Malachi

Malachi

Historical Background and Purpose

The names Malachi means "messenger" in Hebrew.  "[Malachi] is the last book written before the New Testament era.  It was composed sometime after 460 BC - after Israel returned from captivity in Babylon (538 BC), after the temple in Jerusalem had been rebuilt (516 BC), and after worship there had lapsed into mere routine" (according to the introduction to the book of Malachi in the Sourceview Bible).  The people had become complacent and were no longer living lives that brought honor and glory to God.  For example, they offered defiled sacrifices on the altar of God (see Malachi 1:7-8).  They offered animals that were stolen and crippled and sick as sacrifices to God (see Malachi 1:13).  The people who were set apart as God's people were no longer living lives as set apart for God.  His people were no longer living lives that brought honor and glory to God and His name. 

Character and Nature of God

God desires to bring life and peace to His people; therefore, He requires them to have reverence for Him and His name (see Malachi 2:5).  God desires His people to live righteous lives - not sinful lives (see Malachi 2:6-9).  God desires His people to be loyal and faithful.  God hates divorce (see Malachi 2:16).  God desires His people to return to Him so that He may return to them (see Malachi 3:7).  God desires His people to bring Him their tithes and offerings so that He may bless them (see Malachi 3:8-12).  God desires to bless the righteous and punish the unrighteous.  God desires His people to live righteous lives that bring Him honor and glory so that He may bless them and be with them - forever!

God's Redemptive Plan for Mankind

There is a day of judgment coming.  God will separate those who are His from those who are not His.  God will spare those who are His; however, He will punish those who are not His (see Malachi 3:17-18). His people fear His name.  His people will go free and be with Him.  God desires all people to choose to be His people.  God's people will be with God - forever!

Zechariah

Zechariah

Historical Background and Purpose

The book of Zechariah was written by the priest and prophet, Zechariah, whose name means, "The LORD remembers".  God's people had been held in Babylonian captivity for seventy years.  King Cyrus of Persia defeated the Babylonians and allowed all of the Jews to return to Jerusalem to rebuild God's Temple.  However, only a small remant of the Jews (approximately 50,000) returned to Jerusalem.  This remnant built the altar and began the work of rebuilding God's Temple.  They successfully laid the foundation of the Temple; however, they discontinued construction on the Temple when they encountered opposition from the local residents.  The prophet, Zechariah, confronted the Jewish remnant and encouraged them to finish building God's Temple.  He also gave them a vision of God's purposes beyond the restored Temple.  The purpose of the book of Zechariah was to challenge the Jewish remnant to finish rebuilding God's Temple in Jerusalem so that they may receive God's blessings.  It also gave them a glimpse of God's future plans for them.

Character and Nature of God

God desires His people to return to Him so that He may return to them (see Zechariah 1:3).  God desires His people to repent of their sinfulness and return to Him.  God desires to live among His people (see Zechariah 2:10-12).  God desires to bless His people; therefore, God encourages His people to carefully follow His ways (see Zechariah 3:7).  God curses people who steal and those who swear falsely in His name (see Zechariah 5:3-4).  God desires  His people to judge fairly, show mercy and kindness to one another (Zechariah 7:9).  God desires His people to not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners, or the poor (Zechariah 7:10).  God desires His people to not scheme against each other (Zechariah 7:10).  God's love for His people is passionate and strong (see Zechariah 8:2).  God desires His people to tell the truth and not tell lies (see Zechariah 8:15-17). God desires to bless His people so much that other people will want Him to be their God as well (see Zechariah 8:20-22).  

God's Redemptive Plan for Mankind

God has a plan to save man from their sins.  Zechariah 3:8-10 states, "'Listen to me, O Jeshua the high priest, and all you other priests.  You are symbols of things to come.  Soon I am going to bring my servant, the Branch.  Now look at the jewel I have set before Jeshua, a single stone with seven facets.  I will engrave an inscription on it, says the LORD of Heaven's Armies, and I will remove the sins of this land in a single day.  And on that days, says the LORD of Heaven's Armies, each of you will invite your neighbor to sit with you peaceful under your own grapevine and fig tree."  The Branch (Jesus) will come and save mankind from all their sins.  Jesus will make it possible for man to be with God - forever.  

Haggai

Haggai

Historical Background and Purpose

According to the introduction to the book of Haggai in the Sourceview Bible, the book of Haggai was written by the "prophet Haggai, who delivered his messages in 520 BC.  Unlike Jeremiah and Daniel, whose prophetic ministries spanned many decades of life, Haggai's ministry took place in a very brief time frame.  He prophesied on August 29, October 17, and December 18 of the same year - less than four months from the beginning to the end."  King Cyrus of Persia had allowed the Jews to return to Judah; however, only a remnant (about 50,000) chose to do so.  The Jews who had returned from their exile in Babylon began rebuilding God's Temple in Jerusalem.  They had successfully built the foundation of the Temple; however, they encountered local opposition and stopped rebuilding the Temple.  Therefore, God's Temple was left unfinished and the people began focusing on building their own homes instead.  The prophet, Haggai, received a message from the LORD (see Haggai 1:1-11).  The prophet Haggai then delivered God's message to the Jewish remnant.  Basically, he challenged them to finish building God's Temple so that they may receive God's blessings once again.   The purpose of the book of Haggai was to challenge the Jews to finish building God's Temple so that they may receive God's blessings once again.

Character and Nature of God

God blesses obedience and God punishes disobedience.  God wanted His people to rebuild His Temple; however, His people left God's Temple unfinished.  Instead, they focused on building their own homes instead.  As a result, God withheld His blessings from His people.  For example, God "called for a drought on your fields and hills - a drought to wither the grain and grapes and olive trees and all your other crops, a drought to starve you and your livestock and to ruin everything you have worked so hard to get" (Haggai 1:11).  God had punished His people for their disobedience to Him.  However, God's desire is to bless His people.  God encouraged His people through the prophet Haggai to rebuild God's Temple so that He may take pleasure in it and be honored (see Haggai 1:8) and bless them.  Fortunately, the Jewish remnant responded well to God's message to them and they began rebuilding the Temple (see Haggai 1:14).  God was with them and He promised to bless them for their obedience in rebuilding His Temple. 

God's Redemptive Plan for Mankind

God promised to bless His people (see Haggai 2:19).  God promised to bless and honor Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah (see Haggai 2:21-23).  God promised to fill His Temple with His glory (see Haggai 2:6-9).  God promises to bless His people for their obedience.  God promises to be with His people (see Haggai 1:13).  God promises to be with His people and to bless His people when His people are faithfully obedient to Him.

