God in the Ruins: The Minor Prophets
At the end of the Hebrew Bible, our Old Testament, we find a collection of twelve small, yet powerful, books known as the Minor Prophets or “the Book of the Twelve.” The title “minor” refers to their length, and not to their significance, as each of these short books brings a powerful word from God to His people that challenges the status quo. As we walk through this entire collection, we will seek to hear God’s message to us today.
Malachi
Malachi addresses God’s people after the return from exile, calling them to right living, ending of easy divorce, justice in the public square, and a return to the covenant with God. Malachi points to an Elijah-like figure who will announce the day of the Lord, as God comes to bring forth His righteousness and justice upon the earth. Sermon OutlinE “But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you…
Zechariah
Prophesying at the same time as Haggai, and during the return from exile recorded in the book of Ezra, Zechariah rebukes the people for breaking the covenant and calls them to repent and turn to God. There is a strong message about justice in the public square in Zechariah. There are also many references to the coming Messiah, one of which directly connects with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Scripture: Zechariah 1-14, with focus on 6:12; 9:9; 11:12; 12:10; 13:7…
Haggai
A contemporary of Zechariah after the exile, Haggai calls the returnees to prioritize rebuilding the Temple of the Lord. The Temple was not only the place of worship but a sign of God’s covenant. As the books closes, the earthly prince Zerubbabel is held up, like David, as a picture of the Messianic Ruler who will come in the future. Sermon OutlinE “Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build my house, so that I may take…
Zephaniah
A contemporary of Jeremiah, Zephaniah calls the people of the southern kingdom of Judah to humbly seek God as the day of the Lord approaches. The difficulties that Zephaniah speaks about are also accompanied by future hope of our God who rejoices over us with singing. Sermon OutlinE “The Lord your God is with You, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you but will rejoice over…
Habakkuk
Habakkuk’s prophecy is framed as a series of dialogues between the prophet and God about the justice of God and the suffering to come. The final chapter is a beautiful psalm of trust to God in the midst of the ruins of a collapsing culture. Sermon OutlinE “Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.” (Habakkuk 3:2) Introducing…
Nahum
Nahum’s prophecy comes against Nineveh, shortly before it gives way to the rising empire of Babylon This prophetic book speaks of another nation, but is likely intended as encouragement for a people subjected to oppression and suffering. Nahum reminds his hearers that God holds human history. Sermon OutlinE “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.” (Nahum 1:7) Introducing Nahum and 7th BC Century Prophets God the Patient Judge…
Micah, Part 2
The final two chapters of Micah are bleak and challenging, as God directly addresses the failures of the northern kingdom of Israel shortly before their collapse before the Assyrians. In the midst of the misery, Micah calls the people to wait on God and watch for His deliverance. Sermon OutlinE “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your…
Micah, Part 1
Prophesying at the same time as the prophet Isaiah, Micah addresses the coming destruction of the northern kingdom of Israel by the Assyrians, while also giving a challenge to the southern kingdom. In the midst of his rebuke against the rulers, Micah speaks of God teaching His people and a promised ruler arising from Bethlehem. Micah 1-5 Sermon OutlinE “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one…
Jonah
Jonah is unique among the minor prophets in that the entire book is an account of a resistant prophet sent to the capital city of the Assyrian kingdom, Nineveh, to proclaim God’s judgment. When the Ninevites respond with repentance and God gives them a second chance, the distance between Jonah’s heart and God’s heart is revealed in a way that implicates all of us. Jonah 1-4, with focus on 2:1-9 & 4:2, 10-11 Sermon OutlinE “In my distress I called…
Obadiah
Obadiah announces judgment on Edom, one of Israel’s neighbors (and relatives), for helping Babylon conquer Judah. Through Obadiah, God promises that judgment will come on all the nations, but that He will eventually establish His divine kingdom on earth. Sermon OutlinE “But on Mount Zion will be deliverance; it will be holy, and Jacob will possess his inheritance.” (Obadiah 1:17) Introducing Obadiah Prophetic accusations against Edom (Obadiah 1:1-14) The Day of the Lord and the Nations (Obadiah 1:15-16) God’s Kingdom…
Amos
After searing prophecies against the surrounding nations, Amos turns his attention to God’s judgment on His own people in the northern kingdom of Israel. Of specific concern for God is a call to true justice within the public square as a reflection of His own justice in the covenant. Though judgment will come, God promises a remnant will be restored. Sermon OutlinE “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5:24) Introducing Amos Prophecies…
Joel
The prophet Joel is concerned with the coming of the day of the Lord, which is pictured like a plague of locusts descending upon the land. In the midst of this call to repentance, Joel simultaneously points to the outpouring of God’s Spirit upon His people. Joel 1-3, with focus on 2:12-14, 2:28-32 Sermon OutlinE “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young…
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