Observe:
In this first cycle in the book of Job, we see conversations between Job, Bildad, Zophar, and Eliphaz. We begin with Eliphaz suggesting that Job has some great sin in him for which he is suffering, that the innocent prosper and the guilty are brought low and destroyed. It is a reminder of God’s justice and a call to repent of whatever sin he has done. Job rebuffs him, saying that his complaint before the Lord is just, that he has done no wrong to incur this divine wrath, then goes on to lament his utter lack of hope. Bildad steps up next, saying that God does not pervert justice and that Job should repent. He reminds Job that God is quick to forgive and will restore him if he only repents, but Job goes on to insist that he is being treated unfairly and pleads with God to consider his frail humanity. Zophar then takes his turn to insist that, assured of some great sin on Job’s part, Job deserves far worse than what has already befallen him, but Job insists that this is an act of the Lord that is undeserved based on his deeds. The final two chapters of this section conclude with Job vacillating wildly between hope and despair. Interpret: The question of suffering and the problem of evil – both are serious topics that are felt and considered deeply in almost everyone. Job grappled with this in no uncertain terms and epitomizes the question “why do bad things happen to good people?” The entire book of Job shows him grappling with a just God on one hand and injustice in the other. How do we put these two things together? A Friday morning blog is far too small a space in which to explore all these thoughts fully, but I believe we can make some headway. I am not unfamiliar with suffering in my own life, and the more one grows older in a world such as ours, the more we see the suffering, injustice, and pain of one another, near and far. The truth of the matter is that we have a sovereign God of love, justice, and mercy, yet we live in a world of hate, violence, and fear. These facts exist side by side. However, it is not God who perpetuates evil or does evil things, but sinners with evil in their hearts. The truth of the matter is that God does not just work with the righteous and ignore the evil; He gets right in our messy world and works His mighty hand to bring about His good and perfect will. He can work with anyone and anything in His masterpiece to bring about His good will - and thank God that he does! And remember, He does all things according to His infinite, sovereign love. This means we can have such joy, even in our greatest suffering and darkest nights that He knows what He is doing and has not forgotten you or is unable to save. A good leader never asks their employees to do something they themselves have not done or would not do. I have vivid memories from my previous profession when my Chef would be right there with us on his hands and knees, cleaning and repairing and prepping and sweating, and it increased our respect and loyalty for him immensely. And we find the perfect leader in Jesus Christ! He did not sit comfortably in heaven as we struggle and toil in a broken world – no! He stepped down into the muck and the grime of earth, taking on the form of a lowly craftsman, accustomed to grief, tempted and tried, acquainted with sorrow, to love and lead and save, only to be brutally nailed to a tree. This is a comfort to us in so many ways, knowing that anything we face, the Lord has walked there too. It is a comfort especially in this – Not even Jesus was spared pain or suffering or sorrow, yet it was through such agony that we were given the greatest gift of all: peace with God! Through His death on the cross, Jesus glorified the Father and then the Father glorified the Son. If it was not for the Son of God suffering unjustly and being raised, we would not be saved. He does not excuse us from the trials of this life, yet like the perfect leader, He has come along side us, made Himself a refuge, and will teach us how to bear them. In summation, it is therefore true to say that pain and suffering is a part of our life on earth, yet never outside the bounds of God’s sovereignty. It is true to say that God, this master craftsman, works all things to the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28). And it is true to say that His power is made perfect in weakness, and that those who suffer walk in the footsteps of Him who has gone before us. Application Question: How do you interpret the presence of evil and suffering alongside the reality of a perfect, just, and loving God? How might God use even your worst pain to bring about good in your life while also glorifying Him? What examples can we learn from Jesus? Does it comfort you, knowing that Jesus did not exempt Himself from even the worst the world could throw at Him? Prayer: Lord, there is no shortage of suffering in our world. I pray that you use all of the pain felt through this pandemic to glorify yourself, and make in me an example like Christ who obediently followed where you directed. I commit my own struggles to you and ask that you teach me to bear them, so that in all things I might be a testament to your goodness. Please teach me to let the peace of Christ rule in my heart, and teach me to make your joy my strength. Amen! Song: Psalm 46 by Shane and Shane “The Lord does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths.” Psalm 135:6