Esther

Esther

Historical Background and Purpose

It is not known who wrote the book of Esther; however, it is known that the events described in the book of Esther took place during the reign of King Xerxes of Persia (486 BC - 465 BC).  More specifically, the events described in this book took place between 483 - 473 BC.  Prior to King Xerxes, King Darius I of Persia had allowed the Jews to return to their homeland.  However, only a small remnant of the Jews (approximately 50,000) chose to do so.  The vast majority of the Jews decided to remain in Persia.  King Xerxes gave a great banquet for his people and he became very upset with his queen, Vashti, when she refused to come when he (as King) called for her.  Her refusal led to King Xerxes banishing her from his kingdom.  King Xerxes then sought a new queen.  Esther became his next queen (in 479 BC).  Later on, King Xerxes appointed Haman to be his top official (see Esther 3:1). When Mordecai the Jew refused to bow down or show him respect, Haman became filled with rage and sought to kill Mordecai as well as all of the others Jews throughout King Xerxes’ empire (see Esther 3:5-6).  Mordecai the Jew learned of Haman’s plot to destroy the Jews.  Mordecai the Jew then informed his younger cousin, Queen Esther, of the plot.  Queen Esther then informed King Xerxes of the plot.  Queen Esther was a Jew who risked her own life in order to save her people, the Jews, from certain death.  According to the introduction in the Sourceview Bible, the book of Esther was written “As a history, to record the events leading to the establishment of the Jewish observance of Purim (9:24-32), and as a dramatic reminder to the Jews of God’s protection.”

Character and Nature of God

The book of Esther clearly demonstrates God’s sovereignty, God’s faithfulness, God’s providence, and God’s worthiness of our praise and worship.  Even though the name of God is not mentioned at all in the book of Esther, it is abundantly clear that God was working behind the scenes in order to accomplish His will.  Throughout the entire book of Esther, there were a series of coincidences that just happened to take place at just the right time. For example, Mordecai the Jew just happened to be the older cousin of Hadassah (Esther) who just happened to be chosen as the next queen.  Mordecai the Jew just happened to be at the right place at the right time when he overheard of the plot to assassinate King Xerxes.  It just happened that he was not rewarded for saving the life of the king until just the right time.  These examples and others throughout the book of Esther clearly demonstrate that God was working behind the scenes to accomplish His purposes.  God clearly used Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther as well as others in order to save the Jews from certain annihilation.  God demonstrated His sovereignty as well as His faithfulness and His providence in the book of Esther.  God also demonstrated that He is indeed worthy of our praise and worship.

God's Redemptive Plan for Mankind

In the book of Esther, God saved his people, the Jews, from near certain annihilation at the hand of wicked Haman during the reign of King Xerxes of Persia.  God worked in and through the lives of people (such as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther) in order to accomplish His purposes.  God did not allow His people to be destroyed.  God did not allow Haman’s wickedness to go unpunished.  God blessed Mordecai the Jew for honoring him.  God saved the life of Queen Esther.  God saved the life of Mordecai the Jew.  God saved the lives of His people, the Jews.  God in His sovereignty saves His people.

Personal Application / Point of Passion

In the book of Esther, it is very clear that God was working behind the scenes in order to accomplish His purposes.  For example, it appears very clear that one of God’s purposes was to save the lives of His people, the Jews.  In order to accomplish this purpose, God repeatedly placed just the right people in just the right place at just the right time.  Whether we are aware of it or not, God continues to do the same thing today.  God continues to place just the right people in just the right place at just the right time in order to accomplish His good purposes.  I take great comfort in the fact that God (not man) is sovereign and God loves His people.  My personal application for the book of Esther is to simply do whatever God is leading me to do.  By being faithfully obedient to God, I am demonstrating my trust in God and His ability to accomplish His good purposes both in me and through me.  I will encourage others to do the same trusting that God will accomplish His purposes in and through them as well.  God will accomplish His purposes!

Nehemiah

Nehemiah

Historical Background and Purpose

The Babylonians conquered Judah in 586 BC.  The Medo-Persians conquered the Babylonians in 539 BC.  King Cyrus of Persia then allowed all of the Jews to return to Jerusalem; however, only a small remnant (approximately 50,000) of them returned.  The Jews immediately built an altar.  They eventually finished building the Temple in Jerusalem.  In approximately 446 BC, Nehemiah was serving as the cupbearer for King Artaxerxes I of Persia.  While serving in this capacity, he learned that things had not been going well for the Jews who had returned to Jerusalem.  He discovered that the wall of Jerusalem had been torn down and its gates had been destroyed by fire (see Nehemiah 1:3).  When he heard this, he sat down and wept.  For days, Nehemiah mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven (see Nehemiah 1:4-11).  Nehemiah then resolved to do the impossible with God; He resolved to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and its gates.  Nehemiah prepared himself and presented his request to the king.  King Artaxerxes I of Persia gave Nehemiah his full support.  Nehemiah exercised Godly wisdom while leading God's people in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem and its gates.  Nehemiah faced tremedous obstaces all along the way; however, he successfully overcame each and every challenge!  This ultimately resulted in the wall of Jerusalem and its gates being completely rebuilt in just 52 days!  Nehemiah not only led the way in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem and its gates, he led the way in restoring God's people to God as well.  The book of Nehemiah is a historical account of God's people during the time of Nehemiah.  The book of Nehemiah reminded the people of Judah of who God is and who they are as His people. 

Character and Nature of God

God loves to hear the prayers of His people.  The book of Nehemiah records various prayers by Nehemiah (e.g. Nehemiah 1:4-11, Nehemiah 4:4-5, Nehemiah 13:29).  God loves to hear His people sing His praises (see Nehemiah 9:5-38).  God desires His people to obey His covenant and receive His blessings rather than His people disobey His covenant and receive His curses.  God had commanded His people to honor the Sabbath and He expects His people to honor the Sabbath (see Nehemiah 13:15-22).  God expects His people to be faithful to Him; God does not want His people to marry unbelievers (see Nehemiah 13:23-29).  God's people are set apart for Him and God expects His people to live accordingly. 

God's Redemptive Plan for Mankind

God had made a covenant with His people and Nehemiah reminded them of their covenant with God.  Basically, God would bless His people if they obeyed the terms of the covenant and God would curse (punish) His people if they disobeyed the terms of the covenant.  God loves His people and God has provided a way for His people to be blessed.  God loves His people and He desires to bless His people; therefore, God encourages His people to be obedient to Him.  In this book, God used Nehemiah to remind the people of Judah of their covenant with God.  In doing so, Nehemiah reminded the people of Judah of who their God is and who they are - God's people. 

