PROPHET MALACHI

No one was more agitated than Prophet Malachi in the land where its once glorious inhabitants had lost their passion. He felt like Elijah of the past, carrying the burden all on his own. Serving God seemed like second best to those descendants of Abraham and the remnants God had entrusted to fulfil Israel’s destiny. The voices of the prophets were signs of God’s unending concern for his chosen nation. In fact, Malachi shouted God’s affirmative words, “I have loved you!” Ironically, his love was spurned by a sarcastically-created question by the people, “How have you loved us?” This was just one of the series of questions Malachi faced in his quest for repentant hearts as well as heads.

Perhaps being tired of waiting for the coming of Messiah as promised, they caught hold of the virus of apathy and indifference. From the priests who showed contempt for God’s name to the offering of imperfect animals of people for the sacrifice, the whole land was contaminated. Not forgetting the unfaithfulness to the marriage covenant and the taking in of wives who worshipped idols, Jerusalem was indeed living on dangerous ground. The prophet remembered the cries of King David, “You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” Oh, how God would have loved that spirit of brokenness from the people.

Both Ezra and Nehemiah had felt like Moses coming down from the mountain carrying the Law of God and found his people worshipping the golden calf. They had worked hard to maintain a vision for the land, in preparation for the Messiah to take them to greater heights but it was being torn asunder. Prophet Malachi and the leaders of Jerusalem knew of the slippery slope they were walking in dealing with the people, knowing any spiritual slips from them might result in judgment of the Almighty God. It was also the first time God was wearied with the people’s words of apathy. It was an incessant excuse to live outside the will of God.

As Prophet Malachi met with Ezra and Nehemiah for prayer, the reassuring words came from heaven, "See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the LORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness, and the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable to the LORD, as in days gone by, as in former years.”

The Messiah would indeed turn up as promised.

Then Malachi stood up to proclaim an encouragement not only to Ezra and Nehemiah but also to all who walked in God’s ways, “Those who feared the LORD talked with each other, and the LORD listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the LORD and honored his name. God says, ‘They will be mine in the day when I make up my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not’”

It was a vindication for them as they knelt there and gave praise to the Almighty. As they worshipped God, Malachi got even more than he bargained for, God showed him the final victory of the Messiah, "Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and that day that is coming will set them on fire," says the LORD Almighty. "Not a root or a branch will be left to them. But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.”

Indeed, their hearts did leap right there and then at those words!

What would Prophet Malachi say to us if he were to be alive today?

1. God is not slow in keeping His promises. His timing is always perfect!
2. Ask the right questions that help you in your spiritual growth and not those that tear you apart.
3. Watch out for disappointments in life as the devil can use them as tools to destroy you.
4. God’s thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways His ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are His ways higher than your ways and His thoughts than your thoughts.
5. The Messiah will come the second time. He came the first time as promised, didn’t He?

Did the voices of the prophets end with Malachi? In my opinion, I believe prophet Malachi was not the last of the prophets, it was John the Baptist. And when Jesus the Messiah/Christ came, He became the ultimate VOICE not only for Israel but for the whole world.

PROPHET ZECHARIAH

His heart was heavy and his shoulders strained as if he were carrying a large sack filled with rocks. Prophet Zechariah felt inadequate for the many revelations and signs he carried for Yahweh. God had begun to reveal beyond Zechariah’s immediate concern which was the temple rebuilding climaxing towards the glorious future of Jerusalem. Indeed, the prophet had again placed his hope on Jerusalem where the remnants returned with a dazed vision. He would agree with his contemporary, Prophet Haggai, that the temple would be the first present vital sign of the restoration of the Israelites after seventy years in captivity. The people needed to see the temple rebuilt albeit one brick at a time. And repair their broken dreams, one vision at a time.

"Shout and be glad, O Daughter of Zion. For I am coming, and I will live among you. The LORD will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land and will again choose Jerusalem,” the prophet heard the declaration of God. Those words made a deep impact on Zechariah and much relieved him of the uncertainty of the times. The man of God understood that even the earth was under God’s palm let alone Jerusalem. When Zechariah and the remnant saw ruins and deep seated problems facing Jerusalem, God saw fit to raise the city to its ultimate stature. The prophet was delighted at the anointing of both Joshua the high priest and Zerubabbel, the governor. He knew that the cleansing of Joshua and the empowerment of Zerubabbel would set the stage for a revival in the city of God. God would be back with a bang! And Zechariah knelt and praised God as soon as he heard those words from the LORD Almighty, "Just as I had determined to bring disaster upon you and showed no pity when your fathers angered me, so now I have determined to do good again to Jerusalem and Judah. Do not be afraid.”

