5 behaviors that brought God's Judgment

Read Nahum 3.

Nineveh thought that their city was impenetrable.  The walls were high and wide.  Water surrounded the city, forming a natural barrier.  In addition, Assyrian soldiers were well-known for their fierce brutality.  Who would dare even try to conquer them?

Chapter three continues to describe the Babylonian assault on Nineveh with even more graphic detail.  The city walls were breached with a flood of their own water.  Babylonian attackers came upon them so quickly that the assailants tripped over the dead bodies as they advanced (v.3).

Why did God inflict this punishment upon Assyria?
1. They were infamously cruel. (v.1a)
They did not merely conquer enemies.  They slaughtered them.  Thus, God referred to Nineveh as a bloody city.

2. They were full of lies. (v.1b)
The Assyrian Empire had been built on deceiving other nations in order to control and conquer them.

3. They plundered in excess. (v.1c)
In conquering, they stripped the cities and nations of all valuables, especially gold and silver.  Moreover, they excised enormous tax burdens to feed their greed.

4. They betrayed their neighbors with enticements. (v.4a)
God compared them to prostitutes.  They would do anything for selfish gain and control.  Their offer to aid and help others was a hook to reel them into their snare.

5. They practiced witchcraft and divinations. (v.4b)
In attempts to make decisions, to seek guidance, to gain success, and to know the future they committed themselves to doctrines of demons.  Charms, necromancy, astrology, various kinds of readings, and worship practices were all present in Nineveh.  God asked, "For upon whom has not come your unceasing evil?" (v.19c).

Their independent pride of power and wealth caused them to believe that no one, not even God Himself, could touch them.  But the LORD truly is Almighty.  He said he would shake them like fig trees with ripened fruit (v.12).  All Nineveh's defenses and security systems will fail.

Individuals can fall into the same pride-filled trap.  Ego and self-protection cause people to mistreat others, lie to others. use others for personal gain, live a lifestyle of deception, and turn to anything but God and His Word for life-guidance.  Every false way will eventually fall as sure as did Nineveh.

There is only one certain personal security in the entire universe.  Jesus promised, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

The lion's roar is no More

Read Nahum 2.

God used the Assyrians to discipline the northern kingdom of Israel.  Now, about a hundred years later, it was Assyria in need of punishment.  The Holy Spirit revealed to the prophet Nahum the sights and sounds of the Babylonian attack on Nineveh in 612 B.C. about thirty plus years in advance.  The details are amazing, intense, and confirmed by archaeology.

What they did to others will be done to them.  They killed and scattered the northern tribes throughout their empire.  The Babylonians will kill and scatter them.  There will be no defense against the attackers.

In verses three and four, even the clothing of the soldiers, their shields, the chariots, and spears are all described.  So swift will be the battle that the destruction will come upon them like a torrential flood.  Indeed, the diggings around the site show two dams that the Babylonians may have built then breached, to overwhelm the city.

The once proud empire that referred to itself as a lion in the world, and often used the symbol of a lion, is mocked in verses ten through twelve.  "Where is the lions' den?"  Instead of roaring and devouring its prey, Nineveh became the hunted.  "Hearts melt and knees tremble; anguish is in all loins."

Babylon could take no credit.  God is in control.  He is working out His plans among the nations.  See these statements from the LORD to Nineveh in verse 13.
"I am against you."
"I will burn your chariots..."
"I will cut off your prey from the earth and your messengers shall no longer be heard."

Where is the hope for God's people?
In verse two, the LORD stated that He is relieving them of the Assyrian oppression and He promised to one day restore the "majesty of Jacob."  That full restoration has yet to take place.  The Millennial Kingdom and Israel's exaltation is coming when Jesus comes again.

7 characteristics of the God of the Bible

Read Nahum 1.

About a century had passed since the days of Jonah and the mass repentance of Nineveh.  At Nahum's writing, the Assyrians forgot that time of turning to God.  They resumed their pagan worship and cruel behaviors.  This time there would be no relenting of God's judgment.  The downfall of the Assyrian Empire, as predicted here, was swift and final.  The Babylonians come upon them like a torrential flood (v.8).

Empires, world powers and their leaders come and go.  From a human stand point, it most often appears that the mightiest and strongest win.  "The survival of the fittest" or "might makes right" is the basis of evolutionary thought.  However, the God of the Bible claims sovereign control over His creation.  "But it is God who executes judgment, putting down one and lifting up another" (Psalm 75:7).  The Babylonians, unknowingly, were used to carry out the LORD's plans and His punishment against the Assyrians, exactly as predicted in this book.

Here we learn a few core elements regarding the character of God.
1. The LORD is jealous. (v.2a)
This characteristic is mentioned several times in Scripture.  It comes from the fact of God's ownership of all things.  He does not allow our spiritual affections to be given to others, nor the misuse of His property without accountability.

2. The LORD is avenging. (v.2b)
Three times in this single verse we are told that He will mete out punishment and take revenge on those who rebel against Him.

3. The LORD is wrathful. (v.2c)
Wrath is a passionate outburst of anger.  The LORD "keeps wrath for his enemies."  Those who choose to ignore or rebel against God foolishly have no fear of Him.  "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." (Hebrews 10:31)

4. The LORD is slow to anger. (v.3a)
His patience has a purpose.  "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."
(2 Peter 3:9)

5. The LORD is great in power. (vv.3b-6)
He is omnipotent.  There is nothing He cannot do.  The entire creation responds to His presence and His word.

6. The LORD is good. (v.7a)
Everyone receives daily benefits of God’s goodness and grace.  All His works are designed to direct people to know, love and worship Him.  Even the times of hardship in this life are meant to help us to cast our dependence upon God's goodness and purpose.  (Romans 8:28-29)

7. The LORD is a stronghold in the day of trouble. (v.7b)
Faith is personal.  Faith in the LORD is a personal relationship, not a religion.  He knows those individuals who have turned to Him in faith.  Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd.  I know my own and my own know me." (John 10:14)

3 pillars of hope for the Future

Read Micah 7.