Personal Application / Point of Passion

My personal application to the book of Nehemiah is to remind myself of my covenant with God.  In doing so, I am reminded of who God is and who I am as His child.  I am reminded that I am to be set apart for Him.  My words and my actions should reflect that I belong to Him.  I am reminded that God blesses those who are obedient to Him; however, I am also reminded that God curses those who are disobedient to Him.  My point of passion is to know God and to make Him known.  In order to know God better, I am choosing to be faithfully obedient to God and His Word.  In order to better make Him known, I am encouraging others to faithfully obey God and His Word as well.

Ezra

Ezra

Historical Background and Purpose

The book of Ezra was most likely written by the scribe and priest, Ezra.  God had promised His people that they would return to the Land of Promise after seventy years of exile in Babylon.  God was now fulfilling His promise.  In 539 BC, King Cyrus of Persia conquered the Babylonians.  God stirred the heart of King Cyrus to proclaim the following message to the people throughout his kingdom:  “This is what King Cyrus of Persia says: ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth.  He has appointed me to build him a Temple at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.  Any of you who are his people may go to Jerusalem in Judah to rebuild this Temple of the LORD, the God of Israel, who lives in Jerusalem.  And may your God be with you! Wherever this Jewish remnant is found, let their neighbors contribute toward their expenses by giving them silver and gold, supplies for the journey, and livestock, as well as a voluntary offering for the Temple of God in Jerusalem” (Ezra 1:2-4).  With this proclamation by King Cyrus of Persia, all of the Jews were now allowed to return to their homeland and build the Temple; however, only a small remnant (approximately 50,000) chose to do so.  According to Nelson’s Complete Book of Maps and Charts (page 151), “the Israelites were taken into exile in three successive states (605, 597, 586 B.C.), they returned in three stages.  The first occurred under the leadership of Zerubbabel (c. 538 B.C.).  After considerable delay, this return resulted in the rebuilding of the temple (c. 520 – 516 B.C.), encouraged by the prophets Haggai and Zechariah.  Ezra led the second return in the seventh year of Artaxerxes I (c. 458 B.C.).  Nehemiah led the final return in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes I (c. 444 B.C.).”  The book of Ezra records that the Jews encountered a lot of local opposition while building the Temple; however, it also records that the Jews received a lot of support via the following kings of Persia: King Cyrus II, King Artaxerxes I, and King Darius I.  Originally, the books of Ezra and Nehemiah were linked together as one single book in the original Hebrew Bible (see introduction to the book of Ezra in the Sourceview Bible).  The book of Ezra is a written historical record of what transpired with the Israelites after they had spent seventy years in Babylonian captivity.

Character and Nature of God

God makes promises to His people and God is faithful to keep His promises to His people.  God had made a promise to His people that they would return to their homeland after seventy years of captivity in Babylon and God kept His promise.  God stirred the hearts of Persian kings (King Cyrus II, King Artaxerxes I, and King Darius I) to accomplish His will for His people.  Each of these kings supported the Jews in building a Temple in Jerusalem.  God is forgiving.  God allowed His people a fresh start in Jerusalem.  God protects His people.  Ezra proclaimed, “’Our God’s hand of protection is on all who worship him, but his fierce anger rages against those who abandon him.’ So we fasted and earnestly prayed that our God would take care of us, and he heard our prayers.” (Ezra 8:22).  God protected His people during their journey from Babylon to Jerusalem.  God also kept them safe as they were building the altar and the Temple.  God is the Most High God.  God is the One who stirred the hearts of Persian kings to accomplish His purposes for His people.  God is worthy of praise.  Ezra 3:11 states, “With praise and thanks, they [the Levites] sang this song to the LORD: ‘He is so good! His faithful love for Israel endures forever!’  Then all the people gave a great shout, praising the LORD because the foundation of the LORD’s Temple had been laid.”  God is faithful and God’s faithful love endures forever!  He indeed is worthy of all our praise!

God's Redemptive Plan for Mankind

God had punished His people by allowing them to be taken away as captives by the Babylonians for seventy years.  However, God is a God of restoration.  God in His sovereignty made a way for His people to return to their homeland after seventy years of exile.  God restored His people.  God’s people restored the altar. God’s people restored the Temple.  God had judged and punished His people; however, God then restored His people.  God is forgiving and God gave His people another opportunity to live their lives for God.  God’s people could obey God and receive His blessings or they could disobey God and receive His curses. 

Personal Application / Point of Passion

The scribe and priest, Ezra, was determined to study and obey the Law of the LORD and teach it to the people of Israel (see Ezra 7:10).  My personal application for the book of Ezra is to become like Ezra by diligently studying the Word of God, obeying the Word of God, and teaching others the Word of God as well.  I do not want to simply read the Word of God, I want to really know the Word of God.  I do not want to simply know about the truth, I really want to know the truth.  I do not want to simply hear the Word of God, I want to faithfully obey the Word of God.  I truly desire to live the Word of God.  I desire to teach others to do the same.  May God receive all of the honor and the glory!

Daniel

Daniel

Historical Background and Purpose

The book of Daniel was most likely written by Daniel.  The name "Daniel" means "God is my Judge".  Daniel was a Jew of noble birth who was exiled to Babylon in 605 BC.  Daniel became a high ranking official during the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar (of Babylon).  He maintained a position of great influence after the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar as well.  Daniel even held a position of great influence during the reign of King Darius (of Persia).  Daniel's life could be "characterized by faith, prayer, courage, consistency, and lack of compromise" (see Nelson's Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts page 229).  "Babylon rebelled against the Assyrian Empire in 626 B.C., overthrew the Assyrian capital of Nineveh in 612 B.C., and became master of the ancient Near East when it defeated Egypt at the battle of Carchemish in 605 B.C. Later that year, the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar subdued Jerusalem and took prominent citizens of the city as hostages to Babylon, a group that included young Daniel" (see Nelson's Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts page 230).  During the reign of the Babylonians, many of Judah's inhabitants had been taken into captivity (including Daniel).  The Babylonians also destroyed God's temple.  The Babylonians maintained power and control of the region until they were overthrown by the Persians in 539 BC.

Character and Nature of God

The one true God is sovereign over all.  Kings will come and kings will go; however, God is God and He reigns over all.  King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon became very powerful while ruling here on earth.  He probably seemed like a god to his subjects.  He became very proud then God humbled him.  After his time of humbling, King Nebuchadnezzar praised, honored, glorified, and worshiped the God Most High / King of heaven (see Daniel 4:34-37).  In other words, the most powerful king on earth recognized that there is someone even more powerful than himself.  King Nebuchadnezzar eventually came to realize and understand that the one true God is the One who is truly sovereign over all.  In the book of Daniel, God honors those who honor Him.  For example, God revealed to Daniel what King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream was as well as its interpretation.  God miraculously saved the lives of the three boys (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego) who had been thrown into the fiery furnace (see story in Daniel 3:8-30).  They honored God and God rescued them.  Daniel was thrown into the den of lions.  Daniel honored God and God saved him from the lions (see story in Daniel 6:1-28).  Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego honored God with their lives and God honored them.  God honors those who honor Him.

