Malachi

The prophet Malachi has "the last word" so to speak in the Old Testament.  After the recording of his messages from the Lord, there is nothing heard from the Almighty for 400 years.  What would YOU say if you knew that you would not address someone for a considerable length of time?  Listen to what God says to His people.

I have loved you.  A great statement, one that I am sure many would include in their final words before a great silence.  Look, however, at the nation's response.  "What?  Prove it!"  Their unbelieving response is shocking.  How could God demonstrate His love for them any further?  What more could He do?  He outlines for them the ways in which He has shown them favor - and will continue to shower them with blessing.

But the people's response is contrary.  They have in turn rejected God's teaching and perverted His commands.  They have not shown Him honor; and then questioned His integrity for not "understanding them" when they offered polluted sacrifice.  Oh, the audacity!  They offer to God items that no human authority would accept; they assign a worthless value to worship and service to the One Who delivered them from all their trouble; and they allowed the morally bankrupt among them to be their religious leaders.  They have perverted the sacrifices - the picture prophecies of what God would one day do in removing sin permanently.

And still the people question God "What's the big deal?"  They mock the guidelines He established for worship, for marriage, for life and living.  And yet, they wonder why God is upset with them.

So, here is what God promises He will do to these people.  Are you ready for this?  Wait, how would YOU respond?  Lightning bolts in well-positioned places?  Plagues of epic proportions?  Remember, if you are deity, you have unlimited resources at your disposal.

But what God does is incredible.  He promises to send a messenger to prepare the way for His arrival.  One will come to set all things right.  When He arrives (God, not the messenger), all will be judged accurately and completely.  No sins will be hidden and all will receive their just reward.  The result of this is that people will once again be prepared to worship the Lord properly and correctly.  There will no longer be the capacity to short-change God.  The reality of the joy that comes from serving Him will be evidenced plainly.  When that day arrives, the wicked will have every right and expectation to be afraid.  Those in right relationship with God, however, will find that He does fulfill His promises of blessing just as fully as His promises of punishment.  He will bless, in His time; but for those who refuse to listen, a curse is all they can expect.

As this year closes, how are you responding to God?  Are you among those who fear Him, or those who are afraid of Him (that is NOT two ways of saying the same thing).  Would you be afraid at His coming - since He would then judge you; or would you be blessed because of the reverential awe and obedience you have demonstrated in your life prior to His arrival?  Tomorrow, many will be making resolutions and talking of starting new habits.  God wants nothing of that sort.  He doesn't ask you to turn over a new leaf; He asks you to turn over your life to His control.  How will you respond?

Zechariah 13 - 14

In the coming Day of the Lord, those who had falsely spoken on the Lord's behalf in the past will no longer wish to bring attention to themselves and will deny their former activities.  The Shepherd of Deliverance will come and provide rescue for those who answer His call.  At His return, the geography of the nation will be rearranged and a way of escape will be provided for Israel from her enemies.  True worship will be restored and everything that is done will actively demonstrate the glory that only the Lord deserves.

Zechariah 9 - 12

In the midst of the destruction of the surrounding nations, God will remember His promises to His people and send the promised Delivering King who will bring peace to the nation.  God will restore and rescue His people; He keeps His promises!  Although the time will come that it appears God has abandoned HIs people, He will not utterly forsake them.  He has in mind their deliverance, protection and provision.  He will deliver them.  The day will come when the nation will mourn over their treatment of the promised Deliverer.

Zechariah 5 - 8

God continues to call His people back to Himself. He sends out messengers to all corners of the earth to view how mankind will respond to Him. He sets up a leader in Joshua, the high priest, and promises that He will not abandon His temple. The time is also foretold when going to the Temple to worship God will be the highlight of His people, and will be a source of great blessing for the nations. Inhabitants of other nations will beg those who worship at the temple to take them along for times of worship.

Zechariah 1 - 4

The Lord delivers a message of invitation for the nation of Israel to return to Him through the lips of Zechariah the prophet.  He will not abandon His chosen people.  In fact, He will always supply for their well-being, through her priests and religious leaders.

Haggai

The prophet Haggai, a contemporary of Nehemiah, encouraged the nation to rebuild the temple, not just their own houses.  While God's house lay in ruins, the people were decorating their abodes with ornate accoutrements.  After the people refocused their attention on the dwelling place of God, He reaffirmed the promise that He was with them.