"Woe is me!"
The time had come for Judah's punishment (v.4).  Everywhere Micah looked there was nothing but sin.  Leaders ran the country by bribery and violence.  No one could be trusted, not even one's own family members (v.6).  There was nothing good left; nothing worth saving.

"But as for me..."
However, through it all Micah maintained hope squarely based upon three eternal, unchangeable pillars of his faith.  His personal relationship with the LORD, the promises of God, and the character of God.

Personal Faith (vv.7-9)
Not everyone lived in rebellion against God.  Micah, as well as many others, stood in contrast to their culture with individual commitments to the LORD.
1. "I will look to the LORD."  When one keeps looking down, all they will see is sin and the negatives of life.  It is only when we look up to Him that we remember that God is in control.
2. "I will wait for the God of my salvation."  Since God is in control, only He can deliver.  Praying and waiting for God to respond is the true test of faith.
3. "When I fall down, I shall rise."  Failure is not final.  The godless culture may knock us down, but the fight is not over.
4. "When I sit in darkness, the LORD will be a light to me."  Often we cannot see or understand what is happening.  The confusion may overwhelm us as a darkness.  But God's word is "a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105)

National Future (vv.10-17)
With the downfall of Israel and the looming destruction of Judah, the enemy nations taunted God's chosen people.  "Where is the LORD your God?"  And, the Jewish people surely were wondering what happened to the promises God made to Abraham and his descendants.  These punishments did not break God's promises in Genesis.  The people violated the covenant of Deuteronomy.  The scattering of the northern kingdom and the exile of the south were temporary.  The prophets consistently looked forward to the day when Messiah will rule in Jerusalem and the world come to worship Him.  This earthly, Millennial Kingdom was and is Israel's national hope.  Micah called to God, "Shepherd your people with your staff, and the flock of your inheritance."

Spiritual Foundations (vv.18-20)
"Who is a God like you?"  In closing the book, Micah provided some clear, crisp statements about the character of God.  No other faith system or religion can compare.
1. The God of the Bible forgives sin.  There is not one alternative in the universe.
2. "He does not retain His anger forever."  Yes, the God of the Bible will discipline His people.  But it is for the purpose of discipleship and teaching how to obey Him.
3. "He delights in steadfast love."
4. "He will again have compassion on us."
As Jeremiah wrote, "The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23)

The response to God's judicial Indictments

Read Micah 6.

As the third message begins, the courtroom metaphor returns.  The LORD delivered His indictments and challenges the people to "plead your case."

Next, God presented three pieces of historic evidence.
1. He redeemed them. (v.4a)
The nation lived in slavery and by blood, both of the Passover lamb and the death of Egypt's firstborn, God bought them and brought them out.

2. He sent them godly leaders. (v.4b)
The LORD called Moses, along with Aaron and Miriam, to provide His word and His worship.

3. He provided for them. (v.5)
He protected them from those who wanted to curse His people.  They saw miracle after miracle as they traveled to the Promised Land.

How should the accused respond?  (vv.6-8)

The nation had focused on outward rituals of religiosity both at the Temple and in worshiping false gods for life-guidance.  Micah offered several exaggerated statements of hypothetical sacrifices to pay for their sin.  True, without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness (Hebrews 9:22).    Those outward sacrifices only had value when they came from a heart that was personally in right relationship with the LORD.  But none of these is what God had already told them to do (v.8a).

Micah 6:8 is, perhaps, the second most quoted verse in the book, after 5:21.  It refers back to God's previous instructions in the Law, such as Deuteronomy 10:12-"And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways and to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul."

Here is how Jesus the corollary from Jesus: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.  This is the great and first commandment.  And a second is like it; You shall love your neighbor as yourself.  On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 22:37-40).

Our personal relationship with Jesus will determine how we treat people.

As Bill Gaither wrote, "It's not that complicated."

9 prophecies for the latter day Saints

Read Micah 4.

In the midst of all the bad news about coming judgment, the LORD provided a message of hope for the future.  Though the nation lived in sinful rebellion during Micah's day, all God's promises to the Jews will ultimately be fulfilled.  When?  "In the latter days."  Reading the descriptions of what those "latter days" will look like, it becomes immediately obvious that such a time has not happened yet.  These prophecies are still ahead.  So many statements in Micah replicate the prophecies of Isaiah.

1. There will be a Temple. (v.1a)
The historic site for the Temple and the only location for the new one is where the Dome of the Rock stands today.

2. Gentiles will be coming to it also. (v.2)
"and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." (Genesis 12:3)

3. They will come for instruction. (v.2)
There is no substitute for learning the word of God.  During this day and age we have a Bible to study in order know exactly what God has said.  But then there will be the added feature of instruction from Jesus Himself.

4. They will come for application. (v.2)
Knowing God's word is not enough.  What pleases Him is when people put His word into practice.

5. The location will be in Jerusalem. (vv.2 and 8)
There can be no spiritualizing this when the Scriptures provide exact geographical information.  No longer despised among the nations, this will be a place of international prominence and oversight of the world.

6. The LORD will make international decisions. (v.3)
"and the government shall be upon his shoulder..." (Isaiah 9:6)

7. The result of His decisions will bring a time of international peace. (v.3)
The "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace". (Isaiah 9:6)  Note the fulfillment of beating swords into plows and the end of war is not the result of negotiations between nations.  World peace will come when Jesus reigns from Jerusalem.

8. People will live securely. (v.4)
With no wars, there will be no fear.

9. The Jews will live for Jesus. (v.5)
Finally, Paul's comment of Isaiah will come true.  "And in this way all Israel will be saved." (Romans 11:26)

6 prophetic statements identifying the Messiah

Read Micah 5.

The southern kingdom of Judah faced enormous stress from the impending invasion of the Assyrians.  However, Micah 4:10 added to their misery by prophesying that, when the Assyrians are through, the Babylonians will take Judah into exile.

Is there any hope?  What about God's promises to Abraham and his descendants?

To finish his second message, Micah returned to the theme of the coming Messiah.  As in many of the prophecies in the Old Testament, their vision was one.  They did not see the first coming separate from the events of Messiah's second coming.  The New Testament carefully and completely affirms the identity of the promised Messiah is no one else but Jesus.

