Monday, June 11

To download an audio version of this, click here.

Monday

Who or What are the minor prophets?

The last books of the Old Testament beginning with Hosea and ending with Malachi are commonly called “minor prophets.”  Jews call the writings of these 12 prophets “The Twelve” and count them as one book, because they were often written on one scroll.  Even the name we give this collection of prophets, “minor”, makes it seem these were unimportant.  The title “minor” originated in Augustine’s time (late fourth century A.D.), but they are minor only in that they are each much shorter than the prophecies of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel and Ezekiel (called “major prophets”).  However, the line between major and minor seems somewhat arbitrary, Daniel is considered “major” although it is only slightly longer than Zechariah.  Lamentations is “major” only because its author is Jeremiah.

Why study the minor prophets?

They are a source of comfort and hope 

Romans 15:4 - For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 

They are a source of instruction and warning, so that we learn from the mistakes of the past. 

1 Corinthians 10:11 - These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. 

They are Holy Scripture!  As with all Scripture, they are given to us through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit for our good.

2 Timothy 3:14-17 - But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it,  and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Despite the fact that these prophets lived thousands of years ago, we still need to hear their message today and God still speaks to us through their voices.  While each prophet is set in a particular historical context and has a specific message from God for the people of his time, there are common threads running through the voices of all the prophets of God.  The following six themes can be found in almost every prophet, consider carefully which of these truths you most need to hear and believe...

1. The holiness of God - He is absolutely pure, perfect, righteous, just, merciful, gracious, and loving.

1. The sovereignty of God - He rules the entire universe and is above all!  Nothing is outside of His knowledge or control.

1. The immutability of God's word;  God’s word does not change, because God does not change.  He carries out His promises, and we can depend upon Him to act consistently with His Word.

1. The seriousness of sin; God hates sin, and will not tolerate, overlook, nor excuse it.  But He is willing to forgive those who humbly repent.

1. Repentance and righteousness; This is the clarion call of all the prophets - for people to turn their hearts back to God! 

1. The worship due God - When we come to see God as He truly is, the proper reverence, awe, and respect for God will cause us to praise Him and give thanks for His wonderful grace and mercy!

Jeff Frazier