Text: Job 1-3, Psalm 135 Observation: In today’s reading, we meet Job, a man blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He was famed as “the greatest man of the East” and was very wealthy with 7 sons, 3 daughters, 7000 sheep, 3000 camels, 500 yoke oxen, 500 donkeys and plenty of servants to manage his household. We also get a glimpse into a heavenly realm in which Satan approaches God and accuses Job of being faithful to God only because of the blessings God has given him. In order to test that theory, God grants permission to Satan to remove Job’s wealth and belongings. In a single day Job learns all his camels, oxen and donkeys have been stolen, his servants murdered, a “fire from heaven” has killed all his sheep and the servants tending them, and his children are all tragically killed when a mighty wind causes the house they are feasting in to collapse. Job’s immediate response is both grief and worship: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” (Job 1:21) Satan again accuses Job in God’s presence saying Job passed the test because he still had his own life. God allows this theory also to be tested and permits Satan to afflict Job's health and sores break out over his whole body. In response to this new tragedy, Job’s wife suggests he “curse God and die” but Job sees her words as foolish and asks, “Shall we accept good from God and not trouble?” Despite all his troubles, Job again does not sin by what he says. Then Job’s 3 friends come to mourn with him. Upon seeing his immense suffering, they sit in the dust with him 7 days and 7 nights in complete silence. Then Job voices his suffering by cursing the day of his birth. He begins to ask “why” questions and says he has no peace, no quiet, no rest, only turmoil. Interpretation: Let’s look at the three main characters in these initial chapters. We see first Job, who is not only righteous himself, he also initiates the right-making of each of his children by offering sacrifices before God on their behalf after their lavish parties at each other’s houses. Job’s initial response to his immense loss is grief and worship and acceptance of God’s sovereignty over his troubling situation. We see from this that Job has an immense respect for God and desires to remain in right standing before Him. Next, we have Satan, whose name literally means, ‘the accuser’. We clearly see Satan’s character of wanting to break down the righteous. After he makes an accusation against Job, his desire and permission is to steal, kill and destroy; his boundary however, is that he can only do what God allows him to. We also see a snapshot of God’s character in these 3 chapters. In this heavenly realm, God sees and acknowledges his righteous servant, Job. He allows Job to be tested. And also, God remains in complete control over what is permitted in Job’s life. Application: Does it make us a little uncomfortable to recognize that God allowed Job to suffer? Or, on the other hand, does it bring peace to observe that God filtered out the kind of suffering that would be permitted in Job’s life? The tragic events Job experienced threw his soul into a state of turmoil, however, we see in contrast that God remained in a state of sovereign control over what Satan was and was not permitted to take away. We are told that Job passed the test when he did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing. He did well to worship God, to acknowledge God’s sovereignty and right to give and to take away. How about us? Are we able to acknowledge that God is sovereign above the chaos created by Covid-19? Although this pandemic has thrown the world into turmoil, God is not moved by it. He remains in control and has allowed this to happen. Can we trust like Job did initially that God is still worthy of praise when we go through hard things? We will all likely at some point in our lives wrestle with the topic and tension of God’s sovereignty and our suffering. Space was made in God’s Word: 42 long chapters are given to this book to explore grief and suffering and God’s role in it all. As we journey further into the book of Job, let’s allow ourselves to be honest with God and ourselves about the effect trials have on us and our need for God in the midst of it all. Prayer: Lord, I acknowledge your sovereignty and control over the events in the world and in my own experience. Help me as I wrestle with the troubles of life and the idea of suffering. I invite you to make yourself known to me in a clearer way through the reading of the book of Job. Song: Weep With Me (Rend Collective) “The great day of the Lord is near – near and coming quickly. The cry on the day of the Lord is bitter; the Mighty Warrior shouts his battle cry.”