God's Redemptive Plan for Mankind

The coming Messiah will reign forever!  King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that greatly troubled him.  He demanded that his magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers tell him what his dream meant; however, he would not tell them what he had dreamt.  He promised a great reward for the person who could tell him what he dreamed and what his dream meant; however, he threatened to tear them from limb to limb and burn their houses down if they could not (see story in Daniel 2:1-11).  Daniel heard of the king's demand and earnestly sought God for the answer.  God then revealed King Nebuchadnezzar's dream and its interpretation to Daniel who in turn revealed both the dream and its interpretation to King Nebuchadnezzar.  While Daniel was explaining the interpretation of the dream, he mentioned, "During the reigns of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed or conquered.  It will crush all these kingdoms into nothingness, and it will stand forever.  That is the meaning of the rock cut from the mountain, though not by human hands, that crushed to pieces the statue of iron, bronze, clay, silver, and gold.  The great God was showing the king what will happen in the future.  The dream is true and its meaning is certain" (Daniel 2:44-45).  Daniel had other dreams and visions as well.  Daniel 7:13-14 states, "As my vision continued that night, I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven.  He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence.  He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him.  His rule is eternal - it will never end.  His kingdom will never be destroyed."  These verses and others in the book of Daniel refer to the coming Messiah.  Kings on earth will come and go; however, the coming Messiah will rule forever!

Personal Application/Point of Passion

While reading and studying the book of Daniel, I was reminded of the character of Daniel.  Daniel was a man of great integrity.  Daniel was a man who was known for his faith in the one true God.  Daniel was a man who was known for his prayer life.  Daniel was known as a man who is always responsible.  Daniel was known as a man who is completely trustworthy. Daniel was a man who was known for his consistency.  Daniel was a man who was known for his courage.  Daniel was a man known for his uncompromising beliefs and actions.  Even those close to him who were seeking to accuse him could not find any faults in him.  I desire to be such a man.  The man, Daniel, truly honored God with his life and God honored him.  My desire is to live my life in such a way as to bring honor and glory to God! I will encourage others to do the same!  I will be responsible and encourage others to be responsible as well. I will be trustworthy and encourage others to be trustworthy as well I will be uncompromising and encourage others to be uncompromising as well.  I will be faithful to God and encourage others to be faithful to God as well. I desire to live a life that truly honors God and I will encourage others to live lives that truly honor God as well.

Obadiah

Obadiah

Historical Background and Purpose

 The book of Obadiah was written by the prophet, Obadiah, whose name means "servant of the LORD".  It is unclear when this book was written; however, it seems likely that it was written at the time of Jerusalem's fall to the Babylonians between 605 and 586 BC.  The people of Judah were having difficulties with their neighbors, the Edomites.  The Edomites were descendants of Esau, Jacob (Israel)'s half-brother.  While the Babylonians were attacking the people of Judah, the Edomites were also attacking the people of Judah.  The Edomites were close relatives of Judah; however, they were taking unfair advantage of their relatives while they were being attacked by the Babylonians.  The Edomites would then be judged by God for their treachery.  God would then punish the Edomites for their sins against their relatives, the people of Judah.

Character and Nature of God

God hates pride.  The LORD told Edom, "I will cut you down to size among the nations; you will be greatly despised.  You have been deceived by your own pride because you live in a rock fortress and make your home high in the mountains. 'Who can ever reach us way up here?' you ask boastfully. But even if you soar as high as eagles and build your nests among the stars, I will bring you crashing down" (Obadiah 1:2-4).  God hates the violence the Edomites displayed against their own relatives, the people of Judah.  Obadiah 1:10-11 states, "Because of the violence you did to your close relatives in Israel, you will be filled with shame and destroyed forever. When they were invaded, you stood aloof, refusing to help them.  Foreign invaders carried off their wealth and cast lots to divide up Jerusalem, but you acted like one of Israel's enemies."  God added that the Edomites should not have plundered their close relatives nor should they have gloated over the destruction of their close relatives.  God is Judge and God will judge people for their sins.  However, God will restore His people and He will be their King!

God's Redemptive Plan for Mankind

The day is coming in which the LORD will judge all godless nations! (see Obadiah 1:15).  The LORD will allow His people to return from exile and live in the land of Israel once again.  Finally, the LORD says, "Those who have been rescued will go up to Mount Zion in Jerusalem to rule over the mountains of Edom.  And the LORD himself will be king!" (Obadiah 1:21).  God will punish His people; however, God will then restore His people.  God will be our King!

Habakkuk

Habakkuk

Historical Background and Purpose

The book of Habakkuk was written by the prophet, Habakkuk.  It was most likely written shortly before the fall of Jerusalem (in 605 BC) to the Babylonians.  What was happening at this time [of Habakkuk]?  According to the introduction to the book of Habakkuk, "Sin was rampant in Judah.  The people worshiped idols, sacrificed their children to pagan gods and ignored the one true God.  The wicked King Jehoiakim not only refused to listen to God's prophets, but he burned their writings, arrested several of them, and even murdered one.  Jehoiakim foolishly positioned Judah between two warring superpowers - the declining Assyrian empire and the rising Babylonian empire."  The book of Habakkuk encourages its readers to honestly seek God for truth and understanding.  This book offers hope to its readers by encouraging them to look beyond their circumstances to the character of God.

Character and Nature of God

God will not allow wickedness to prevail; God will indeed punish people for their sins.  For example, God raised up the Babylonians to punish the people of Judah for their sins.  Habakkuk 1:12b states, "O LORD, our Rock, you have sent these Babylonians to correct us, to punish us for our many sins." However, God will then raise up a people to punish the Babylonians for their sins against the people of Judah.  God will not allow wickedness to go unpunished; God will indeed punish people for their sins.  God will punish His people for their sins; however, God will then rescue His people.

God's Redemptive Plan for Mankind

The final chapter of the book of Habakkuk records a prayer that was sung by the prophet Hababkkuk.  In this prayer, Habakkuk shifts his focus off his circumstances and onto God.  He remembered God's amazing works. He remembered how God had rescued His people.  He remembered how God had crushed their enemies.  He remembered what God had done and who God is.  Finally, Habakkuk 3:18-19 states, "yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign LORD is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights."  God will judge and punish people for their sins; however, God will restore His people!  Our God is Judge. Our God is our strength. Our God is sovereign over all. Our God is our Savior!

