The prophets we are studying are referred to as “minor,” but their messages are a “major” component of our spiritual heritage and shape our understanding of God and God’s people.
Jan 24 --- Malachi was concerned about the quality of worship he witnessed among his people. He noticed that both the priests and the people were bringing substandard sacrifices to the temple. Malachi relayed the message that God was not pleased with the offerings, particularly since the people were giving their best to earthly rulers. This raises the question, “When have I offered less than my best to God?”
Jan 31 -- The familiar text in Micah 6 calls us to examine how our worship is connected to acts of justice. Micah charged Israel with ingratitude for God’s many saving acts and superficial worship. God desired not only their worship but also that they love kindness, do justice, and walk humbly before God. This text calls us to reflect on how our behavior demonstrates the depth of our devotion to God.
Feb 7 -- Habakkuk lived during a time when justice seemed nonexistent in his world. Like others before him, he lamented undeserved suffering. He wanted to know how a just God could allow such suffering to occur. In the last chapter of this brief book, the prophet draws on ancient traditions in which God establishes order in the cosmos.
Feb 14 -- Zephaniah lived during the reign of King Josiah, just before the fall of Jerusalem in 587 BC. This was a time in which the people sinned against God by living outside God’s laws. Zephaniah announced the arrival of the Day of Lord, which would be marked by judgment. But he also spoke about the future national restoration and the return of the nation’s exiles. Even though he pronounces judgment, Zephaniah’s message concludes on a note of praise for God’s redeeming grace.
Jan 24 --- Malachi was concerned about the quality of worship he witnessed among his people. He noticed that both the priests and the people were bringing substandard sacrifices to the temple. Malachi relayed the message that God was not pleased with the offerings, particularly since the people were giving their best to earthly rulers. This raises the question, “When have I offered less than my best to God?”
Jan 31 -- The familiar text in Micah 6 calls us to examine how our worship is connected to acts of justice. Micah charged Israel with ingratitude for God’s many saving acts and superficial worship. God desired not only their worship but also that they love kindness, do justice, and walk humbly before God. This text calls us to reflect on how our behavior demonstrates the depth of our devotion to God.
Feb 7 -- Habakkuk lived during a time when justice seemed nonexistent in his world. Like others before him, he lamented undeserved suffering. He wanted to know how a just God could allow such suffering to occur. In the last chapter of this brief book, the prophet draws on ancient traditions in which God establishes order in the cosmos.
Feb 14 -- Zephaniah lived during the reign of King Josiah, just before the fall of Jerusalem in 587 BC. This was a time in which the people sinned against God by living outside God’s laws. Zephaniah announced the arrival of the Day of Lord, which would be marked by judgment. But he also spoke about the future national restoration and the return of the nation’s exiles. Even though he pronounces judgment, Zephaniah’s message concludes on a note of praise for God’s redeeming grace.
No comments:
Post a Comment