Struggles
(transition to the prophets)

We make a really big shift in our bible readings here at the end of the month. Almost everything we have read in Scripture thus far has been what you might call “historical” or “narrative.” It tells a story, a set of events. If you keep reading 2 Kings during the next few weeks as we transition into reading Amos, Isaiah, Jeremiah, etc., you’ll see what I mean.  It keeps telling a story, whereas the prophetic books are prophecies that are spoken or preaching during these events. Maybe one way to think of it is that Amos, Isaiah, and other books are examples of sermons that were preached at the time all these events were taking place. Here are some simple introductions to each of the prophetic books we’re reading in the next couple of weeks:

Isaiah- This is the book of the bible that gets used during the Christmas season so often, and also during Holy Week, because there are texts predicting the birth of a child to a virgin. And there are many passages in Isaiah about the “suffering servant”, which we now understand as being Jesus.

The book as a whole has a lot about God’s coming judgment (especially Isaiah 1-39).  The book takes place over the major periods of change in Israel, including the defeat of the Northern kingdom of Israel in 721 B.C. by Assyria, and the defeat of the southern kingdom in 586 B.C. Chapters 56-66 focus on the time after the return. Cyrus defeats the Babylonians, and the people of Israel return to Judah in 538 B.C., with a rededication of the temple in 515.  These are the events that take place while Isaiah preaches.

Amos takes place at about the same time, and has a special purpose. Amos was sent to tell the people of Israel that the Lord was going to punish them, because the rich and powerful people of the country were robbing the poor and treating them unjustly.  There was also a lot of idol worship going on. The prophets were especially concerned about two topics- worship of idols or false gods, and economic injustice.

In our own day, these prophecies still need to be heard. Prophets are not just predictors of the future; they also teach about justice and ethics. We need to listen to them, as well as modern day prophets. Think of an organization like Bread for the World, www.bread.org Their ministry and work is very much in line with the biblical prophets.

As you read these books, consider the following questions:

Where do you see examples of true justice in today’s world? Where do you see injustice?

Do these prophetic books change your picture or understanding of God?

Think of some new things you have learned while reading these books. How can you apply them to your life?