Zephaniah

Zephaniah

Historical Background and Purpose

The book of Zephaniah was written by the prophet, Zephaniah, whose name means "the LORD hides" or "the LORD protects".   This book was written during the reign of King Josiah of Judah (640 - 609 BC) sometime before the city of Nineveh was destroyed (in 612 BC).   In this book, the prophet Zephaniah warned the people of Judah of God's impending judgment for their sins (e.g. idolatry, hypocrisy, corruption, etc).  He had hoped that the people of Judah would heed his warnings and repent of their sins.  The prophet, Zephaniah, also assured them that God and His justice will ultimately prevail.  In response to the question, "What was happening at the time [of Zephaniah]?, the introduction to the book of Zephaniah in the Sourceview Bible (page 1202) states, "Despite King Josiah's well-intentioned civil and religious reforms, many leaders were corrupt and idolatry was still widespread.  The Assyrian empire that had pressured Judah for more than a century was disintegrating.  Shortly after Josiah died and Zephaniah's ministry concluded, the Babylonians conquered Judah, destroyed the temple and took many into exile."  The purpose of the book of Zephaniah was to warn the people of Judah of God's impending judgment of them for their sins in hopes that they would repent from their sins and return to the LORD and His ways. 

Character and Nature of God

God is Judge and God will judge people for their words and their actions.  God will punish those who persist in their sinful ways.  For example, God hates idolatry.  Zephaniah 1:4 states, "I [God] will crush Judah and Jerusalem with my fist and destroy every last trace of their Baal worship.  I will put an end to all the idolatrous priests, so that even the memory of them will disappear."  God said, "Because you have sinned against the LORD, I will make you grope around like the blind. Your blood will be poured into the dust, and your bodies will lie rotting on the ground" (Zephaniah 1:17).  God hates sin and God will punish those who persist in their sins.  However, God is also merciful and He encourages people to humble themselves before Him and do what is right.  Zephaniah 2:3 states, "Seek the LORD, all who are humble, and follow his commands.  Seek to do what is right and to live humbly." 

God's Redemptive Plan for Mankind

God will indeed punish His people for their sins.  However, God will then restore His people.  Zephaniah 3:14-17 states, "Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout aloud, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! For the LORD will remove his hand of judgment and will disperse the armies of your enemy.  And the LORD himself, the King of Israel, will live among you! At last your troubles will be over, and you will never again fear disaster.  On that day the announcement to Jerusalem will be, 'Cheer up, Zion! Don't be afraid! For the LORD your God is living among you.  He is a mighty savior.  He will take delight in you with gladness.  With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.'"  God will live among HIs people!

Lamentations

Lamentations

Historical Background and Purpose

The book of Lamentations was most likely written by the prophet, Jeremiah, shortly after the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians in 586 B.C.  The prophet, Jeremiah, had repeatedly warned the people of Judah that God would judge them and punish them for their sinful rebellion and disobedience.  However, the people of Judah stubbornly ignored his warnings and persisted in their sinful ways.  As a result of their foolish choices, God did what He said He would do and punished them for their sins.  The city of Jerusalem fell into the hands of their enemies, the Babylonians.  The people were now filled with pain and suffering.  They had lost everything they once held dear and now they were feeling hopeless.  However, they then remembered the character of the one true God.  They remembered God’s mercy.  They remembered God’s compassion.  They remembered God’s faithfulness.  As they dwelled on God and His attributes, they began to hope again!  They began to hope in the one true God! According to Nelson’s Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts (page 215), “The five chapters of Lamentations consist of five mournful poems which can be entitled: (1) the destruction of Jerusalem, (2) the anger of Yahweh, (3) the prayer for mercy, (4) the siege of Jerusalem, (5) the prayer for restoration.”  The people had lost everything but their hope in God.  According to the introduction to the book of Lamentations in the Sourceview Bible, “he [most likely Jeremiah] wrote this poem to express his nation’s grief.”

Character and Nature of God

God is faithful.  God (through His prophets) repeatedly warned the people of Judah that they would be punished if they persisted with their sinful rebellion and disobedience.  God clearly warned them that they would be led away as captives by the Babylonians if they continued in their sinfulness.  The people of Judah did not heed His warning to them; therefore, God did what He said He would do and punished them for the sinful rebellion and disobedience.  The people of Judah were led away as captives by their enemies, the Babylonians.  God kept His word even to the point that He allowed the Babylonians to destroy His temple.  God is faithful to do what He says He will do.  God is a Judge; however, God is also a Restorer.  Lamentations 4:22a states, “O beautiful Jersusalem, your punishment will end; you will soon return from exile.”  God is faithful to who He is.  God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  Lamentations 5:19 states, “But LORD, you remain the same forever!  Your throne continues from generation to generation.”  God is Judge. God is Restorer. God is faithful. Since God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, we can always hope in God!

God's Redemptive Plan for Mankind

Lamentations 5:19 states, “But LORD, you remain the same forever! Your throne continues from generation to generation.” The people of Judah remembered who God is; therefore, they had hope in the one true God.  The people of Judah remembered that they are His children.  The people of Judah remembered that God cares for the poor, the widows, and the orphans.  They remembered that God is just and their enemies, the Babylonians, are oppressing them.  They remembered that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  Once the people of Judah remembered who God is and who they are as His children, the people of Judah placed their hope and trust in the one true God.

Personal Application / Point of Passion

My personal application for the book of Lamentations is to continually remind myself who God is and who I am as His son.  Further, I will remind myself that God is faithful and He keeps His promises.  I choose to believe what God says about Himself in His Word.  I choose to believe what God says about me and other believers in His Word. I choose to believe that God keeps His promises to His children. I choose to believe in God and His ways and I will encourage others to do the same. I choose to faithfully obey God and His ways and I will encourage others to do the same. God is who He says He is. His children – His sons and His daughters – are who God says they are.  God makes promises to His people and God faithfully keeps His promises.  God is who He says He is in His Word.  God is the same yesterday, today, and forever!

Jeremiah

Jeremiah

Historical Background and Purpose

The book of Jeremiah was written by the priest and prophet, Jeremiah (see Jeremiah 1:1-3).  According to Nelson's Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts (page 209), "Jeremiah was a contemporary of Zephaniah, Habakkuk, Daniel, and Ezekiel, and his ministry strected from c. 627 to c. 580 B.C. There were three stages in Jeremiah's ministry.  From 627 to 605 BC he prophesied while Judah was threatened by Assyria and Egypt.  From 605 to 586 B.C. he proclaimed God's judgment while Judah was threatened and besieged by Babylon.  From 586 to about 580 B.C. he ministered in Jerusalem and Egypt after Judah's downfall."  God had given Jeremiah a clear calling for his life (see Jeremiah 1:1-10) and Jeremiah obeyed God by faithfully proclaiming God's messages to His people.  Jeremiah repeatedly warned the people of Judah that God will judge them for their sinful disobedience (e.g. idolatry, adultery, etc).  For example, Jeremiah repeatedly warned the people of Judah that they will be taken away as captives by the Babylonians.  However, the people of Judah refused to heed his messages.  As a result, the people of Judah suffered the painful consequences of their sinful disobedience.  The city of Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians in 586 BC and many of its inhabitants were led away as captives.  The purpose of the book of Jeremiah is to serve as a clear warning that God will indeed judge and punish people for their sinful disobedience.  However, Jeremiah also encourages people to return to the LORD their God.