Zephaniah

The prophet Zephaniah spoke to the nation of the coming Day of the Lord, the time when God would exact His judgment on the nations.  The coming of that Day would be swift; once the Day arrives there would be no stopping it nor staying of its severity.  Zephanian describes the best course of action on that day to be keeping silence, lest God further punish.

Habakkuk

Habakkuk asks God the question "How long must we endure problems, and You don't seem to hear us or care about us?"  God's reply is to watch the surrounding nations and be amazed at what He will do.  God is about to raise up the Chaldeans to power and it will all be at the Lord's doing.  Habakkuk then questions God about how He can use a wicked nation like the Chaldeans.  God's response is beautiful in its simplicity and far-reaching in its scope.  Simply put, God states that since He is on the Universe's Throne, He may do whatsoever He wishes AND it will be good and bring glory to Him for doing it.  He even receives glory when wicked nations do what He bids them do.  Habakkuk realizes the omnipotence of God and it motivates him to reflect on God's greatness.  His conclusion is that no matter what happens - good times, bad times, poor economic situation, or times of plenty - he will find his joy in the God Who does all things well.

Nahum

Nahum lays out the final word for the city of Nineveh.  Not too long ago, Jonah had declared God's intention to destroy the city because of their sins.  The city repented and God relented from the evil He had intended for them.  However, the city soon found themselves back in the ways which placed them under God's wrath to begin with.  God would not tolerate sin, no matter how much the people tried to show some form of "repentence".  The city and nation of Assyria would find themselves on the receiving end of God's justice and wrath.  Their destruction was certain and would take place without mercy or restraint.  History shows that, just as God stated, the Babylonians overran the Assyrians and the city of Nineveh fell.

Micah 6 - 7

God lays out His plea for the nation to turn from her wickedness and accept His loving discipline and forgiveness.  He asks what more could have been done to demonstrate His love; He pleads for the nation to do what is simply required:  to do justly, to love mercy and to humbly walk with Him.  He will reward those who have hurt her with destruction.  The nation does begin to seek forgiveness for her sins, and Micah wonders at the loving forgiveness God willingly provides.  He is amazed that a God of such great power and might would pardon such transgressions against His holiness.  Micah ends his book with a note of praise for God's compassion.

Micah 4 - 5

Micah continues to tell of the coming restoration of Israel by her God.  The day will come when the nation shall be restored to her glory; but it will occur not through military might or imperial majesty but through the miraculous provision of God.  When the restoration occurs, it will be a great occurence to travel to worship God.  God will restore the bounty that He has taken away.  Above all, a national leader shall arise who will rule perfectly and permanently.  This coming Messiah will deliver in a way no one could anticipate!

Micah 1 - 3

Micah begins to prophesy against the nation of Israel in the days of Hezekiah.  The message he brings is one of judgment.  God is coming to exact revenge on those who fail to live their lives according to His plans and commands.  He will not relent from His designs to drive the sinful element out of the land.  However, if the nation does repent, the punishment will be much less harsh than it is originally designed to be.

Jonah

Many are familiar with the story of Jonah.  Put briefly, Jonah, a prophet of God, is given orders to take a message of repentance to one of Israel's enemies.  Jonah refuses, God brings him (miraculously) to the point of obedience, Jonah preaches, the people respond favorably, God forgives, Jonah gets mad at God's mercy and then gets scolded for his own attitude.

So what is there "new" to say?  What can by highlighted today that hasn't been highlighted a thousand times over in flannelgraph, sermon and celluloid (thanks, BigIdea!)?

Jonah has an easy job - he has no control over the message, the response or the follow-up; yet, he balks.  It doesn't fit HIS liking, so he sets off on a course that leads only to his peril and destruction.  God's message is still delivered, His plan not thwarted at all.  But Jonah... It turns out the prophet has needs for repentance and change as well.

The question is, am I a Jonah?  Where are the tasks that I run away from what God has given me to complete?  Am I trying to fit God's work into my framework and my timetable and my sense of what is right?  OR am I willing to follow God's instructions no matter where they lead, even when they are not what I would naturally choose?

Oh, I know the "right" answer to give.  God, give me the strength to choose the right answer to live!

Obadiah

Obadiah delivers a message of judgment to Edom, Israel's neighbor, and descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother.  Though she considered herself a lofty power in the region, God would bring her down to an inconsequential position.  The punishment is coming because the nation failed to support Israel in her hour of crisis.  Instead of taking the opportunity to gain favor with the nation of Israel, Edom stood idly by while Israel was being plundered.  God would hold Edom accountable for all her actions - and when Israel is restored, Edom will have no part in the glory and blessings she enjoys.