The prophet smiled as he witnessed the blessings of God not only in the rebuilding of the temple but in every area of the life of the remnant. He felt so flattered when the soothing voice of God came, “I will defend my house against marauding forces. Never again will an oppressor overrun my people, for now I am keeping watch.” Yet in all those things, Zechariah’s mind would wander beyond his time as far as God’s prophecies could carry him. He had the privilege to preview the gentle Messiah sitting on a lowly donkey yet his rule would encompass the whole earth, from the Rivers to the ends of the earth. His people would be set free and become strong but only through the blood of the covenant.

The excitement got hold of the prophet as he could sense his adrenalin rushed through his entire body like being shaken by an earthquake. Not only was Zechariah so touched by God’s mercy, he was completely mesmerised by the vision for this nation. Yes, nations might try to fight and take control of Jerusalem but the grip of God would be too strong for them to pry open. In fact, God revealed to Zechariah the final day when nations would be defeated at the hands of the God-empowered Israelites. “On that day I will set out to destroy all the nations that attack Jerusalem,” the LORD thundered. And Jerusalem would become the dwelling place of the Messiah, ruling with absolute righteousness and holiness.

Zechariah stood at the entrance of the temple building, almost completed and there he remembered the prophecy of Yahweh, "Many peoples and the inhabitants of many cities will yet come, and the inhabitants of one city will go to another and say, 'Let us go at once to entreat the LORD and seek the LORD Almighty. I myself am going.' And many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the LORD Almighty and to entreat him. In those days, ten men from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, 'Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.'"

“Yes and Amen,” he cried with joy!

What would Prophet Zechariah say to us if he were still alive today?

1. Your future in God is fully secure.
2. Let us not despise small beginnings as God can multiply them a hundred fold.
3. When God is for you, who can be against you.
4. The Messiah is not only a Saviour but King of all kings, Ruler of the Universe.
5. Jerusalem will ultimately be the Ruling Center for Jesus Christ, King of all kings!

Next: Prophet Malachi
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2010/02/prophet-malachi.html

PROPHET HAGGAI

The abandoned construction of the temple stood like a sore thumb. The whole surrounding area covered with thick weeds, and shrubs protruding everywhere. Yet, the returning remnants had returned to normalcy in life, their hearts far removed from the vision set forth by Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah who led the exiles back to their homeland. Prophet Haggai knelt there speechless at the place where once the great Temple of Solomon stood. Tears began to drop freely as he witnessed the eroding faith of the remnants where God had put his hope on. In the still of the evening, God spoke, “These people say, ‘The time has not yet come for the Lord’s house to be built.’”

The prophet knew that only the reconstructed temple could reinstate their former aspiration to be a great nation under the Mighty Yahweh. Haggai had not forgotten the promised made to Abraham and to David. But the remnants in Jerusalem had to do a lot of ‘de-babylonizing’ to gear up. Some had chosen to stay in Babylon as they were thriving commercially. Those returnees were reluctant to see the importance of the place of worship over their livelihood. Furthermore, there had been some hostile opposition to the rebuilding.

Prophet Haggai gathered the people and pleaded with them. He knew this could be a do or die situation, nationally or spiritually. With tears in his eyes, he pleaded, "Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?"

The prophet spoke sternly the Word of God, "Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.”

The rebuke woke them up. Finally they knew why they could only survive and not thrive in their own land. The voice of the prophet was heeded. The leaders of the remnant, Zerubbabel, the governor and Joshua, the high priest renewed their commitment to lead the people to rebuild the temple. Prophet Haggai jumped with joy at the rejuvenated people and cried loudly God’s Word, “Yahweh declares, ‘I am with you.’”

As they zealously built the temple, God knew the hearts of the people, especially those who had seen the previous glorious temple before it was destroyed. God saw through those tears and heartbrokenness and said through his servant Haggai, “Who of you is left who saw this house in its former glory? How does it look to you now? Does it not seem to you like nothing? In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. I will shake all nations, and the desired of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory. The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house. And in this place I will grant peace!”

Their work in this rebuilding must not be seen as insignificant! Nothing that was done for God’s glory would be wasted and be treated as trivial! The people might be building a smaller temple but God was able to ‘mightify’ it! Even the Messiah, the desired of all nations would one day step into this temple!

Haggai once again visited the temple in its vibrant rebuilding, looked up to the skies and smiled widely. He had made an appointment with Zerubbabel to meet him there. When both of these great men met, they embraced.