1. He will be born in Bethlehem Ephrathah. (v.2a)
This is where King David had been born some five hundred years previously.  Now, another leader of Israel will be born in this city, just a few miles from Jerusalem.  The angel announced to the shepherds, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11)

2. He will be born in Judah. (v.2b)
The royal lineage must come through the family of David, of the tribe of Judah.
"The book of genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham." (Matthew 1:1)

3. He will "come forth" from God, the Father. (v.2c)
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1)  "For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me." (John 6:38)

4. He will be ruler in Israel. (v.2d)
There is no way to spiritualize this statement.  A literal rule was what the Jews expected of Messiah in Jesus' day and what the disciples asked about just before the Ascension (Acts 1:6).  Indeed, when Jesus returns, He will rule the world from the throne of His father David and "the government shall be upon his shoulders." (Isaiah 9:6)

5. He is the eternal God. (v.2e)
The Apostle John quoted Jesus: "'I am the Alpha and the Omega,' says the Lord God, 'who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.'" (Revelation 1:8)

6. He will shepherd His people. (v.4)
"I am the good shepherd.  I know my own and my own know me." (John 10:14)

The results for the regathered Jews (v.3) will be personal security and international peace (v.4).  There will be a cleansing of all forms of demonic and man-made faith systems (vv.12-15).

"Jesus shall reign where'er the sun
Does his successive journey's run;
His kingdom spread from shore to shore,
Till moons shall wax and wane no more."
Isaac Watts

3 indicators of those who speak for God

Read Micah 3.

The bottle-neck is always at the top.  As Micah begins to deliver the second message from God, he names three specific types of national leaders that have caused the problems.

Corrupt Rulers.  (vv.1-4)
Their charge was to protect and serve the people in government and judicial decisions.  The lawbreaker should experience the consequences and the victims receive just reparations.  Instead, rulings were made according to bribes (vv.9-11a).  This robbed the people who could afford the pay-off and left victims worse off.  In short, the national leaders treated the people as their prey.  When finished, there was nothing left.

The predicted result was a time of accountability for their sins.  Babylon would conquer Jerusalem and carry the Jews into captivity.  Then, they would pray and plead with God, but it will be too late.  God's judgment is based upon His unchanging truth, not on a bribe.

False Prophets. (vv.5-7)
While God's prophets tried to call the nation to repent of their sin and coming judgment, the phonies preached counter messages of "you are okay," "God is not going to punish us," and "peace".  The false prophets never heard from God.  They made up their messages, preaching what people wanted to hear, and said what they were paid to say (v.11c).

They spoke out of their own spiritual darkness.  God provided no spiritual wisdom or His truth to them.  As a result, their prayers also would not be heard.  In the day when their false messages proved untrue, there would be nothing for them but disgrace and shame.

Ungodly Priests. (v.11b)
In this brief mention, it is clear that these men loved the robes, the rituals, and religious trappings of the Temple.  But they lacked a heart for God.  Instead of serving the people in their worship and sacrifices, they were only there for themselves and taking from the people.

Here is the result of the sins of all three of these national leaders: "Therefore because of you Zion shall be plowed as a field; Jerusalem shall become a heap of ruins." (v.12)

But there is a fourth type of leader in the nation doing the work of God with a whole-heart.
God's Prophets (v.8)
Micah was not alone.  The LORD had many others speaking on His behalf.  What characterized the type of people who genuinely served God?
1. "filled with power, with the Spirit of the LORD"
No one can be effective for God without the empowering of the Holy Spirit.
"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8)

2. "and justice and might"
The message was not his but God's word.  It was not his judgment but the consequences of their sin against God.  And, Almighty God is more than capable of delivering on what He says.  Therefore, the true preacher's ministry is not personality driven but always points people to the LORD.

3. "to declare to Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin."
One indicator of a false teacher is that they do not preach against specific sins.  Not so with God's preachers.  They are willing to stand on the unchanging truth of what God has said and offer hope through repentance and faith in the LORD.

5 statements of Jesus regarding the use of Authority

Read Micah 2.

A disgraced leader finally was forced to admit his immorality, cover up, and lying.  When he spoke to the nation, he said he did it for "the worst possible motives--because I could."

The LORD takes very seriously those who abuse their power and influence over others.  Leaders in Judah used their God-given wealth and position to greedily oppress and take advantage of the people.  Their sins included seizing property (v.2) and separating parents from their children (v.9).  At the root was their sin of pride (v.3).  They foolishly thought that they could do whatever they wanted and get away with it.

Second to the rich and powerful were the abusive influences of ungodly religious leaders.  While the prophets of God preached repentance of sin, the false teachers responded with "do not preach" (v.6).  They countered by saying that God would not punish His people and He would not take them from the land He promised to them.  They tried to dupe the people with their messages of peace, prosperity, and partying.  "I will preach to you of wine and strong drink" (v.11).  The people surrounded themselves with those who spoke what they wanted to hear rather than the truth.

Meanwhile, God's judgment was coming upon a people who were unprepared.  "It will be a time of disaster" (v.3b).

Jesus had much to say about authority and the proper use of power.
1. Jesus is the source of all power.
"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." (Matthew 28:18)
2. Jesus is the example of how to use authority.
"...even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many."(Matthew 20:28)
3. Jesus forbids the abuse of power.
"You know that the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.  It shall not be so among you.  But whoever would be great among you must be your servant." (Matthew 20:25-27)
4. Jesus gives authority for opportunities to serve and protect others.
"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities.  For there is no authority except from God." (Romans 13:1)
5. Jesus will hold each individual accountable for what He gave them.
"Everyone to whom much is given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more." (Luke 12:48)

Crying in Court

Read Micah 1.

The prophet Micah lived in Judah and wrote at about the same time as Isaiah.  His book is comprised of three messages of a legal case against God's people.  Though the impact caused him to deeply grieve over the judgment to come, the content did not originate from him.  This is "the word of the LORD" (v.1).  Micah only delivered what God said.