Amos 7 - 9

Amos continues to deliver the messages of punishment to Israel.  Her leaders try to persuade Amos to not prophesy; but Amos' direction is clear:  he has been commissioned by the Lord to speak messages that he receives.  God is not wililng to tolerate the sins of Israel any longer.  He must act to bring her to the point of repentence.  The harshest punishment to come is the famine of words from the Lord.  The day will come when hearing from God will be scarcer than the water and bread they needed for physical existence.  Israel will not avoid her punishment.  God will find them wherever they try to hide and will ensure that they are appropriately disciplined for their actions against Him.  At the end of the time of punishment, however, God will lovingly restore His people to prominence and prosperity.  Even in His wrath, He remembers love and mercy.

Amos 4 - 6

God continues to lay out His charges against the nation of Israel.  God has lovingly tried to bring correction to the nation, yet in spite of His gentle discipline, the nation will not repent or seek to return to the ways of God they have abandoned.  For this reason, Israel is commanded to "prepare to meet your God."  This does not sound like a friendly meeting!  Israel has laid out for her the many ways in which God will bring His people back to Himself.  He is mighty enough to accomplish all that He promises; and loving enough to desire Israel's return.

Amos 1 - 3

The prophet Amos (contemporary with Isaiah) lays out God's charges against the nation of Israel and her neighbors.  They have not only disobeyed God's commands, but have intentionally done what was commanded them to not do; and left undone what was commanded them to do!  God states that sins of this caliber are not random occurrences, but proof that the hearts of the nations are far from Him, and His punishment of them is rightly deserved.

Joel

The prophet Joel laments the destruction of the land because of her treacherous sin against God.  The prescription given to the nation is to lament, repent and restore what has been lost.  God is still willing to forgive and bless.  What comfort for the nation.  What comfort for all those who find themselves at odds with the God of the universe.

Hosea 12 - 14

The Lord lays out his case against Israel through the mouth of Hosea.  For all that Israel has done, she will be held accountable.  Yet, in the midst of all her deceipt, treachery and abandonment of God, He still calls out to restore and heal His wayward people.  The day will come when God will forgive and His people will enjoy HIs favor once again.

Hosea 9 - 11

Israel will be punished for her sins.  God will bring upon her the full penalty for not obeying Him; and the nation will become wanderers among the other nations. They will be leaderless.  Since they have abandoned their true King, He will leave them without an earthly sovereign.  Yet, in the midst of all this destruction and punishment, God still demonstrates His love for His people, sinful though they be.  He will deliver His people from the destruction they face; and will allow them to return to their own places and land.

Hosea 5 - 8

Hosea continues to lay out God's words to the nation.  The nation has dealt very treacherously with God - saying one thing but doing quite another.  As a result, punishment has been earned and will be meted out.  Israel has made her own decisions, ignored God's clear commands, refused to hear God's messages and turned her back on God's singular worthiness of worship.  When God punishes, He will do so rapidly, completely and devastatingly.  Israel will look to others - her former allies and partners in these crimes - for help, but help will not come.  In fact, those that would seem to be the best source of help will turn and devastate Israel even further.  It is a foolish thing to walk away from a loving and just God.

Hosea 1 - 4

Hosea is given a strange command by God:  marry a woman given with an adulterous nature.  Hosea follows this command, and 3 children are born.  Each child is given a name reflective of what God would do to the nation.  God presents a case for the nation's adultery, and lays out the charges against the nation that said it would love and cling to God but did not.  However, God would show mercy to His people and they would return to Him.  Hosea is told to go bring back his wayward wife; and he does.  The Lord also brings out the charges against His wayward people who have left Him for adulterous idolatry.

Daniel 11 - 12

Daniel is given a vision of the end times, events that were future to him and some are still future to us today.  Daniel is told that God has a plan, and that plan includes punishment for the wicked and blessing for those who obey God's words.  Much is made of these closing chapters to support one theory or another in prophetic interpretation.  What must not be missed in all this is the overriding principle that God has a determined plan for this planet and its inhabitants.  His plans will not be distracted or dissuaded; they will come to pass.

Daniel 8 - 10

Daniel is given three great visions of what is described to him as "the times of the end."  God has a plan for His people in the future; and that plan involves blessing them and preserving them although the world around them is in tumult.