Zephaniah 1: 14 Zephaniah (Psalm 133) Observe
Interpret Zephaniah is introduced as the great, great grandson of Hezekiah, and so is probably of royal blood, as the Hezekiah is likely the famous king. None of this is certain, it is though relevant; Zephaniah is warning King Josiah, who seems to have heeded the counsel. Josiah has followed Manasseh and Amon. These latter kings remained vassals to Assyria and allowed apostate conditions. Josiah, however, pursued faith and obedience to God and independence from foreign nations. Zephaniah’s main focus is upon the ‘Day of the Lord,’ which he stated was: near; wrathful; distressing; ruinous; and full of darkness and gloom. This ‘Day’ was due to sin against God (1: 17); sin committed by God’s people and the surrounding gentile nations. Zephaniah describes God’s wrath and judgement with cold clarity while explaining its justification. Israel’s unfaithfulness and non-witness has resulted in the fall of the northern kingdom. Judah is now the witness but the warning here is against them too. A ‘remnant,’ however will be saved and expected to witness to the truth of God (3: 12-13) The focus on judgement turns to salvation (3: 8-9) where all nations will turn to the Lord and Judah will be restored (3:11). Salvation though, comes after judgement and punishment; the command to be faithful continues. Application In this book we can see the reality of our sin and God’s holiness; humankind’s rebellion and hard heartedness rightly brings God’s judgement. God’s wrath and judgement are the realities that we should truly fear; the loss of our souls and eternal separation from God are the absolute worse conclusions our lives can face. The Day of the Lord, Christ’s return, will be too late for any change or repentance on our behalf. That Day will both be terrible and wonderful – the New Testament and Christ’s teachings are full of direction, encouragement and warnings in relation to this truth. The answer to God’s wrath, my friends, is found in Jesus. It is He who takes away our punishment and He who has turned back the enemy of sin and death (3: 15a). For us to saved, and for Christ’s return to be awesomely wonderful, we need to humble ourselves before God, repent and trust in Him and then live in meekness and obedience (3:12). God’s people, Israel, were to be a witness to the surrounding nations. Today, God’s people, the Church, have that same mission. How terrible for His Church to go away from the truth and lead others away! How wonderful for the Church to be a beacon of light in a dark world drawing others to the Love of God in Christ Jesus!!! The Question of Application Have you considered God’s judgement and wrath or do you not like to think about its harsh reality? To dismiss this truth is to underestimate the depth of God’s love for us and Christ’s self-sacrifice. Who, in your life, needs to know these truths? Prayer O Holy Spirit, before the Day of the Lord Jesus’ Return, enable and encourage us to seek Him in true humility and to obey what He commands. Help us to seek righteousness and humility so that we may be sheltered by His self-sacrificial love and welcomed into the Father’s loving embrace. Amen (Taken from Zephaniah 2: 2-3) Praise How Deep the Father’s Love for Us sung by St. Aidan’s Holy (Wedding Song) by City Harmonic TEXT: Habakkuk
OBSERVATION
INTERPRETATION
APPLICATION The question asked at the title of this scripture asks “how should we then pray?” We can use the prayers of Habbakuk as examples for our own prayers and dialogue with God. QUESTION What is God telling me, telling us (the family, the church) in this time of darkness. Example: “Even though I don’t understand what is going on, you are God and you are in control of history. You are Lord of all the earth.” How shall I respond to this God? PRAYER Dear Lord God, how are you expanding my understanding, and my experience of you during this time of darkness? How shall I praise you? I do trust you for our salvation and our well-being. Nevertheless—whatever happens, I will trust you. I will follow you. (I call this faith with no back door). SONG – I will sing… Hab.3:17-18 Another version of the scripture in song: (this is the scripture song I learned long ago…) Though the fig tree does not blossom… Text: Nahum 1-3