As the courtroom assembles, all people of the earth are called to listen to the case.  God is not only the judge, but He rises in verse two to be the witness against the accused.  In verses three and four, the All-powerful, Almighty God steps forward.  There will be no rebuttal witnesses and no defense.  The basis for the complaint against the defendants is based upon the Mosaic Covenant found in Deuteronomy 27-28.  If the people obeyed the LORD, they would be allowed to enjoy the benefits of God's promises to Abraham, including the Promised Land.  If they disobeyed, those blessings would be withheld and the nation would experience God's curse, or punishment.

First on trial was the northern kingdom of Israel.  Their ungodly leadership and rebellion against the LORD is well documented.  The capital of Samaria would be crushed, along with all the structures and symbols of their false worship.  The land will be cleansed of their idols and temples used to practice religious prostitution.  God used the Assyrian army to fulfill this prophecy in 722 B.C.

Second to face prosecution was the southern kingdom of Judah.  While Jerusalem maintained worship of God at the Temple, their leadership and national obedience proved to be hit and miss.  Judah is accused of acting like its rebellious neighbor.  Again, the Assyrians will carry-out God's initial punishment against Judah.  The "conqueror" in verse 15 refers to the Assyrian king Sennacherib.

Such a message greatly affected Micah emotionally.  "For this I will lament and wail; I will go stripped and naked.  For her wound is incurable, and it has come to Judah." (vv.8-9). Centuries later, the Apostle Paul expressed similar grief over the spiritual condition of the Jews.  "...I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.  For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh." (Romans 9:2-3)

Who are those people for whom we weep and pray for because they do not know the Savior?

5 reasons to be mad at God

Read Jonah 4.

Jonah became exceedingly angry.  He submitted to God's assignment.  He preached a message of eight words.  The entire city of Nineveh repented and put their faith in the LORD God.  After one of the greatest times of ministry results in history, Jonah was so distraught he wanted to curl up and die.

Why?  The Assyrians were Israel's enemies.  He wanted God to wipe them out.  Jonah knew all along that if he went to Nineveh and warned them, they would respond and God would be gracious to them (4:2).  God did not do what Jonah wanted done, so he sat pouting, mad at God.

In verse 2, Jonah gave five reasons for his anger.  Each of them relates to the LORD's character.
1. God is gracious.
Grace is getting what we do not deserve.  The Assyrians were so evil.  Jonah was correct.  They deserved to be destroyed.  But when they heard God's message, they turned to Him in hope of deliverance from His judgment.  Jonah expected God to be gracious to him but not to those sinners over there.

2. God is merciful.
Mercy is not getting what we do deserve.  When the Assyrians fasted, prayed, and turned from their sin, God showed compassion toward them.  Jonah lacked any pity for these people (v.11).

3. God is slow to anger.
If it were not for the patience of God, we would all be gone at our first sin.  "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)

4. God is loving.
He abounds in love.  His love is steadfast or faithful all the time.  This is difficult to hold on to when things do not go the way one expected or wanted.  It is easy to bask in the love of God when life goes well.  But can we bask in that same love if life does not turn out the way we planned?  His love is over all His works.

5. God is tenderhearted.
God is not relentless in meting out punishment for sin.  His grace, mercy, patience, and love are shown in His willingness to relent and demonstrate compassion on those who respond to His offer of forgiveness.

Jonah cared more about himself, his reputation and his comfort, than he did about the eternal destiny of these people.  The question everyone must answer before God is, "How much do I care about the eternal future of the people around me?"

God gives second Chances

Read Jonah 3.

Is there anyone who has not felt at some time that they ruined everything; that it was all over; that there was no hope of recovery?  Here is a wonderful example of how God's forgiveness includes restoration.

 God did not change His mind, or His plans, or His assignment for Jonah.  What did change was Jonah.  When the prophet changed his heart, God changed his circumstances.  Then, Jonah received another opportunity to obey the LORD.  Indeed, in this life, God does give second chances.

 The vast city of Nineveh was the capital of the Assyrian Empire.  Depending upon the exact meaning of chapter four and verse eleven, population estimates range from 120,000 to as high as 600,000.  The Assyrians were well-known for their evil, violence and cruelty.  As enemies of Israel, Jonah would have preferred that God destroy them rather than minister to them.  But here he is, reluctantly preaching an eight word message of coming judgment.  Would they kill him for saying this or simply ignore him?  No one could have imagined the results.

In a ground-swell of a spiritual movement, people began repenting of their sin.  When the king heard of it, he issued a royal decree for everyone (including the animals) to show outward signs of mourning and fasting.  Moreover, he ordered all the citizens to cry out to God for mercy and turn from their sin.  To this day, there is no historical match what took place.  Dr. Howard Hendricks referred to this chapter as "the world's greatest evangelistic rally held by the world's worst evangelist."

The people of Nineveh were condemned.  God did not change.  They did.  Every believer in Jesus has an assigned message.  It is not limited to a single city or a specific time.  It carries a weight far beyond the matters of life and death.  "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him" (John 3:36).  All are condemned already.  The good news we share is that Jesus offers deliverance from eternal judgment and a personal relationship with the LORD Himself.

How can a God of love allow This?

Read Jonah 2.

How many people, when under great pressure and awful dilemmas beyond their control, have questioned God's love and even His existence?  Sometimes hurting people will choose to rebel and forsake their faith.  But this chapter gives us great insights for an alternative view.

To say that Jonah found himself in a distressful situation grossly understates the problem.  It is one of the most famous incidents in the Bible.  The prophet rebelled against God's assignment to go to Nineveh and foolishly thought he could run away.  But the God of heaven is personally committed to each individual.  He loves us so much that He will only allow a person to go so far and then He will intervene.  The intervention can be painful.

When Jonah did not drown and he did not die in the belly of the great fish, he realized that God miraculously preserved his life.  This is a wonderful illustration of God's grace.  Grace is getting what we do not deserve.  Not only was he alive, but the distress brought him to repentance of his sin of disobedience.  Though human commitments to God, to marriage, to children, to employment and other relationships may fail, the LORD's commitments are sure and certain.

1. God proves His commitment to us by controlling our circumstances. (1:17)
"And the LORD appointed a great fish..."  It was not an accident that Jonah was swallowed up.  God was in control and prepared for this moment.