“God said, ‘I will shake the heavens and the earth. I will overturn royal thrones and shatter the power of the foreign kingdoms. I will overthrow chariots and their drivers; horses and their riders will fall, each by the sword of his brother. On that day I will take you, my servant Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and I will make you like my signet ring, for I have chosen you.’" Prophet Haggai whispered to the Governor, a descendant of King David himself.

What would Prophet Haggai say to us if he were still alive today?

1. Be careful of losing the essential things (God, church, ministry) by focusing on the urgent (material things).
2. Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you.
3. Do not see whatever we do for God as insignificant as God has the power to multiply a hundred fold.
4. Do not only have initiative but also ‘finishtiative’!
5. God would never forget His promises!

Next: Prophet Zechariah
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2010/01/prophet-zechariah.html

PROPHET OBADIAH

Flashes of visions whizzed through Prophet Obadiah’s mind as he stood praying for the remnants of Israelites to be spared from further agony. The downfall of Jerusalem had severely dented the faith of most as they sat there in a foreign land. For some remnants, especially prophets, there remained a great hope amidst dreaded despair as they pondered deeply of Yahweh’s next move. Their God had never left his throne a single time and his grip on nations had not slipped an inch.

Sadness filled Obadiah’s heart as the word, ‘Edom’ appeared over and over again in the vision. “Isn’t Edom a close brother of Jacob? Isn’t he a kinsman? How could they do such a heinous thing to their brothers?” Prophet Obadiah questioned God’s Word in his heart. Immediately, he remembered ancient Cain’s ominous answer to God’s rhetorical question, “Am I my brother’s keeper?”

The historical feud between Jacob and Esau was well known. Since that fateful day when the birthright of Esau as the eldest son was ‘stolen’ by Jacob when he deceived their father, Isaac, the anger of Esau’s descendants never subsided. (Read my take on the issue at my other post on Isaac – under Bible Actors’ Series) Sometimes the minds of men could create a bondage that would last for a long long time.

“You should not look down on your brother in the day of his misfortune, nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boast so much in the day of their disaster,” prophet Obadiah cried out the words of God. At their fortress on the solid rocks of Petra, the Edomites laughed and scoffed as the Israelites were slaughtered and exiled. They even made sure no one escape Babylonians’ murderous rampage by capturing and handing over the survivors. The prophet wept as anger rose from within him. “How could brothers turn against their own households and ally themselves with the enemy in the time of destruction?” he shook his head in disbelief.

As Obadiah knelt in agony, the word of God came like a healing balm.

“The house of Jacob will be a fire and the house of Joseph a flame; the house of Esau will be stubble, and they will set it on fire and consume it. There will be no survivors from the house of Esau." The LORD has spoken. People from the Negev will occupy the mountains of Esau, and people from the foothills will possess the land of the Philistines. They will occupy the fields of Ephraim and Samaria, and Benjamin will possess Gilead. This company of Israelite exiles who are in Canaan will possess the land as far as Zarephath; the exiles from Jerusalem who are in Sepharad will possess the towns of the Negev. Deliverers will go up on Mount Zion to govern the mountains of Esau.”

Edom would not escape God’s judgment even though they thought they were invincible, lodged on the high mountains. They wished of Israel’s demise so that they could win the ancient war of taking back the birthright of Esau. Yet, the plan of God was set right from the beginning, that no one that cursed Israel would be blessed. Instead, a curse of destruction was awaiting all those who turned against Israel with an ominous reason.

The prophet stood up, looked up to the skies and proclaimed, “And the kingdom will be the Lord’s.”

What would Prophet Obadiah say to us if he were to be alive today?

1. We ARE our brothers’ (sisters’) keepers!
2. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.
3. Our mind can play havoc to our spiritual life if we do not let God and His Word take captive of it.
4. Israel may lose some battles but it will never lose the war!
5. No one can hide from God’s judgment. He can reach the highest mountain and the deepest oceans.

Next: Prophet Haggai
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2009_12_01_archive.html

PROPHET DANIEL

Angel Gabriel descended gracefully towards Prophet Daniel as he knelt with his hands lifted towards Jerusalem. The prophet’s face was still moist with tears of repentance. “As soon as you began to pray, an answer was given, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed,” the heavenly visitor spoke.

It was a moment of intense grieving for many Israelites who were exiled by the Babylonians. Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed. By the river of Babylon they would sit and cry. Yet even amongst the exile, many still rebelled against God’s Word to submit to chastisement. Prophets like Jeremiah and Ezekiel were voices of God that often went unheeded. But Daniel understood Jeremiah’s 70-year exile message and he knew that God alone would have the final say. Instead of rising to complain, Daniel went down on his knees. God often revealed his plans to those who sought him earnestly and Daniel knew the secret to God’s secrets: prayer.