Character and Nature of God

The book of Jeremiah reveals that God loves His people and He greatly desires to bless His people.  Jeremiah 3:19 reveals God's heart when God says, "I thought to myself, 'I would love to treat you as my own children!'  I wanted nothing more than to give you this beautiful land - the finest possession in the world.  I looked forward to your calling me 'Father', and I wanted you never to turn from me."  God desires to be our loving Father and He desires us to be His children.  Further, God greatly desires to bless His children with the very best.  However, God does expect His children to be faithful and obedient to Him.  God loves His people and He desires to wonderfully bless His people; however, God will withhold His blessings if His people reject Him and sinfully rebel against Him.  God said to the people of Israel and Judah, "Have you no respect for me? Why don't you tremble in my presence? . . . But my people have stubborn and rebellious hearts.  They have turned away and abandoned me. . . Your wickedness has deprived you of these wonderful blessings.  Your sin has robbed you of all these good things" (see Jeremiah 5:22-25).  God hates sin.  God hates the sin of idolatry.  God hates the sin of adultery.  God hates the sin of greed.  God hates the sin of lying.  God hates the sin of hypocrisy.  God hates sin and God will judge and punish people for their sins.  However, God would much prefer His people to repent of their sinful ways and return to Him so that He may display His mercy to them rather than His anger and wrath.  Jeremiah 3:12-14 states, "...O Israel, my faithless people, come home to me again, for I am merciful.  I will not be angry with you forever.  Only acknowledge your guilt.  Admit that you rebelled against the LORD your God and committed adultery against him. . . Confess that you refused to listen to my voice. . . Return home, you wayward children . . ." God loves His children and God greatly desires to bless His children; however, God will certainly discipline His children as needed.  God will punish people for their sins.  God will punish people for their rebellion and disobedience.  However, God would much prefer people to confess and repent of their sins so that He may display His mercy and compassion to them rather than His anger and wrath.  God loves His people and He longs to be with them and to bless them. 

God's Redemptive Plan for Mankind

God will indeed punish His people for their sinful rebellion and disobedience.  However, God will then restore them.  The LORD said, “When I bring Israel home again from captivity and restore their fortunes, Jerusalem will be rebuilt on its ruins, and the palace reconstructed as before.  There will be joy and songs of thanksgiving, and I will multiply my people, not diminish them; I will honor them, not despise them.  Their children will prosper as they did long ago.  I will establish them as a nation before me, and I will punish anyone who hurts them.  They will have their own ruler again, and he will come from their own people.  I will invite him to approach me, for who would dare to come unless invited?  You will be my people, and I will be your God” (see Jeremiah 30:18-22).  God had a plan to restore His people and God is the One who led them back home from their Babylonian captivity.  Similarly, God has a plan of restoration in place for all of His people.  God has a plan in place that will allow all of His people to be set free from their captivity so that they may return home to be with Him – forever!

Personal Application

God appointed Jeremiah to be a prophet to the nations (see Jeremiah 1:5).  However, Jeremiah replied, “O Sovereign LORD, I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!” (Jeremiah 1:6).  However, the LORD replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you.  And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you.  I, the LORD have spoken!” God then said, “Look, I have put my words in your mouth! Today I appoint you to stand up against the nations and kingdoms.  Some you must uproot and tear down, destroy and overthrow.  Others you must build up and plant” (see Jeremiah 1:9-10).  God had a specific calling for Jeremiah.  However, Jeremiah felt inadequate for his calling.  God then reassured Jeremiah that He will be with him and He will protect him.  Further, God equipped Jeremiah to do what God had called him to do.  It should be noted that Jeremiah could not have possibly fulfilled God’s calling on his life apart from God.  This was true for Jeremiah and it is true for each of us as well.  Studying the book of Jeremiah has helped remind me of these truths.  God has given me a specific calling as well.  God is with me as well.  God equips me as well to do whatever God leads me to do. 

Point of Passion

My point of passion is to know God and to make Him known. God is our Creator and He has formed each of us with a specific purpose in mind.  Further, God reassures us in His Word that He is with us and He will be with us always.  God also tells us in His Word that He will equip us to do whatever He leads us to do.  However, God has designed it in such a way that we cannot possibly accomplish God’s calling upon our lives apart from Him.  We need God in order to fulfill God’s calling upon our lives.  I desire to live out these truths in my own life and I desire to help others live out these truths in their own lives as well.

Isaiah

Isaiah

Historical Background and Purpose

The book of Isaiah begins with, "These are the visions that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.  He saw these visions during the years when Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah were kings of Judah" (Isaiah 1:1).  It is very clear that Isaiah son of Amoz is the author of this book.  Isaiah's ministry spanned six decades (740 - 680 BC).  According to the introduction to the book of Isaiah in the Sourceview Bible, "Isaiah lived in the southern kingdom of Judah.  During his lifetime, the northern kingdom of Israel fell to the Assyrians.  In 722 BC as the northern kingdom was swept from the map, he preached a message of repentance to Judah.  Because the people heeded Isaiah and turned to God, Judah was delivered from the Assyrians and was spared the fate of their nothern cousins."  According to our speaker, John Randerson, the book of Isaiah can be divided into the following three historical periods:  Chapters 1 - 39 cover the period during Isaiah's lifetime (740 - 700 BC); Chapters 40 - 55 cover the period of exile (605 - 539 BC); and Chapters 56 -66 covers the period after the exile (539 BC until the second coming of Jesus Christ).  According to Nelson's Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts (page 199), "The name Isaiah, from the Hebrew yeshaiah, means "Yahweh is Salvation," a term which aptly summarizes the contents of the book."  God and God alone is the One who saves.  We cannot save ourselves.  God is our Savior!

Character and Nature of God

God and God alone is the One who saves.  God is our Savior!  In this book, God demonstrates time and time again that He will punish people for their sins.  However, this book also demonstrates that God longs for His people to repent from their sins and turn back to Him.  God and God alone has the power to save people from their sins.  God desires people to look to Him and to Him alone to save them so that He can go ahead and save them.  God saving His people will allow his people to enjoy an intimate relationship with Him forever!