Daniel 5 - 7

Nebuchadnezzar's grandson, Belshazzar, throws a feast for his kingdom.  After using the implements from Jerusalem's temple as flatware and stemware for his feast, a hand appears and writes on the banquet house wall, spelling out the doom for the Babylonian kingdom.  That night, Belshazzar is killed and Darius the Mede takes rulership of the kingdom.

With the Medes and Persians in control, Daniel is made one of the leaders in the new government.  His religious practices are not appreciated by his fellow governors; they eventually get legislation passed that made prayer to anyone other than the king a crime punishable by death in the lions' den.  Daniel makes no change in his practice; is thrown to the lions and survives the ordeal.  Darius then makes a decree that prayer is to be offered only to the God that Daniel serves.

Daniel then sees a vision of beasts that corresponds to the kingdoms in Nebuchadnezzar's dreams.  The interpretation and scope of these kingdoms is so vivid that Daniel is greatly disturbed and affected by them.

Daniel 3 - 4

King Nebuchadnezzar was impressed at the image seen in his dream, and the interpretation that the golden head represented his superior kingdom.  To "commemorate" this dream, he had a large likeness of himself made - entirely of gold (to symbolize his long-lived kingdom) - and had everyone in the land bow down and worship it under penalty of death by burning.  Three notable community leaders refused to pay homage to the statue, namely Daniel's friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah.  They were thrown into the furnace, yet God preserved them and spoke to the King's heart about who the real authority and power figure was.  Nebuchadnezzar was still a proud man; God had to uniquely humble him by taking away his sanity for a period of time until he would recognize that God Himself was the only source of power.

Kind of makes you wonder:  The flames of the furnace wouldn't stop Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah from obeying God, so why does it take so little to distract me?

Daniel 1 - 2

The book of Daniel begins when King Nebuchadnezzar raids Jerusalem and takes many of the young princes captive to Babylon.  From there, the "best and brightest" of Israel will receive an education from the greatest Babylonian minds and theologians.

Among those taken captive is a young man named Daniel, along with his three friends Hananiah, Azariah and Mishael.  Unfortunately, many of us know them by their Babylonian names (Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego).

Early in the process, Daniel makes it known that his religious practices forbid him from partaking of the king's food.  Giving a respectful explanation for his abstinence, Daniel finds favor with the steward and proves to be wiser at the end of the trial period.

The king is plagued by disturbing dreams and asks his wise men to tell and interpret the dream.  When they are unable, Daniel preserves the life of all the wise men by telling and interpreting the dream.  In it, God foretells Nebuchadnezzar's great kingdom, as well as the kingdoms that will follow it.  Daniel and his three friends are promoted over the provinces of Babylon.

Merry Tossmas!

Ezekiel 47 - 48

Ezekiel is shown the division of the land as it will be when the Lord sets up His kingdom.  The land will go through a major renovation - a river will run along the eastern border to the sea.  This means the Dead Sea will no longer be without an outlet!  The waters of this river will be so plentiful that men will be able to make a living being fishers in this river.  The land will be divided by tribe; and the Holy City of Jerusalem will be rebuilt in splendor.  The city itself will be renamed.  The new name of this place is THE LORD IS THERE - quite a contrast from the beginning of Ezekiel's ministry when he saw the glory of the Lord departing from among His people.

Ezekiel 45 - 46

Area is assigned for the priests, the people and the princes in this new arrangement of land.  The standards for measurement and distribution are given, so that all will no exactly what is expected from one another.  The feasts are reestablished, for the New Yea, Passover, Unleavened Bread and Tabernacles.  The princes were to be examples of integrity in their affairs, and especially in the way they led worship before the people.  Every detail for worship and life was laid out.

Ezekiel 42 - 44

Ezekiel is given more details of this new temple construction.  The outlines for the upper stories and the dimensions of the altar are given.  God gives instructions for the dedication of the altar; and the requirements for those who will worship within its walls and those who will serve in its facilities.  The job description for the priests is given.  They are to teach, to judge, to instruct, to be pure, to demonstrate through every aspect of their life the holiness of God.

Ezekiel 40 - 41

Ezekiel is given a vision of a new temple construction.  The dimensions and layout of this structure is given to him to declare to the nation.  Every detail of the structure and the outlying courtyards and out-buildings was carefully measured and recorded.  God is a God of details; and no detail is overlooked in this blueprint He lays out for Ezekiel.