2. God proves His commitment to us by answering our prayers. (2:1)
"I called out to the LORD, out of my distress, and he answered me."  The answer was not what Jonah original desired, but the distress caused him to submit to God's will for his life.

3. God proves His commitment to us by restoring our fellowship with Him. (2:7)
"When my life was fainting away, I remembered the LORD, and my prayer came to you, into your holy temple."

4. God proves His commitment to us by providing His way of deliverance. (2:10)
When Jonah changed his mind and heart toward God, the LORD changed Jonah's circumstances.  The reason God delivered him was so Jonah could get back to work on God's assignment.

Any other pursuit in life will ultimately prove to be empty and worthless.
"Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love.  But I with the voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you; what I have vowed I will pay.  Salvation belongs to the LORD!" (vv.8-9)

6 insights for those who run from God

Read Jonah 1.

Nineveh was the capital city of the Assyrian Empire.  But as great as their city was, so was their evil.  The Assyrians became a growing threat to the northern kingdom of Israel and God wanted to eventually use them to discipline His people.  Jonah rightly feared the Assyrians and, apparently, also knew of God's plan (see 4:2).  Jonah's preference would have been for God to destroy Nineveh.

When the LORD said, "Go!" Jonah said, "No!"  Instead of trekking 500 miles northeast to his assignment, the prophet booked passage on a ship to Spain in the opposite direction.  Alton Fannin wrote an insightful outline for this chapter explaining what happens when a person tries to run from God (Proclaim, 1987).  I have embellished it somewhat here.

1. When a person runs from God, he has heard from God. (vv.1-2)
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)

2. When a person runs from God, he believes he can escape from God. (v.3)
"Where shall I go from your Spirit?  Or where shall I flee from your presence?  If I ascend to heaven, you are there!  If I make my bed in Sheol, you art there!" (Psalm 139:7-8)

3. When a person runs from God, everyone pays for it. (vv.3-5)
"For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself." (Romans 14:7)

4. When a person runs from God, he sleeps while others perish. (v.5)
"Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning.  For some have no knowledge of God.  I say this to your shame." (1 Corinthians 15:34)

5. When a person runs from God, he confuses unbelievers. (vv.6-9)
"And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'" (Luke 9:23)

6. When a person runs from God, he loses respect from both sides. (vv.10-16)
"And the Lord turned and looked at Peter.  And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, 'Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.'  And he went out and wept bitterly." (Luke 22:61-62)

Instead of running from God, He wants us to...
"Come" (Matthew 11:28-30) and then
"Go" (Matthew 28:19-20)

The high price of Pride

Read Obadiah.

The Edomites were descendants of Esau.  The Israelites were the family of Jacob.  Even before birth, these twin boys struggled against each other.  For centuries thereafter animosity existed between the two nations.  Edom refused passage to Israel during the Exodus and instead of helping their national brother, they came out for war (Numbers 20:14-21).  God admonished the Jews not to hate the Edomites (Deuteronomy 23:7).  But it was Edom that caused the tension in the relationship and repeatedly sinned against Israel.    And, the occasional skirmishes continued throughout the Old Testament.

Edom became known for its wise men, its wealth, its alliances with other nations, and its naturally secure location.  The people lived in high caves on the mountain.  With such environments of safety, they felt untouchable.  They believed they could do whatever they wished and even God could not do anything against them.  But their sins piled up to the point of God's intervention.  God said, "I will bring you down" (v.4).  As Walter L. Baker points out, "Judgment against Edom is mentioned in more Old Testament books than it is against any other foreign nation."

When the land of Israel was invaded, the Edomites not only did not help their brother, they helped the enemy.  And then, they helped themselves to some of the spoils.  Beside their sinful attitude of pride (v.3), the LORD saw what they sinfully did and did not do in verse 11.
1. They sinned by omission.
"On that day you stood aloof."  When the attack came against the Jews, they gloated (v.12).  James wrote, "So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin" (James 4:17)
2. They sinned by commission.
"...strangers carried off his wealth...you were like one of them."  God compared them to thieves and even thieves would not act as they did (v.5).

The Golden Rule is applied here.  "As you have done, it shall be done to you" (v.15).  Edom will be wiped out.  "There shall be no survivor for the house of Esau" (v.18).  But God's blessings will come upon Israel.

Pride and disobedience always leads to God's intervention with punishment.  Humility before God and obedience to His word pleases Him.

What did God say about the future of Israel?

Read Amos 9.

Though repeatedly warned of the coming judgment, many people said, "Disaster shall not overtake or meet us" (v.10).  In simple terms, they did not believe what God said.  But their feelings did not change the facts.

The destruction of the nation was so certain that in this fifth vision the LORD personally appeared to Amos.  Not only would the structure where the northern kingdom worshiped be destroyed, but the enemy would pursue the people to kill them (vv.1-2).  The people will run for their lives but God detailed for them that they will not be able find a place of safety anywhere (vv.2-4).

Nineveh had long forgotten the days of Jonah and their historic national repentance.  Assyria became even more evil and brutal in their treatment of its enemies.  However, God makes sure in this message that it is He who is in control.  He brought the Jews from Egypt and established them on this land.  These are His people and the judgment against them is from Him (vv.5-8).

What about the unconditional promises the LORD made to Abraham and his descendants?

At the end of verse 8, God said, "...except I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob."  Not everyone in the nation was unrepentant.  "All the sinners of my people shall die by the sword" (v.10a).  God does not forget.  He will deal with the sin and keep His promises.  There remained and remains a future for the Jews.

The last five verses provide the turning point to the prophecy of Amos.  There is coming a future day for Israel when the following will take place:
1. "I will raise up the booth of David that has fallen."
The reign of an earthly Davidic kingdom though gone, will be reestablished.  As a tent or awning, that rule will cover the entire land; no longer a divided kingdom.
2. I will "repair its breaches."
There was and is so much brokenness.  The regathering and reuniting of the nation under a single king is their future hope.
3. I will "rise up its ruins."
The palaces, the Temple, buildings and homes were all leveled.  And, as predicted in Revelation, there is even greater destruction to come.  But God is personally assuming the responsibility here to see that one day the land will not lie in ruins.
4. I will "rebuild it as the days of old."
The last king to reign over a united kingdom of Israel was Solomon.  Those were the days of that glorious Temple, luxurious structures in Jerusalem, and the world looked to the nation as the people of God.  The LORD will see to it that this reputation is rebuilt.  And, not just for the Jews, but "...all the nations who are called by my name."
5. "I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel."
In agricultural terms, the nation's restored prosperity is amazingly described.