OBSERVE: The long shadow of the Assyrian empire casted a cloud over God’s people. The northern Kingdom of Israel had already been conquered by the Assyrians and now Judah faced the same fate as their sister kingdom to the north. Within this time of uncertainty and fear, God sent his prophet, Nahum, whose name means “comfort.” And comfort was exactly what Nahum’s prophecy brought to Judah – the message that Assyria would face utter destruction. Nahum’s prophecies of certain and irrevocable judgment on Assyria comforted the people of Judah, assuring them that even though it may have seemed slow in coming, God was enacting his righteous judgment on their enemies. INTERPRET: Nahum’s prophecy proved true when Nineveh was destroyed in 612 BC, marking the end of that great empire. The great Assyrian city of Nineveh was never rebuilt and the Assyrians disappeared from history. This fulfillment of God’s promises gives us confidence that the day is coming when all of God’s enemies will be destroyed, never again to persecute the people of God. But it is in one particular statement that we can find the most comfort. In the middle of Nahum’s menacing pronouncement of woes is the Good News of the gospel: “Look! A Messenger is coming over the mountains with good news! He is bringing a message of peace” (1: 15). APPLICATION: Who is the messenger and what is his message? In the book of Acts, Peter was very specific about this messenger and his good news: This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel – that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all…….. Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all - the living and the dead. He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name (Acts 10: 36, 42-43). Nahum’s “good news” was that the God who brings judgment also provides and escape from judgment. The One who executes judgment on the enemies of God is also an emissary for peace with God. For us, we can be content that God is in control and he is the ultimate judge. Trusting in him to bring ultimate justice allows us to find great peace in the Good News of the gospel and we can then focus on sharing this Good News with others. REFLECTION: Does the Good News of the gospel bring you comfort and peace during uncertain times? PRAYER: Jesus, you are the Good News. I don’t have to fear the judgment I deserve because you, God’s Messenger, have taken the judgment upon yourself. This Good News both comforts me and brings me peace. Help me to be a messenger of this Good News to those around me. AMEN. SONG: Rescuer (Good News) by Rend Collective Observe -
The book of Micah was written during the time of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, all kings of Judah, and his words are for both Jerusalem and Judah; that is, both the Northern and Southern kingdom. It begins with warnings of relentless destruction coming on behalf of the evil of the inhabitants of the land, that Jerusalem and Samaria will be reduced to a heap of ashes and the people carted off to exile. The second and third chapter denounce wicked oppressors, corrupt rulers, and false prophets, all of whom make and take bribes, steal from the poor, crush the weak, and walk in darkness. 3:6-7 says “Therefore it shall be night to you, without vision, and darkness to you, without divination. The sun shall go down on the prophets, and the day shall be black over them; the seers shall be disgraced, and the diviners put to shame; they shall all cover their lips, for there is no answer from God.” The following verse has a stunning and beautiful proclamation which perfectly encapsulates the work of God’s prophets: “But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the Lord, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin.” Even in the midst of what looks only to be doom and gloom, Micah proclaims a message of hope that, in the latter days, the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established above all and that all nations will flock to it, where there shall be justice and equity and that war shall cease. He paints a picture of peace, between man and man, between man and God, where all live in the joy and security of the presence of God. The fifth chapter tells of the coming exile at the hands of Babylon, but also contains a messianic prophecy, that the ruler of Israel is to be born in Bethlehem and that a faithful remnant of Jacob shall be saved by the hand of the Lord. Micah wraps up with an indictment from the Lord and encouragement to wait for the God of Salvation. In these last chapters we find the famous reminder – “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Interpret – At the outset of the beginning of these Bible in one Year blogs, Pastor Dave stressed the importance of focusing on big picture points as we were writing. There is always the risk of getting caught up in small topics here and there, but we are always careful to write our blogs as a part that makes up a far larger picture. Micah is exactly in that style – the flow and themes present capture a snapshot of the overall Biblical story. Beginning with the condemnation of wickedness, oppression, corruption, cruelty, and falsehood, Micah reminds us of our own sin and evil. Yet God, being who He is, doesn’t resign us to our sinful nature but steps in to rescue! This points us towards the coming of Jesus Christ, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days (5:2b), and the Gospel as a whole. We have sinned, we have fallen short, yet it is the Lord Himself who makes up the difference. From there flows the encouragement to wait for the God of Salvation: “But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me,” (7:7). The Holy and