From day one when he became the first group to be taken to Babylon, Daniel kept his faith in Yahweh intact. The idolatrous and gluttonous cultures of the day were perpetually shunned by him and some of his Israelite friends. And as he continued to surrender to God, Daniel rose to great prominence in the palace of the king. Magicians, enchanters, sorcerers and astrologers all were not in his league when God empowered Daniel. Even King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon turned to Daniel for counsel! What a transformation, from an exile to being an advisor of the palace!

Prophet Daniel's adventurous life continued to rumble the Babylonians. Yet, he never kept any glory for himself but always lifted up the name of Yahweh! Daniel’s dream was to let the nations know that his God was in control and always would be. Nothing could stop Daniel from realising his dream, no furnace of fire, and no lions!

The solid character of Daniel made him the perfect choice to more of God’s visions and the revealing of the future. Never in a time had God revealed so much to a single prophet with such clear predictions of future happenings in the world. Daniel was privileged to view future kingdoms of Persia and Medes, Greece, Romans and also the last coordinated world kingdoms. In fact, the prophet even saw the eternal kingdom of God triumphed over the kingdoms of the world! He saw God's Messiah set forth his everlasting kingdom!

Daniel proclaimed victoriously, "In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed”.

Overwhelmed with such intensity of those prophecies, Daniel was understandably perplexed. Although God would ultimately triumph, it would not be without bloodshed and destruction of many people. An abomination of desolation, a great tribulation had been pronounced in Jerusalem before the finest hour of the Messiah! However, on that day, deliverance would come to all righteous believers!

God declared, "At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people--everyone whose name is found written in the book--will be delivered.”

Daniel could not understand everything that he prophesied because it concerned the end of time. But God left words for all who were willing to listen and obey, “Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand.”

Finally, God gave a final assurance for all righteous people, especially for his beloved prophet, "As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance."

What would Prophet Daniel say to us if he were to be alive today?

1. Prayer works! God answers prayers!
2. No matter how difficult or dangerous circumstances may be, keep your faith in God and you will be rewarded.
3. Our God controls the nations today, tomorrow and the end of time!
4. The righteous can rest secure even when the world falls into absolute turmoil.
5. The eternal inheritance in heaven is waiting for all who serve God and giving Him glory on the earth.

Next: Prophet Obadiah
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2009_12_01_archive.html

PROPHET EZEKIEL

“The city has fallen! The city has fallen!” a cry rang out eerily from a desperate and broken man. The messenger who had seen the carnage and massacre in Jerusalem garnered whatever strength that was left in him to proclaim to his hearers, the first remnants of Israelites taken by the Babylonians.

The news had become the darkest hour in Israel’s history. The walls of Jerusalem crumbled beyond recognition. What was more horrifying to the chosen nation was the destruction of the temple of God, built by the mighty King Solomon. Many of those heard went away in disbelief but not Prophet Ezekiel, who was amongst those taken away from a losing war with the Babylonians. In fact God had shown him this day before it even happened.

Prophet Ezekiel was called to be a prophet in a world filled with international upheavals. The rise of the Babylonians had caused many countries in the region to tremble especially powers like Egypt, Syria and Judah. Many of these countries fell like dominoes when ruthless Babylon wielded their swords against them. When Israel was finally subdued, only some righteous ones knew that it was Yahweh who made it happen. Not because the Babylonians were invincible but the blatant sins of Judah had caused its own downfall.

Before the shock devastation, God had transported his prophet Ezekiel to witness many treacherous scheming and wicked deeds being performed by so called chosen ones without an ounce of remorse. Such audacity of wantonness was unthinkable to the mind of any righteous man or woman, let alone a prophet priest like Ezekiel. God always showed his close ones the secret why he did what he had to do! And Ezekiel understood perfectly! The prophet even witnessed the departing of the glory of God from the temple, signifying the end of God’s presence with the rebellious people!

When God’s glory departed, his judgment fire would follow. Yet, when they heard of the consuming fire of God being prophesied, they laughed it away as ridiculous! Ezekiel complained, "Ah, Sovereign LORD! They are saying of me, 'Isn't he just telling parables?'" The prophet knew of their heart of stone when Yahweh spoke, “Son of man, this is what the Sovereign LORD says to the land of Israel: The end! The end has come upon the four corners of the land.”

The despair could be seen in Ezekiel’s face! If God did not stop the fire, it could destroy his people completely. The most heart breaking moment came when God uttered these words to his prophet, “I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found NONE.” Not even one! The judgement of God was obviously justified.