As an exclamation point to these prophecies, God declared, "...they shall never again be uprooted out of the land that I have given them."

Why is our nation not in Mourning?

Read Amos 8.

Philosopher George Santayana is credited with this statement: "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."

In the fourth vision of Israel's impending doom, God showed Amos a basket of summer fruit.  The interpretation is simple.  Israel was ripe for judgment.  The time had come for the LORD to respond to the unbridled sin of the nation.  In particular, the business community was singled out for their greed and dishonesty.  They even complained at having to stop their commerce for the scheduled times of worshiping the LORD.  They "trample on the needy and bring the poor of the land to an end" (v.4).

The scene of what was about to take place is graphically described by God.  When the Assyrian army invades the land, the dead bodies will be "thrown everywhere" (v.3).  Their songs will be turned into sobbing and their feasts into famine.  They will cry out to God, but He will not listen.  They will seek Him, but He will not be found.  Since they rejected His messages delivered by the prophets when He urged them to repent, so He will withhold His word when this judgment falls (v.11).

Even the youngest and strongest will not be able to endure (v.13).  Where are the false gods and false teachings in which they trusted (v.14) instead of the God of heaven?  All those alternative beliefs proved powerless in the day that the all-powerful One meted out what He promised.

Here was God's question: "Shall not the land tremble on this account and everyone mourn who dwells in it?" (v.8).  Hebrews 13:8 reminds us that Jesus Christ is "the same yesterday, today and forever."  If a nation (a people or an individual) does not listen and take heed regarding the judgment to come, how do they think they shall escape?  The reason there is no trembling and mourning over their sin is because they do not believe the Lord will hold them accountable.  The message in the middle of Amos is "prepare to meet your God" (4:12).

The solution?  Jesus said, "Come to me..." (Matthew 11:28)

Confidence in the face of Opposition

Read Amos 7.

God's judgment on the northern kingdom was certain.  Amos had been called and assigned by the LORD to warn the people and urge them to repent of their sin.  To reveal to the prophet how the punishment would occur, God showed him five visions; three in chapter seven and two in chapter eight.  The destruction in the visions was so great that it moved Amos to intercede for the nation.

1. Locusts. (vv.1-3)
This dreaded plague against Israel's crops would have meant famine.  Amos cried out for God to forgive the people and not do this.  God heard and answered the judgment part of that prayer.

2. Fire. (vv.4-6)
Such a disaster would not only destroy all the crops but all the structures of the land as well.  Amos prayed for this not to happen and, again, God answered his prayer.

3. Sword. (vv.7-9)
In other words, war by an enemy nation would inflict upon Israel what God wanted to accomplish.  There is no recorded prayer and the judgment did not change.

To illustrate how out of line the nation of Israel had become, God is pictured holding a plumb-line against a wall.  God's standards of what is right does not change.  Holding up His righteousness next to Israel vividly revealed their crookedness.  God did not move.  They did.

The northern kingdom had separated itself from Jerusalem and established an amalgam of false worship.  It is no surprise that the priest of Bethel and the king refused to listen God's word.  Instead of listening to the message, their solution was to get rid of the messenger.  But, Amos knew that the message was not his and the assignment was not his.  God designed and planned the life of Amos to fulfill His purpose at this point in time.  Such understanding gave Amos confidence to stand strong in the face of opposition.

Knowing how God created us as individuals, what He has given to us in abilities, and taking full advantage of the opportunities He provides will result in a life that pleases Him and fulfills us.  There is no greater confidence than the sense that one is in the center of God's will for their lives.

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10)

God's response to corrupt Leaders

Read Amos 6.

The notables of Israel enjoyed political and social positions (v.1).  They lived in luxury (vv.4-6a).
While these leaders benefited from the nation's blessings, they paid no attention to the nation's spiritual bankruptcy.  Indeed, they were key influencers in the corruption of justice and by their own examples led the people away from doing what was right (v.12).

In their thinking, success and prosperity came by their own doing (v.13).  The sin was not in their possessions or their power but in their self-centered pride (v.8).  Instead of grieving over the ruin they had caused (v.6), they felt safe and unaccountable.

How would God respond to such attitudes and behaviors?
"You will be the first to go!" (v.7)

They lost sight of the true goal of this nation in being examples of people who lived to please God.  Success and prosperity were results of God's sovereign blessings upon them.  They lived in a land that God gave them.  The people were God's people.  Being such abhorrent managers of God's possessions warranted the Owner to remove them and punish them.  He used the Assyrian Empire to do His work of judgment.  It was a brutal scene as the invaders literally pulverized (v.11) the cities of the northern kingdom.

Popularity, personality, and political party does not a leader make.  Character does.  People tend to overlook broken promises, failures to act, and immorality in order to selfishly keep their favored person in leadership.  God does not overlook such moral and spiritual sins.  A leader's judgment may or may not come in this life.  But be assured that according to the promise of God there is an eternal one waiting for them. "But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for the murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death."  (Revelation 21:8)

It is for this very reason that God in His grace sent the prophets to call the nation to repentance while there was hope.  And, so it is for us.  "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4)

Man, this is the Life!

Read Amos 5.

The people of Israel enjoyed a time of great prosperity.  They felt they were really living and could behave however they wished without answering to anyone.  Note what this attitude led to in verses 10-12.
1. They oppressed the poor through taxation.
2. They wasted resources by excessive lifestyles.
3. They hated and then afflicted the righteous by rejecting the truth.
4. They distorted justice by taking bribes.
5. They turned away from those in need.