God's Redemptive Plan for Mankind

God is love.  God loves people and God desires to be in relationship with His people.  However, God is also holy and He hates sin.  God desires to be with His people; however, His people have sinned against Him.  God must separate them from Himself since He is holy and they are not.  God longs for His people to repent of their sins and turn back to Him.  God longs for His people to recognize that He and He alone can save them from their sins.  God longs for His people to recognize that their idols cannot save them from their sins but only He and He alone can save them.  God longs for His people to recognize that they cannot save themselves but only He and He alone can save them.  God longs to be with His people forever and God has provided a way for His people to be with Him forever.  Jesus is the Way! Jesus is our Savior!

Personal Application/Point of Passion

As I was reading and studying the book of Isaiah, I am reminded that God loves all people and He desires all people to be with Him forever.  I am also reminded that God and God alone is the One who saves.  Idols cannot save people. Other people cannot save people.  People cannot save themselves.  Only God and God alone can save people.  Not only does God and God alone have the power to save people, God has the desire to do so.  God desires to be with His people forever.  Recently, the Holy Spirit has been reminding me of my calling through the following verses:

"Do not be afraid, for I am with you. I will gather you and your children from east and west. I will say to the north and south, 'Bring my sons and daughters back to Israel from the distant corners of the earth.  Bring all who claim me as their God, for I have made them for my glory. It was I who created them'" (Isaiah 43:5-7).

My personal application as well as my point of passion for the book of Isaiah is to do what God has called me to do.  God has given me a "Father's Heart" and He has called me to draw His children - His sons and His daughters - back to Himself. 

Our Father loves all of His children and He longs to be with each and every one of them - forever!

Nahum

Nahum

Historical Background and Purpose

The book of Nahum can been seen as a sequel to the book of Jonah.  In the book of Jonah, God commanded His prophet, Jonah, to go and warn the people of Nineveh of God's impending judgment of them.  Eventually, Jonah did warn them and the people of Nineveh repented.  God saw their repentent response and did not destroy them.  The book of Nahum was written by the prophet, Nahum, about one hundred years after the prophet, Jonah, had delivered His message to the people of Nineveh.  During Nahum's time, "Assyria was at its full strength, arrogant after having conquered Egypt (663 BC) and before it was defeated by Babylon (609 BC). . . In 722 BC Assyria defeated the northern kingdom of Israel.  Now, almost a hundred years later, the southern kingdom of Judah was ruled by Manasseh, a puppet king by the Assyrians" (see the introduction to Nahum in the Sourceview Bible).  God is holy.  God is all-powerful.  God is just.  God is faithful.  God demonstrates these qualities and others as He judges the wicked people of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, for their wickedness.  The purpose of the book of Nahum was to comfort the people the people of Judah.  This book demonstrates that God is holy and God will not allow evil to triumph.  God will indeed punish the evildoers and good will triumph!

Character and Nature of God

The book of Nahum demonstrates that the LORD takes revenge on His enemies and He will not allow the guilty to go unpunished.  Nahum 1:2-3 states, "The LORD is a jealous God, filled with vengeance and rage.  He takes revenge on all who oppose him and continues to rage against his enemies! The LORD is slow to get angry, but his power is great and he never lets the guilty go unpunished."  However, the LORD is also good and is a strong refuge when trouble comes for those who trust in him (see Nahum 1:7-8).  God announced, "I am your enemy!" twice to the people of Nineveh (see Nahum 2:13, 3:5).  God then destroyed the Assyrians with His great power.  God is holy and God will not allow the guilty to go unpunished.  God is all-powerful and nothing (not even the Assyrians with their great power) can prevent God from doing all that He has determined to do.  God is good and good will triumph over evil!

God's Redemptive Plan for Mankind

God is holy and God will not allow the guilty to go unpunished.  The Assyrians committed great evil in the sight of the LORD and the LORD destroyed them with His great power.  While it is true that God will not allow the guilty to go unpunished, it is also true that God is good.  Nahum 1:7 states, "the LORD is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him."  God comforted the people of Judah with His message to them through Nahum.  Basically, God told the people of Judah that He would destroy their enemies (the Assyrians) and He would restore its honor (see Nahum 1:15-2:2).   Nahum 2:2 states, "Even though the destroyer has destroyed Judah, the LORD will restore its honor.  Israel's vine has been stipped of branches, but he will restore its splendor."  This verse demonstrates what God did for the people of Judah in its past and what God will do for the people of Judah in the future.  Good will triumph over evil!  God will triumph!

Personal Application

As I was studying the book of Nahum, it comforted me to know that God will not allow evil to prevail.  Good will prevail over evil.  God prevails over His enemies!  Our good God prevails!  Sometimes it does indeed appear that evil is prevailing; however, evil will not prevail in the end.  God will prevail!  For my part, I will continue to do my best to do what God has commanded us to do.  In His Word, God commands us to love Him with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love others as ourselves; therefore, that is what I am going to do!

Point of Passion

My point of passion is to know God and to make Him known.  Throughout the Bible, God instructs us on what to do and what not to do.  Throughout the book of Nahum, God clearly demonstrates that He will not allow the guilty to go unpunished.  However, God also reassures us that He is good and He will be a strong refuge for us when trouble comes.  He will be near to those who trust in Him.  I will teach others these truths about God and I will continue to encourage others to place their hope and their trust in Him.

Jonah

Jonah

Historical Background and Purpose

The book of Jonah demonstrates God's love for all people - not just the people of Israel.  In this book, God commands His prophet, Jonah (son of Amittai), to "Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh.  Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are" (Jonah 1:1-2).  However, Jonah "got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the LORD. . . [Jonah was] hoping to escape from the LORD by sailing to Tarshish" (see Jonah 1:3).  Why did Jonah head in the opposite direction toward Tarshish rather than toward Nineveh as the LORD directed?  It is historically significant to point out the fact that Nineveh was the capital city of the Assyrians at this time.  The Assyrians had been attacking and conquering various kingdoms and they were now threatening to attack and conquer the northern kingdom of Israel as well.  In the process, the Assyrians had earned a reputation for being evil and wicked, violent and cruel.  Jonah knew that the Assyrians were evil and wicked and he wanted them to be destroyed.  However, Jonah also knew that God is a "compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love" and is "eager to turn back from destroying people" (see Jonah 4:1-3).  Jonah understood that God would not destroy the Assyrians if they truly repented.  Further, Jonah understood that the Assyrians would not truly repent if he did not obey the LORD and warn them of God's impending judgment upon them.  The book of Jonah demonstrates that God loves all people - not just the people of Israel.  God desires every person to know the Good News of salvation.  God desires everyone to know Him.