Yet with all the doom and gloom Ezekiel saw and heard, God sprinkled hope upon the weary prophet like a refreshing shower! The soothing Word came forth from the throne room of God’s amazing grace, "'For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. You will live in the land I gave your forefathers; you will be my people, and I will be your God.” Surely Ezekiel would have heard of the remnant theology but coming out personally from above was exhilarating. More than that, God made sure Ezekiel got a rock solid assurance when he showed the prophet a vision of the dry bones being brought back to life, piece by piece and ultimately through the breath of God! God as usual, remembered the promised made to Abraham although his people forgot.

“I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel. There will be one king over all of them and they will never again be two nations or be divided into two kingdoms,” the all compassionate Yahweh declared! One nation, one King, one God! On that day, when God restored Jerusalem under his awesome power, no nation could stand against it!

As a prophet from a priestly line, Ezekiel would invariably be burdened with worship and secretly yearning for a temple. Then he got more than he asked for. Instead of showing him the vision of the rebuilding of the temple after the 70-year exile, God bypassed it and showed him the millennium temple where the Messiah, the son of David, began his rule! (See my article on another blog post - Will the third Jewish temple be built?)

What would Prophet Ezekiel say to us if he were still alive today?

1. God’s judgment will never be unjust for God is a just God!
2. Submission to God leads us to a great future with God.
3. Do not let the world’s wickedness alarm you and keep you away from God for He is still in control!
4. Stand in the gap for unsaved men and women today and keep them from the fire of judgment that is to come.
5. Nothing is impossible for God! What is seemingly dead can be revived if God so desires!

Next: Prophet Daniel
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2009/11/prophet-daniel.html

PROPHET HABAKKUK

"Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay,” the soothing voice replied to prophet Habakkuk’s complaints.

God caught the distress signal of his beloved prophet. Yahweh knew exactly how a righteous man would feel after the destruction of Israel, the southern kingdom and the impending doom of the north. Prophet Habakkuk’s heart received a double blow, a complete rebellion from his countrymen and the invading force of idolatrous Babylonians! Like every psalmist would, he vented his frustrations at the God of the Universe, the one who held the earth as his footstool. A vertical release was less dangerous than horizontal ones. To God, anger was part and parcel of the human psych. He was more than able to take the blows of righteous anger and exchange them with comfort of his words.

Habakkuk knelt down as he received God’s words and cried. “LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy,” the prophet prayed with an air of confidence. He knew that God had to do what he had to do. God Almighty could stop the advancement of the Babylonians instantly and let Judah escape. That would be counter- productive and improper.

Yes, the gloom and doom were inevitable but Yahweh had a solid future plan! A righteous man or woman needed to wait upon God. A thought came to Habakkuk’s mind, from the words of prophet Isaiah, “Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Perhaps his contemporary peer, prophet Jeremiah did help with a God-given 70-year time frame of exile. Prophet Habakkuk believed that in the end of everything, the earth would be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters covered the sea. The righteous must live by faith that God would make things right in his own righteous ways!

God gave Habakkuk a clear picture how he would deal a death blow to the Babylonians. After many God-given victories in their conquests, the Babylonians thought that they were superior people and their gods rule supreme. “The cup from the LORD’s right hand is coming around to you, and disgrace will cover your glory,” the voice of God thundered against Babylon! Habakkuk had to make it plain and simple on tablets, in order for God’s messengers to unmistakably deliver the good news to all!

Then Habakkuk straightened up and burst out singing, “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Saviour. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights."

What would Prophet Habakkuk say to us if he were to be alive today?

1. Anger is a normal emotion but don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry.
2. Let our anger and frustrations be made known to God and let His Word comfort you.
3. Do not be happy or gloat over someone who is facing consequences for his/her actions
4. Let us clearly understand the message of the gospel as we seek urgently to transform lives with it.
5. Let us run the race with faith and not by sight.

Next: Prophet Ezekiel
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2009/11/prophet-ezekiel.html

PROPHET JEREMIAH

“For twenty-three years--from the thirteenth year of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah until this very day--the word of the LORD has come to me and I have spoken to you again and again, but you have not listened. And though the LORD has sent all his servants the prophets to you again and again, you have not listened or paid any attention,” Prophet Jeremiah declared angrily. The disheartened man of God was the last call of Yahweh to the stiff-necked people of Judah. The cup of God’s wrath against Judah was almost tilted to pouring.