These, the LORD called their great sins.  Their financial independence resulted in the wrong sort of life-independence and wastefulness.  The problem came when they forgot the source of their blessings and decided to live independently of God and His word.  By not listening to the truth, they were not prepared for what was about to take place.  Everything they had, all their possessions, their pleasures, their very lives, would soon be gone.

Three times in this chapter God called to them, "Seek me and live."  Further, there was the urging to "Hate evil, and love good, and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the LORD, the God of hosts, will be gracious..." (v.15).

Amazingly, when life seems to be going well, many want to take the credit for their blessings or successes and find little to no time for God.  And, when circumstances are not going well, these same folks want to give God full credit for the bad things.  The bottom-line is that they choose to interpret their faith in God by their own feelings instead of the facts.

A self-focused and selfish life can only be based upon temporal values that one day will all be left behind.  The Apostle Paul was correct, "If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied." (1 Corinthians 15:19).  Living for Jesus means we keep eternity's values in view and experience a life that transcends our circumstances, good or bad.  Both are tests of our faith, not the truthfulness of God.

"I have been crucified with Christ.  It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)

How can God get our attention?

Read Amos 4. 

Israel lived in prosperity.  They offered sacrifices every day, tithed every three days, and beyond that practiced generosity giving.  But their behavior was arrogant and demanding.  They oppressed the poor and exploited those in need.

God responded to their sin in five ways in order to gain their attention and lead them to repent.
1. Famine (v.6)
2. Drought (v.7-8)
3. Blight (v.9)
4. Pestilence (v.10)
5. Destruction (v.11)
And, five times God repeated the phrase, "yet you did not return to me."

"Therefore...prepare to meet your God, O Israel!" (v.12)

They forgot that God was in charge and ignored His interventions to gain their attention.  Who is this One who commands such obedience?  Here are His claims (v.13):
1. He forms the mountains.  The God of the Bible claims credit for shaping and fashioning the earth.
2. He creates the wind.  The God of the Bible takes credit for selecting and dispatching wind currents.
3. He declares His thoughts to humans.  The God of the Bible has made Himself and His word known so mankind is without excuse (Romans 1:18-20).
4. He makes light and darkness.  The God of the Bible commanded light in the beginning "and there was light" (Genesis 1:3).  He can move the clouds and the storms to darken a day.
5. He treads above the earth.  The God of the Bible oversees all that is happening in His world and is ready to respond.

Who is He?  "The LORD, the God of hosts, is his name!"

Are you in agreement with God?

Read Amos 3.

After delivering eight pronouncements of coming judgment, Amos then began preaching God's messages to Israel.  The LORD started by reminding the Jews of His unique relationship with them.  God sovereignly chose Abraham and his descendants as a people of His particular love and care.  He established this with an unconditional and unchanging covenant (Genesis 12, 15, 17).  But despite all He had done for them over the centuries, the northern kingdom of Israel proved to be consistently in rebellion against God.

To illustrate the absolute certainty of the punishment for their sins, the LORD asked seven questions in a row.  The answer to all of them was no.  The second part of each question will not happen without the first.  Again, in this chapter, God used the comparison of a roaring lion.  "The LORD God has spoken, who will not fear?" (v.8)

In His great love and mercy, the LORD warned the people in order that they might repent and turn to Him.  Every time, before God executed His judgments, He sent His spokespersons, the prophets, to deliver the message of what is to come.  To place fear in the Gentile neighbors, He invited them come and watch what will take place (vv.9-10).  There would be no fortress or hiding from the Assyrian invasion.

When the kingdom divided and the northern ten tribes separated from Jerusalem, Jeroboam set up his own altars, creating his own religion of false worship.  Those altars and the symbols of Israel's prosperity will all be destroyed (vv.12-15).

Israel had a choice.  The solution was so simple.  "Do two walk together, unless they have agreed to meet?"  The lack of agreement with Israel was not God's doing.  They were not walking with God because they decided to go their own way.  The result of such a decision is disastrous 100% of the time and is today.

God in His loyal love for the world has given fair warning of the coming eternal judgment.  The reason is so that everyone would have the opportunity to repent of going their own way and turn to Him for forgiveness.  There is no other escape.  "If we confess our sins (literally to agree with God), he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

Attitudes toward God determine how we treat People

Read Amos 2.

His name means "burden bearer" and, indeed, Amos bore the burden of declaring God's judgments.  While seven neighboring nations are included, the primary audience in this book is the northern kingdom of Israel.

The sins that brought about these punishments mostly involved their mistreatment and abuse of people.  However, the sin of Judah was generally stated as "they have rejected the law of the LORD and not kept his statutes" (v.4).

Concerning Israel, the list of sins is longer than any of the others.
1. They showed no pity on the poor and sold them into slavery. (v.6)
2. They oppressed the poor with a corrupted judicial system. (v.7a)
3. They openly practiced sex outside of marriage.  Note that God took it personally as against His holy name. (v.7b)
4. They allowed the poor to use their coats as loan collateral in violation of God's specific laws against this. (v.8a)
5. They used confiscated wine to drink in a so-called act of worship. (v.8b)
6. They rebelled against God after He delivered them and made them to prosper. (vv.9-12)

The result would that no one will escape when the judgment falls on Israel.  The Assyrian invasion was brutal.  Those who were not killed lost everything as they scattered far and wide.

This passage should cause us to think about our own attitudes, particularly as it relates to our treatment of the poor.  The Apostle James wrote: "Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?....If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself,' you are doing well.  But if you show partiality, you are committing sin..." (James 2:5-9)

A person's attitude toward God will inevitably be seen in the way they treat people.  If one is angry at God, they will be angry with others.  If they claim independence of God, they will act arrogantly toward others.  If they chose to ignore the God who loves them, they will also choose to ignore the people who love them.

The certainty of God's judgment and our Response

Read Amos 1.

The prophet Amos lived in Judah but his ultimate audience was the northern kingdom of Israel.  God's pronouncements of judgment came like a roaring lion, ready to pounce on its prey.  And as such, the intended should have been frozen in fear of what was coming.