Compassionate nature of God is upheld throughout this whole book, from the pronouncement of judgement upon the wicked to the final verses in which it is proclaimed “He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea,” (7:18b-19). We see in Micah a condensed version of the entire Biblical narrative. Let the wickedness and corruption of which we read in the book of Kings give us greater confidence that the Lord and the Lord only is to be praised for His goodness, justice, love, and mercy! As we’ve seen by now, the Bible is full of a variety of different types of writings and styles of literature, many different authors and all sort of genres present. Yet each book, each story points us in the same direction – each page of Scripture is meant to reveal a part of the eternal God! The Bible is God’s written revelation of Himself to mankind, the written Word of God that points toward the Living Word of God. It is shows us not only His nature but our nature before Him and how desperately we need a Saviour. Not only that, but it is the Gospel, the Good News for everyone that the gift of salvation is found in Jesus Christ! Micah is a book that encapsulates these themes, and our lives can and should tell the same story. Apply – Like the books of the Bible, each of our lives is drastically different from one person to another, yet we too can point to Jesus in our diverse ways. Consider today if your life reflects the precious gift of salvation bought on the Cross of Calvary. Have we realized our own wickedness and the judgement that was rightly on us? Have we stiffened our necks, or have we humbled ourselves and thrown ourselves at the feet of Christ and asked for mercy? Have we admitted our own wrong and sinfulness and given our lives over to Jesus in a way that brings about real change? I ask that we all might prayerfully and honestly consider whether our lives bear witness to the one we follow! Application Question – How would others describe your faith? Is it noticeable in the things you do and say? Prayer – Lord God, thank you for working to save sinners, not just back in ancient history but here and now. I don’t deserve it, yet you have called me your child, your friend, and invite me to live with you forever. Let my heart never grow cold to this good news, let my ears never tire of hearing of your salvation. Give joy to your servant this day as the world is full of turmoil, and keep safe those who cannot keep themselves from the harm around them. I pray that my life will always reflect your saving grace and truth, and that I might be a light to those around me, especially those who don’t know or even hate your name. Amen! Song - Holy, Holy, Holy (we bow before thee) - Shane and Shane “When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.”
Jonah 3: 10 Jonah (Psalm 128) Observe
Interpret In lots of ways this book is about responses to God. The sailors cried out to ‘their own gods;’ yet in the end they acknowledged, and cried out to the one and only true God; for grace (1: 14). The Ninevites believed God (3:5) and the people declared a fast. Their King, on hearing this, issued a decree stating that all should call on the Lord and affirmed the fast. The call was for repentance, giving ‘up their evil ways and violence,’ (3: 8b). These were not God’s people. Jonah, God’s prophet, responded in very different ways. He heard God but ran in the opposite direction. He acknowledged he was to blame for the storm, he acknowledged God and offered his life to save the sailors. When, however, we consider his responses in the rest of the book, we have to ask whether this was a sacrificial act or one of selfishness? Even in prayer from within the fish, where he truly acknowledges God, does he actually say sorry? He does eventually obey God, but his reaction to God’s grace is one of petulance, again asking for God to take His life. We know that Jonah prophesied to Jeroboam (2 Kings 14: 25) and that, through Amos, this prophecy was altered (Amos 6: 14). Perhaps Jonah, and his relationship with God, had been hugely affected by this? God explains His compassion to Jonah and asks him a question (4:11b); we do not know Jonah’s response! Application With the book of Jonah we sometimes fixate on the fish; was it possible for Jonah to stay alive? This, I believe to be a red herring (the actual fish will have been somewhat bigger!). If God can create the universe, if He can raise Jesus from the dead, then this miraculous act is nothing for Him. Jesus believed it, and that is good enough for me (Matt 12: 40). In this Gospel passage, Jesus links Jonah’s experience to a prediction of His own death and resurrection; perhaps this is what happened to Jonah? Instead I believe we need to recognise God’s sovereignty, compassion and provision in this book. We see Him as the King of all nations, acting with compassion and calling for obedience and right relationships. We need to acknowledge that oftentimes non-believers, respond more honestly and