Jeremiah was called to be a voice of God in an unprecedented time of rebellion. It was even dangerous to live a righteous life, what’s more, to be a prophet. Time was so bad that Jeremiah himself was so overwhelmed by it that he fell into a short depression. His heartfelt prayer for his beloved nation often bounced back from the brazen heavenly roof. God told him not to pray for this people anymore, and said even if Moses and Samuel were to stand before him, his heart would not go out to them. Jeremiah felt as if a knife had plunged right into his heart. But the Lord restored his prophet gently, asking Jeremiah to repent from deep anger and a sense of hopelessness.

When Jeremiah started out, God told him how he had given a certificate of divorce to Israel, the northern nation. It was supposedly to be an object lesson to Judah but alas, it was taken without even a tinge of fear. “Faithless Israel is more righteous than unfaithful Judah,” God spoke to the prophet, signifying a more drastic judgment soon to be unleashed. Then, the merciful God declared through Jeremiah what seemed to be the last call for reason, "Return, faithless Israel. I will frown on you no longer, for I am merciful. I will not be angry forever. Only acknowledge your guilt-- you have rebelled against the LORD your God, you have scattered your favours to foreign gods under every spreading tree, and have not obeyed me.”

King Josiah’s reform during the ministries of Jeremiah and Zephaniah did prompt some changes but it was too little too late. Kings after Josiah, officials, priests, prophets and people were all responsible for the impending wrath. The remnant concept was conceived prior to the destruction of Israel, but under Jeremiah’s ministry, it was prominent and clear. The prophet saw in a vision from God two baskets of figs, one very good and the other rotten. The bad figs represented deadly and fearful wrath of God to be poured out on Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, its officials and all those who sinned against him. There would be no escape! Then God told Jeremiah about the good figs, “The exiles from Judah whom I sent away from this place to the land of Babylonians, my eyes will watch over them for their good, and I will bring them back to this land.” In fact, it even had a time frame for their punishment, a whopping 70-year exile. It was the turning point for Jeremiah, widely known as the weeping prophet, to continue to trust God. With confidence, Jeremiah even bought a field in preparation for the return of the exiles.

His prophecies of doom did not augur well with kings and often followed with anxiety of death and imprisonment. Their perception was contrary to a 'weak stance' taken by Jeremiah that the invincible Yahweh could let Judah be taken into exile by a foreign nation. The great irony was that the kings of Judah did harm to prophet Jeremiah while the Babylonians showed mercy to him. Finally, the time came for the end of a great era of the Davidic kingdom, for the time being. Not only doom politically, when the temple was burned to the ground and all the articles taken, it was also a religious calamity.

But God preserved Jeremiah and shielded him from being taken from Jerusalem in the aftermath of the Babylonian defeat of Judah. From there, he sent a letter and encouraged the remnant.

“This is what the LORD says: "When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. I will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile."

The remnant theology was not only settled with the return of the exiles from Babylon, it would stretch out even to the final days where a righteous Branch, sprout from David’s line would come. “In those days, Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the name by which it will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness,” Jeremiah proclaimed God’s Word like a fire trapped inside him! As promised, God would restore the kingdom of David to its greatest heights one day!

What would Prophet Jeremiah say to us if he were still alive today?

1. We do not know everything about what God is doing but we can trust Him in everything.
2. If God takes away every consequence of sins, we will forever live in darkness.
3. God is not mocked. We will reap what we sow.
4. The truths of God must be proclaimed even though the whole world may go against them.
5. God always plans the best for us, even sometimes we may not like it. It helps us mature!

Next: Prophet Habakkuk
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2009/11/prophet-habakkuk.html

PROPHET ZEPHANIAH

When Prophet Zephaniah saw those words flashing through his mind, he stood up from his kneeling position, put his whole trust in the Lord. Judah had been a pain to him ever since King Manasseh took over from King Hezekiah. The southern nation had plunged headlong into religious chaos! God’s chosen ones had once again bowed to Baals and made Asherah poles for worship. Manasseh even sacrificed his sons to the fire, practising sorcery, divination and witchcrafts, and worshipped all the starry hosts! When he was captured by the Assyrians and then repented, God in his amazing grace, bestowed mercy on him. Although the ruler restored some semblance of Yahweh worship but sins had already snowballed. No thanks to his son, King Amon, the nation continued to slide downhill.

“Sing, O Daughter of Zion; shout aloud, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O Daughter of Jerusalem! The LORD has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy. The LORD, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm,” Zephaniah spoke passionately. God had begun turning his prophets beyond present Israel and Judah and had them focussed on the final days. The King of Israel would be the Messiah, prophesied to rule supreme. Jerusalem would fear no more! What a comfort indeed to those righteous ones who had not soiled their garments to idolatry and immorality.

