The Hopeful Prophet

(Isaiah)

Yearly Theme: “Goodness is… Governing”

Series Title: “Goodness in G major”

July 7th, 2024

Follow along in the Bible App: http://bible.com/events/49283795

Though Isaiah prophesied warnings and judgment to the nations of Israel and Judah, he also focused on hope in GOD’s plan of salvation not just for the Jews but for the nations of the world. Isaiah’s messianic prophecies are so prolific that one would have to be completely blind to the metanarrative of his message. And what was that message specifically? It was a message centered on judgment (yes), but more importantly on the future of life beyond GOD’s judgment. Because GOD loves humanity so much, Isaiah tells us that He was willing to become Immanuel (GOD with us).[1] And in His coming to be with us, He would fulfill the promise He made to Abraham so very long ago to become a blessing to the nations so that all the world would know that there is one GOD who loves them and in Whom there is everlasting hope.[2]

[1] Isaiah 7:14.

[2] Genesis 12:1-3.

The Cleansing Prophet

(Malachi)

Yearly Theme: “Goodness is… Governing”

Series Title: “Goodness in G minor”

June 30th, 2024

Follow along in the Bible App: https://bible.com/events/49280579

About the last book of the Old Testament, Biblical scholars, Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart write, “Malachi’s book is a graphic indicator of the moral and spiritual apathy of the time, which expressed itself in various forms of contempt for Yahweh and the covenant.”1 Angry at GOD and merely going through the motion of worship, their actions mocked GOD and the covenant they made with Him. Bringing sacrifices to Him that were diseased and crippled, they worshiped Him with contempt. The priests weren’t any better. They had left GOD’s path of righteousness and in so doing had caused many people to stumble in their faith. Showing favoritism to some and rejecting others, the priests’ corruption was a hindrance in the worship of GOD to the fledgling group of exiles who were returning to Jerusalem.