openly to God and we need to accept that there is something of the begrudging nature of Jonah in all of us. Wrapped up in that attitude can be an inherent pride believing we know better than God and others. Despite our failings though, God can, and still does use us for His glory and the blessings of others; whether we receive God's blessings is sometimes dependent on us. God’s call for Nineveh is a call for our world; a call for repentance that leads to reconciliation. His Holy Spirit works to convict the world of its sins and God’s impending judgement, whilst offering the righteousness of Christ, as the means of His grace (John 16: 8-11). We are vessels of His Holy Spirit, and the Church His agent in this mission with a great commission (Matt. 28 16-20). How will we respond to God’s call; as Jonah or as one who imitates Jesus? The Question of Application God’s call to the Ninevites caused them to respond. Their response caused their Government (King), to respond. What is God’s call to our country and city today, how might we respond to that call? Prayer Almighty God, in our distress we call to you, the One who can bring our lives from the pit. Hear our prayers, as they rise to your Holy dwelling place, and help us to abandon false idols, turning instead to your grace and compassion. In praise and thanksgiving let us acknowledge that salvation belongs to you, repent and receive life. Amen (Paraphrased from Jonah 2) Praise Out of the Depths by Sovereign Grace Lord Jesus, Think on me sung by St. Michael and All Angels, Bassett Text: Obadiah, Psalm 128
Observe: Obadiah is the shortest book in the Hebrew Bible – only 21 verses long. But “short” doesn’t mean “inconsequential”; it is dense with forthtelling and forewarning. Obadiah’s vision concerned a nation that made itself an enemy of Jacob/Israel: Edom, a nearly inaccessible mountainous area south of the Dead Sea, its geography offering its inhabitants apparent safety from enemy attack. If you recall from Genesis 25:22, Esau and his twin, Jacob, had been at war with each other literally from the womb. Esau eventually went to live in Edom, while rivalry between Israel and Edom remained over generations. Pride of place and aggression increased over the years. Yahweh through Obadiah spoke against Edom’s pride and arrogance (1-4), warning of their destruction (5-9) finally charging them for their violence against your brother Jacob. (10-14). Prior to and during Obadiah’s time, Edom had been harassing Jacob, stealing from them, mocking, generally making itself The Enemy, believing with puffed-up hubris “us” as superior to “them”—a familiar bigotry, we might note. So, for their evil visited on God’s people? As you have done, it shall be done to you; / your deeds shall return on your own head. (15b). Retributive justice, indeed, as the prophecy of Edom’s demise came to pass when it disappeared into the mists of history, proving Proverbs 16:18: Pride goes before destruction/and a haughty spirit before stumbling. Through Obadiah the Lord God promised redemption, not to Edom, but to the people of Jacob. The ‘Kingdom of the Lord’ is theirs when the land and God’s people are restored (19-21). Interpret: ‘The Lord God’ was Obadiah’s name for Yahweh as the true ruler of all; “Obadiah” actually means “worshipper of Yahweh”. He was one of a few prophets to speak out against nations other than Judah. The Lord God sent a prayerful, humble man to this violent nation to announce God’s judgment on Edom’s pride. Obadiah’s trust in his Lord God strengthened him for this daunting task. This short book focuses on a difficult truth about humanity’s relationship with God: those who place themselves in opposition to God and His people can expect judgment, not restoration, at the end of life. Apply: Obadiah compels us to recognize the destructive power of pride in putting our own feelings and desires first without considering others, or God. Such goes right back to the tragedy of the Fall. Obadiah’s stark prophetic reminder to place ourselves under God's authority, to subject our desires to His purposes, and to find our hope in being His people, are all worth our greatest efforts in applying. God’s redemptive work is for all who take seriously Jesus’ earliest command to Follow Me… – into a completely new life. (Mt. 4:19; Mk. 1:17) Ask: Do I struggle to set aside my own wants and desires for those of God and others? Do I harbour pride in being ‘better than’, in hidden biases against others? From today’s Psalm we might also ask, How should I then live to bless Your church family and beyond, so we all flourish under Your indescribable love and care? Pray: Lord God, I ask for Your Spirit’s gift of humility, setting me free to live as You would have me live, go where You would have me go, speak as You would direct (even to courageously warn Obadiah is the shortest book in the Hebrew Bible or rebuke), and bless those who may be Your, and my, enemies. Song: Ps. 128 Sons of Korah OBSERVATION
