Simply teaching the Bible, simply

On Sunday we began a study of the minor prophets (the last 12 books of the Old Testament). They are referred to as ‘minor’ simply because most of them are short books – not because they are less important! As a brief overview we find the themes of these books are Israel’s sin and disobedience, contrasted with God’s faithfulness and mercy, and ultimately His commitment to regather and bring them back into their Land in prosperity to fulfil the promises He had made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, subsequently reiterated to King David. Yet God is a God of judgment as well as a God of love, and these prophets foretell the judgment that God was to first bring on Israel for her disobedience, as well as the judgment that would befall her neighbours – specifically Assyria (Nineveh) and Edom. As a summary: Hosea – The Lord loves Israel despite her sin Joel – Judgment precedes Israel’s future revival Amos – God is just and must judge sin Obadiah – Sure retribution must overtake merciless pride Jonah – Divine grace is universal Micah – Bethlehem born Messiah will deliver Nahum – Doom is to come on wicked Nineveh Habakkuk – Justification by faith is God’s way Zephaniah – The Day of the Lord will precede the kingdom Haggai – Consider you ways! God must be no#1 Zechariah – Repentant Israel will see their Messiah Malachi – Judgment is certain for the wicked So, the first book in our series is the book of Hosea. Not a priest, nor a high-ranking official. Hosea was just an ordinary person who served an extraordinary God! Hosea is a story of love and grace. It is also a warning of judgment for disobedience, the pain that comes from unfaithfulness, but also the healing and restoration that can be found in the God of the Bible.