The prophets of late knew that God’s wrath would eventually come upon this darkened nation, a nation that supposed to shine. Yet deep in the heart of prophet Zephaniah, he hoped and prayed for mercy of God for his beloved Judah. “Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord's anger,” he cried. Perhaps, he saw something in young King Josiah, the son of wicked King Amon who might yet turn things around.

To Zephaniah, all other ungodly nations might not understand the covenant of Yahweh but not Judah! In fact, God ordered him to prophesy against the surrounding nations, especially Assyria whom cruelty was well-known. His contemporary, prophet Nahum had already prophesied Nineveh’s doom. The nations might have heard of the voices of the prophets but they couldn’t care less. But Judah had no excuse for ignorance! They had a covenant with God. Could Jerusalem escape God’s coming wrath? The destruction that had crushed the northern kingdom previously made prophet Zephaniah feared the worst!

“That Day” was the favourite theme of Zephaniah’s prophetic ministry. “The great day of the Lord is near – near and coming quickly,” the prophet proclaimed. “Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to save them on the day of the Lord’s wrath. In the fire of his jealousy the whole world will be consumed, for he will make a sudden end to all who live in the earth,” he added without mincing his words. Zephaniah’s God would have a final say on the earth! The prophet looked on with hope for the future of Jerusalem. “At that time I will gather you; at that time I will bring you home. I will give you honour and praise among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your fortunes before your very eyes," says the LORD.

God would eventually restore Jerusalem! If not today, then it would be “that day”.

What will Prophet Zephaniah say to us if he were still alive today?
1. The righteous will triumph in the midst of chaos!
2. God gives grace to the humble but humbles the proud.
3. The nations can twist and turn but God will have the final say.
4. Let the wicked repent before the wrath of God pours!
5. The future of the righteous is not only secure but they will have a place in the future plan of God!
Next: Prophet Jeremiah
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2009/11/prophet-jeremiah.html

PROPHET NAHUM

“It’s about time!” Prophet Nahum uttered softly. He was waiting and praying like most inhabitants who were affected directly and indirectly by the extremely brutal Assyrians. Extreme terrorism with nothing short of demonic cruelty was Nineveh’s policy and practices toward any foreigner. Their war strategies would have lions of men shrivelled into scampering mice.

“The Lord is slow to anger and great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished,” the man of God cried confidently! Nahum reminisced of the salvation of Nineveh more than a hundred years ago through the prophet Jonah. “How could they forget the mercy of God?” Nahum was upset over the short-memory syndrome of mankind. Obviously the strength and prowess of their military might erased all the humility that once portrayed in their history.

Nahum knew of the mighty fortress of Nineveh’s city walls, surrounded by moat to deter any invading armies. In fact, the Assyrians could have invincibility in their thoughts with so many victories and subjects all across the region, including the destruction of God’s people in the northern kingdom. They might even laugh in scorn of Nahum’s prophecies of troubles brewing in their shore. If only they understood previous prophecies that the nation was just instrument in Yahweh’s mighty hand, they might have a slight chance of redemption. But to God and Nahum, it would be all over!

“With an overwhelming flood, Yahweh will make an end of Nineveh; he will pursue his foes into darkness,” the prophet spoke sternly. “‘I am against you’, declares the Lord Almighty,” he continued, echoing the words of Yahweh. The atrocities that Nineveh committed were not just normal earthly warfare but their stench went right up to the living God! His right hand was raised and this time, he would not send another Jonah. Scores must be settled. Wrongs righted. No moats could stop God from penetrating; no walls could deter God from destroying. Justice would be served, through flood and fire!

Nahum and all the inhabitants breathed a huge relief. “Nothing can heal your wound; your injury is fatal. Everyone who hears the news about you claps his hands at your fall, for who has nor felt your endless cruelty?” the man of God gave his final words to Nineveh.

Judah, the only kingdom left to light up Yahweh’s name got some breathing space after Nineveh’s demise. “Celebrate your festivals, O Judah, and fulfils your vows. No more will the wicked invade you; they will be completely destroyed,” Nahum, his name meant ‘comfort’ encouraged his fellow southerners. The destruction of Assyria was not just a prophecy of relief for them but also a warning of turning against the living God and his covenant.

What would Prophet Nahum say to us if he were still alive today?

1. Don’t treat God’s patience and grace for granted.

2. Build your house upon the Rock (God) because all other grounds are sinking sand.

3. Watch out for signs of pride. Pride comes before a fall!

4. Trust in God even when you see so much of terrorism and wickedness in this world today.

5. Be an encourager today to someone who needs comfort.

Next: Prophet Zephaniah
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2009/11/prophet-zephaniah.html

PROPHET ISAIAH

“Hear the word of the Lord Almighty: The time will surely come when everything in your palace, and all that your fathers have stored up until this day, will be carried off to Babylon. Your flesh and blood born to you will be taken away and become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon,” Prophet Isaiah prophesied with a heavy heart. On the receiving end, King Hezekiah of Judah had mix feelings. On one hand, Hezekiah was sad that the dreaded judgment of God was inevitable but on the other hand, glad he would not be there to witness it. The days of the southern Kingdom were numbered and sins spiralling out of control.