The Bible Project video on Amos is a great summary of this prophet’s message. For the most part, Amos speaks judgement on the nation of Israel. The judgement prophecies are based on: Chapters 1&2 – A judgement on all Israel’s neighbour nations because of their harsh treatment and violence against Israel; followed by a judgement on Judah and Israel because their harsh treatment of their own people. Chapters 3-5 –Judgement against Israel because they worshipped false gods, and subsequently oppressed the poor among them, treating them with unkindness and injustice. Chapters 6-9a – Continued judgements on Israel for their unkind treatment of the poor and needy in order to add to their own wealth. Chapter 9b – The final restoration of Israel. INTERPRETATION Amos uses many similes and metaphors to describe the judgements against the wealthy and those who followed after other gods. For example: Disobeying God’s laws of righteous living and justice is as wrong as “horses running on craggy ground”, or as “fruit being infiltrated by worms” or “using oxen to plow the sea”. It seems that no matter what behaviours are brought to try to justify themselves before God, God is saying, “It’s no good, you’re acting from the wrong premise. First you have to believe and trust in the one true God, and to follow God’s commands. Your heart attitude and direction is what really matters to me. As you love and follow me (see John 13:31), you are to love and act with true love and justice towards your neighbours.” APPLICATION Again, we are reminded and even driven to our knees to repent of our rebellion against God. And our lack of love for our neighbours. Please do take this admonition to heart and let the HOLY SPIRIT search your heart. When we confess and receive forgiveness, God Will flood our hearts with praise and with joy. See song “Let your living water flow”. QUESTION How do you worship God? With your heart? With your mind? With your body? With your spirit? PRAYER “Our Father in heaven… may Your will be done on earth as in heaven” – in my heart as in my actions. SONG – Let your living water flow Note: Although the book of Joel will not be in the weekly readings for some of the app readers, we wanted to include it today for those who do have it as their daily app reading. The discrepancy is due to whether or not the prophet Joel was pre-exilic or post-exilic and the difference in the app readings reflect this difference of opinion among Bible scholars.
Text: Joel 1-3 OBSERVE: The prophet Joel prophesied to the people of Judah and Jerusalem about a century before they were taken into captivity in Babylon. The nation was facing a catastrophe that threatened their very existence. It was a massive locust plague that struck the land. The insects consumed every green plant, which resulted in famine. The starving people began to ask, “Has God sent the locust plague to punish us for our failure to live in right relationship to him? Do we have a future?” God responded to these questions through his prophet Joel, promising to take pity on the people and restore their material lives following the locust plague. But then the prophet spoke of a more distant future when God would restore their spiritual lives. God promised to pour out his Spirit before the “great and terrible day of the Lord” arrives, which will be a day of judgment. “But,” Joel reassured, “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Joel 2: 31-32). INTERPRET: In Acts 2: 17-21, on the Day of Pentecost, Peter declared that Joel’s prophecy was bring fulfilled, signaling that “the last days” had arrived. God poured out his Holy Spirit on the people and they began to speak in other languages. “Let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!” (Acts 2: 26), Peter declared, making it clear that to call on the name of the Lord as Joel prophesied is to call on Jesus. APPLICATION: Later in Acts 4:12, Peter went even further: “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” We know our own failures all too well to assume that we deserve anything better than to experience the consequences of our rebellion towards God. But on that great and terrible Day of the Lord, we know where to find safety and salvation! We call on the One who has the power and the will to save us. We call on Jesus, the One who saves. REFLECTION: Is your trust fully in the One who can save? PRAYER: Jesus – I call out to you to save me! I have no intention of waiting until the last moment to call upon you in desperation. I call on you now and for the rest of my days to save me from myself and from the sin that entangles and entices me. Save me from the judgement that I deserve and that only you can save me from. AMEN. SONG: Mighty to Save (Hillsong) |
Preachers BlogIn 2024, each week's blog is a follow-up reflection written by the preceding Sunday’s preacher to dig deeper into the sermon topic and explore engaging discussion questions. Archives
June 2024
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