Character and Nature of God

The book of Jonah demonstrates that God loves all people and God desires every person to know the Good News of His salvation.  In this book, God commanded His prophet, Jonah, to go to the city of Nineveh and tell the wicked people living there of His impending judgment upon them (see Jonah 1:1-2).  God knew that they would repent and they did so; therefore, God “did not carry out the destruction he had threatened” (see Jonah 3:10).  This action by God demonstrates that Jonah was correct in saying that God is merciful, compassionate, slow to get angry, filled with unfailing love, and eager to turn back from destroying people (see Jonah 4:2-3).  This action demonstrates that God loves all people.  God loves His chosen people, the Israelites; however, God also loves the people of Nineveh.  God loves all people from all nations. 

God’s Redemptive Plan for Mankind

God is love and God loves all people.  God desires all people to know Him and to love Him.  God desires all people to come to a saving knowledge of Him.  God wants all people to know the Good News of salvation.  God wants all people to know that God and God alone can save them and God desires to save them.  Further, God wants people to know that they cannot save themselves.  God is all knowing.  God is all powerful.  God knows the hearts and minds of each and every person on earth.  God also knows how to reach people.  For example, God knew how to reach the wicked people of Nineveh.  God knew that if he sent His prophet, Jonah, to warn them of their impending judgment, the people of Nineveh would repent; therefore, God sent His prophet, Jonah, to warn the people the people of Nineveh with this message, “Forty days from now Nineveh will be destroyed!” (Jonah 3:4).  In response, the king of Nineveh and his people repented (see Jonah 3:6-9).  God saw how they stopped their evil ways and did not carry out the destruction He had threatened (see Jonah 3:10).  God knew how to reach the sailors.  The sailors were in the midst of a terrible storm and cried out to their gods for help; however, their gods were not able to save them.  The sailors learned from Jonah that he worshiped “the LORD, the God of heavens, who made the sea and the land” (see Jonah 1:9) and he was the one at fault for the terrible storm that was threatening their lives.  The sailors then asked Jonah what they needed to do in order to stop the storm.  Jonah told them that they simply needed to throw him into the sea.  Initially, the sailors “rowed even harder to get the ship to the land. But the stormy sea was too violent for them, and they couldn’t make it.  Then they cried out to the LORD, Jonah’s God” (see Jonah 1:13-14).  The sailors then did what Jonah had told them to do and picked up Jonah and “threw him into the raging sea, and the storm stopped at once! The sailors were awestruck by the LORD’s great power, and they offered him a sacrifice and vowed to serve him” (see Jonah 1:15-16).  God also knew how to reach Jonah.  God commanded Jonah to warn the wicked people of Nineveh of His impending judgment.  When Jonah disobeyed, God arranged it so that Jonah would be in the midst of a terrible storm and thrown overboard into the raging sea.  Further, God arranged Jonah to be swallowed up by a great fish for three days and three nights (see Jonah 1:17).  God knew how to get Jonah’s attention!  Jonah 2:1-9 then records Jonah’s prayer from within the fish.  Once Jonah’s heart had returned to a right place with God then the LORD ordered the fish to spit out Jonah onto the beach (see Jonah 2:10).  Once again, the LORD commanded Jonah to go and warn the people of Nineveh.  This time, Jonah obeyed! God knew how to reach the people of Nineveh.  God knew how to reach the sailors.  God knew how to reach Jonah.  God knows how to reach people.  God desires all people to know that God and God alone can save them.  God wants all people to know that they cannot possibly save themselves.  God wants to save all people so that they can be with Him forever.  God is love and God loves all people.  God wants all people to know that God loves them and God wants all people to know Him and to love Him in return.  God wants all people to be in an intimate love relationship with Him - both now and forevermore!

Personal Application

As I was reading and re-reading the book of Jonah, I became increasingly aware of just how much God loves people.  God loved Jonah.  God loved the sailors.  God loved the people of Nineveh.  God loves everyone.  Not only does God love everyone, God will go to extraordinary lengths to demonstrate His great love for them.  As I reflect upon my own life, I more clearly recognize that God has gone to extraordinary lengths to demonstrate His great love for me.  As a son of God, I recognize that I am to be like my Father.  My Father has gone to extraordinary lengths to demonstrate His great love for me.  In response, my desire is to go to extraordinary lengths to demonstrate my great love for Him as well. Additionally, our Father demonstrates His great love to all people.  As believers, we are His sons and His daughters.  We are to be like our Father.  Our Father loves all people.  We are to love all people.  Our Father, help us love you and love others as you love us and love others.  Help us be more like you.

Point of Passion

My point of passion is to know God and to make God known – especially to teenagers and young adults.  As I was studying the book of Jonah, I became increasingly aware of God’s great love for people – all people.  I became increasingly aware of God’s great love for me.  My desire is to love God more fully and to love others more fully as well.  May my words and my actions clearly communicate to God and to others that I love them!

Micah

Micah

Historical Background and Purpose

Micah 1:1 states, "The LORD gave this message to Micah of Moresheth during the years when Jotham, Azah, and Hezekiah were kings of Judah.  The visions he saw concerned both Samaria and Jerusalem."  According to the introduction to the book of Micah in the Sourceview Bible, Micah predicted the following pivotal events in Israel's history: the fall of Israel in 722 BC, the seige (and deliverance) of Jerusalem in 701 BC, the fall of Jerusalem in 605/597/586 BC, the initial restoration of the exiles back to Jerusalem in 536/516 BC, and the ultimate restoration of God's purposes through the coming Messiah.  Micah's messages alternate between one of judgment and destruction and one of mercy and restoration.  He warned people that God will judge them and punish them for their sins (e.g. idolatry and immorality); however, Micah also gave them hope by reminding them of who God is - a God of mercy and unfailing love.

Character and Nature of God

God hates sin (such as idolatry); therefore, God punishes those who commit sin (such as idolatry).  In the book of Micah, God blames Samaria for Israel's rebellion and Jerusalem for Judah's idolatry (see Micah 1:5); therefore, God judges and punishes these people for their sins.  Afterward, God demonstrates His mercy and His desire to restore His people.  Micah 2:12-13 states, "Someday, O Israel, I [the LORD] will gather you; I will gather the remant who are left . . . Your leader will break out and lead you out of exile, out through the gates of the enemy cities, back to your own land.  Your king will lead you; the LORD himself will guide you."  God hates sin (such as idolatry and immorality) and He punishes those who commit sin.  However, God does not desire to stay angry with his people forever; He delights in showing his unfailing love (see Micah 7:18).  Further, God is good and He tells His people what is good.  This is what God requires of His people, "to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God" (see Micah 6:8). 

God's Redemptive Plan for Mankind

Micah 5:2 states, "But you , O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins are from the distant past."  This prophecy predicts that the Messiah will be born in the city of Bethlehem.  Micah 7:7 states, "As for me, I look to the LORD for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me."  The prophet Micah looked to God to save him and he encouraged his listeners (or readers) to do the same.  He recognized that God and God alone is the One who saves.  God is our Savior!