seriespage/understanding-writing-prophets

If you would like to watch a video about Habakkuk http://www.bibledex.com/videos/habakkuk.html
Material for self study http://www.ivpress.com/bible/habakkuk/
What is the tone of book? Habakkuk, meaning embrace, identifies with the people.
What do both books tell you about God?

d11 Micah and Zephaniah

Read Micah in the Bible http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Micah+1&version=NIV

This book has inspired networks such as this one http://www.micahnetwork.org/

Read Zephaniah in the Bible http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Zephaniah+1&version=NIV

This book has inspired networks such as this one http://www.zephaniah.org.uk/about-us/the-zephaniah-trust/

What did you marvel at in these books?

d4 Hosea

Read Hosea in the bible. http://www.esvbible.org/Hosea+1/

Hosea uses a type of oracle called a "covenant lawsuit" to get a message across. God is portrayed imaginatively as presenting a summon, charge, evidence and verdict. After a sentence is announced the terms for violating the "covenant" are dealt out. (Hosea 3:3-7, 4:1-19) 

This is a modern rendition of Hosea's heartache. This is part 1, you can watch the other 5 parts here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8fhdPf25hc&list=PL0E4A71D4DBC2F595
If you have watched all 6 parts, what do you think of this film version of Hosea? What do you marvel at in the book of Hosea?
For a quick overview http://www.insight.org/resources/bible/hosea.html

d3 Amos 5-9

Read Amos 5-9 in the bible http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Amos%205&version=NRSV
Gordon Fee challenges us to read Amos 5 without any headings. Ask yourself is this one oracle or many? If there is one oracle, why are there so many topics in the oracle? Think about the types of oracles and you may spot 3 oracles in Amos 5:
(1) lament (5:1-4)
(2) invitation to blessing and warning (5:4-17)
(3) warning of punishment (5:18-27)
Being able to recognise oracles, helps us understand the role of prophets and their message.

 

The book of Amos is quoted by Stephen (Acts 7: 42) and by James (Acts 15: 16–18), and in modern times has been much valued for its forthright appeal for social justice, and the famous 5: 24 hints at a universally understood moral code. (Taken from http://www.oxfordbiblicalstudies.com/article/opr/t94/e91)

 

What does Amos mean by justice? How would justice look like today?

 

d2 Amos 1-4

Read Amos 1-4 in the bible http://bible.gen.nz/amos/

 

To be able to unpack the prophets well, we need to THINK ORACLE (Gordon Fee). Was this one oracle or many? When was it said? Who was the audience? Here is a fun video on types of oracles.

What is God like in this book? 

 For a quick overview of Amos http://www.insight.org/resources/bible/amos.html

For quiet time questions http://www.ivpress.com/bible/amos/



d1 Jonah and Joel

Read Jonah in the bible http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jonah%201&version=NLT
Imagine Jonah is part of your Christian Fellowship. He would be known far and wide at TSCF conferences, through Canvas and The Loop. He experienced first hand a miraculous "rescue" at sea by God and hears from God directly. Amongst students, he would be praised for being the most successful student evangelist today. Through Jonah, God changed the hearts of a whole city of people who had a reputation for being cruel (Nineveh, Capital of Assyria). All of them, from the King to the animals, repented and God saved them. Jonah didn't even seem to try very hard at being responsible at all. Deep inside, only Jonah (and God) knew all was not well inside him. What can you learn from his amusing story? What is God like?
To hear other views: https://bible.org/seriespage/jonah or http://bible.gen.nz/jonah/

Read Joel in the bible http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joel+1&version=WEB
In contrast, to Jonah, we know little about Joel. He brings a warning and promise from God. A terrible locust plague is a sign from God that people should return to him. From 2:18 to 2:29, a transition occurs in Joel's message as he describes a futuristic "the Day of the Lord". In the New Testament, Peter during Pentecost quotes the prophet Joel (2:28-32) in Acts 2:16-21. What can you learn from the prophetic message of Joel? What is God like?

To hear other views: http://www.aboutbibleprophecy.com/p29.htm or http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/sermons/this-is-what-was-spoken-by-the-prophet-joel or do a study http://www.ivpress.com/bible/joel/