Isaiah’s ministry started when King Uzziah died. The late Uzziah (or Azariah) was one of the most successful kings since King David took control of Israel. When God struck him with leprosy because of pride, Judah was badly shaken. While everyone was moaning over the death of Uzziah, Isaiah’s eyes got hold of a different king in a vision. And all eyes should be on Isaiah’s heavenly King of kings, rather than on any earthly kings. The holy and glorious God shook Isaiah to his core and awakened him to a new task. His call was to be a prophet to his own obstinate nation and to the nations of the world.

The prophet’s early days of ministry were filled with rage of backslidden kings of Israel and Judah manipulating each other politically for survival and power. Further adding to the anguish to God was the entanglement with idolatrous nations of Aram, Assyria and Egypt. Even on the onset of Isaiah’s call, he prophesied of destruction and exile! And the damning reports of perpetual sins of the northern kingdom from his peers, Hosea and Amos confirmed the worst.

Right before Isaiah’s eyes, God strengthened the evil and brutal nation of Assyria instead of prospering his beloved Israel or Judah. God would bring to pass what he had said by all means, both judgment and promises. The names of Isaiah’s two sons had superbly illustrated that truth. His first, Shear-Jashub, “A remnant will return”, and the second, Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz, “Quick to the plunder” were God’s restoration and judgment in one statement. These signs were like power points accompanied the declaration of the prophet. The remnant theology was again brought to the forefront of a nation soon to be taken into exile.

The Lord’s anger burned against the northern kingdom and the resurgent Assyria did a Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz! The nation had not seen such devastation since its formation during Joshua’s days! Prophet Isaiah was swift in turning towards Judah, the diminishing light of a godly nation. Next to the conquering Assyria stood Babylon, another power that would be raised up by God for his purposes.

This time, Isaiah warned his fellow southerners to watch out, fresh from the background of destruction and humiliation of their northern neighbours. King Hezekiah knew about the gathering storm from Babylon. Although Hezekiah witnessed a miracle from God in defeating King Sennacherib from Assyria and a prolonging of his life by fifteen years, he wasn’t strong enough to change Judah from sliding further away from Yahweh.

As most prophets did, Isaiah prophesied against all foreign nations especially Assyria and Babylon where they were directly involved in the punishment of Israel. When both of these nations overcame their enemies, they would take pride in their prowess and gloat over all defeated foes, often giving glory to their worthless idols. No prophets would believe that any other so-called gods could be more powerful than Yahweh, the King of all kings! The God who controlled all nations would not stand idle and watch his name being laughed at. If these nations could open their eyes to see that it was Yahweh that strengthened their position and power! They were just instruments! How could clay speak against its potter! “Watch out you guys, Israel’s God will send another to destroy you,” Isaiah declared.

As the prophet’s ministry progressed, he saw the future plan of God. His heart must have calmed a great deal when he saw Cyrus, a king that would come and fulfill the remnant theology. More than that, Isaiah knew of God’s plan right up to the end of days! Where God would eventually lead Israel to complete victory under the coming anointed Messiah.

The main consolation for the man of God was the promised of a King in the lineage of King David. Not just any ordinary kings who blew hot and cold but instead, the King of kings would always reign with righteousness and justice. Emmanuel, or “God with us”, Root and Stump of Jesse, or simply the Servant were some of the names associating with the coming Messiah. He would be filled with the Holy Spirit to overflowing, doing great miraculous works for the glory of God. He envisioned a day that the Messiah would lead Israel to its greatest heights. Peace and prosperity would be the order of the day. How Isaiah longed for that day! How every righteous and right minded godly person would long for that!

Isaiah proclaimed with confidence and gladness, “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.” The invitation of God was clear! His love for the world would never die. “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon,” the prophet challenged everyone who desired to hear and hear good.

What would Prophet Isaiah say to us if he were to be alive today?

1. Trust in the Lord rather than putting your trust anywhere else.

2. Do not be proud just because God uses you to do His work.

3. God is in control over all the nations of the earth.

4. Nothing that happens in this world that God is unaware or suprised.

5. Your future is in God's hand and this solid rock foundation will never be shaken.

Next: Prophet Nahum
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2009/11/prophet-nahum.html