The writing structure of this book is fascinating.  Beginning in the north, the judgments against Israel's neighbors geographically move to the south, then to the west, circles to the east, and they continue to spiral until they hit the final target.  Each paragraph follows the same poetic pattern:
1. Judgment is decided.
2. Sin is detailed.
3. God will deliver the punishment.

Each paragraph starts with the same poetic device of "For three transgressions....and for four."  This is commonly used in the Old Testament.  Many hold that it not only points to an escalation the list of sins God has against them but combined the number is seven.  That may indicate that their list of sins is full or complete.  Further, chapters one and two present a total of seven pronouncements of judgments before finally addressing Israel.

In the historical context, it was Assyria who invaded this entire region and executed what is stated here.  However, the LORD made it clear that it was He who ordered and personally empowered the punishment.  No less than thirteen times the phrase "I will" appears in this first chapter.

In light of the consistent veracity of God's word, how much more should those who do not enjoy God's forgiveness and protection be frozen in fear of the eternal judgment to come?
"And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment." (Hebrews 9:27)
"It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." (Hebrews 10:31)
Concerning Jesus, the Apostle Peter said, "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

Payback Time

Read Joel 3.

Here is a verse that is never quoted: "Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning hooks into spears, let the weak say, 'I am a warrior.'"  Verse 10 is the opposite of Micah 4:3 which is depicted in a sculpture at the United Nations building in New York City.

There is coming a day when the nations of earth will gather to fight an ultimate battle.  God's intention in the war is to avenge the blood of His people.  The place is called the Valley of Jehoshaphat.  The meaning of the word Jehoshaphat is "the LORD judges."  The description of this yet future battle exactly matches Armageddon in Revelation 14, 16 and 19.  Joel 3:14 calls it the day of the LORD and that multitudes will be in this "valley of decision."  It is not that the people will be trying to decide something; rather, it is God who rendering His decision, or verdict, of judgment against them.

The sin of the nations against the Jews and this land, promised to Abraham's descendants, is well documented to this very day.  Some of the sins of Joel's time are mentioned in the opening six verses. Every generation of Jews has had an enemy who announced their intent to annihilate them.  The very existence of Jews in the world and a Jewish state occupying at least part of their land is a testimony to the power, protection, and grace of God.

However, in that day the Messiah will visibly be revealed to the world with His heavenly army (Revelation 19:11-21).  He will destroy all of Israel's enemies and establish His kingdom in Jerusalem (Joel 3:16).  As the closing verses of this chapter foretells, the Jews will finally acknowledge Jesus as God and King.  The land will become abundant and prosperous.  Instead of the drought (1:20), the streams that Ezekiel 47 prophesied will flow from the throne of God to water the land.

And, believers will rule and reign with Christ in that earthly kingdom.  "Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection!  Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years." (Revelation 20:6)

Understanding that day Today

Read Joel 2.

As one reads this chapter two understandings are required.  First, the term "the day of the LORD" includes both the judgment of God and the joy that will follow.  Second, quite often in the prophetical books there is a merger of the immediate historical context and the future events regarding the end times.

The immediate threat to Judah was the coming invasion by the Babylonians.  In chapter one they are compared to a devastating locust plague.  Innumerable and unstoppable describes this army from the north.  However, it was God Himself who was the real power of this judgment.  Notice the four-fold claim in verse 11 using the word "his": "The LORD utters his voice before his army for his camp is exceedingly great; he who executes his word is powerful."

"Yet even now" (vv.12-13) the LORD issued a call for the nation to repent.  Even with the coming punishment on its way, there is a repeat of 1:13-14.  Their relationship with God had been broken due to their sin.  Instead of tearing their garments in the cultural display of grief, He asked them to tear their hearts and return to Him.  The need for prayer and fasting is so urgent that everyone was to stop what they were doing and gather together (v.16).  This was an emergency!

There is a change in theme beginning at verse 18 as the LORD speaks of restoration for Judah.  Describing that future time, He will remove their reproach among the nations.  He will remove their enemies.  The land will flourish again.  And most importantly, "You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God and there is none else.  And my people shall never again be put to shame." (v.27)

Not only has the world not seen the fulfillment of verse 27, but the events of verses 30-32 remain future to us.  Jesus referred to this passage in Matthew 24:29 and said that these events would take place in conjunction with the tribulation.  This is confirmed in Revelation 6:12.

If the judgment is certain, then why pray?  Because of the nature of God.  Verse 13 tells us who God is: "Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster."  The real question is never about God's love for us, but our loyal love for Him.

3 action steps in a Crisis

Read Joel 1.

This is not merely a prophet's message.  It is "the word of the LORD" (v.1).

The target audience was the southern kingdom of Judah.  What was happening and about to take place had never been experienced in the nation's history.

A devastating locust attack on all the agriculture is described in four waves.  Each wave of infestation destroyed the land to a new low.  Apparently, the locust plague was accompanied by a severe drought (v.20).  The condition of the land was so bad that there was not enough to offer the LORD for the grain and drink offerings at the Temple.  This is a thinly disguised comparison to what the Babylonians would do in their multi-phased invasion of Judah.  Everything will be stripped away; everything will be lost.  The people are compared to drunkards (v.5).  The innumerable Babylonians are compared to attacking lions (v.6).

In brokenness, the nation is urged to go into a state of mourning.  They are told to put on sackcloth and lament (v.13).  But those were only outward signs of grief.  God wanted more from them.  His desire was for them to acknowledge that they brought this on themselves due to their sin and to express sorrow from their hearts.  In verse 14, He issued the following instructions to seek Him.

1. Consecrate a fast.
Fasting indicates there is a priority greater than food.  Most often, a truly grief-stricken person loses their appetite.  This is a time when the spirit needs more attention than the body.  The sense of physical hunger serves as the trigger for a superseding hunger for God.

2. Call a solemn assembly.
Since this was a national dilemma, all the people were called to gather together.  The New Testament reminds us that we are not to neglect meeting together (Hebrews 10:25).  We need one another for regular encouragement, instruction, and worship.  How much more when we are faced with overwhelming circumstances!

3. Cry out to the LORD.
The purpose of the gathering was specifically for prayer.  The Hebrew word for "cry" in this verse means "to shriek" as someone would loudly do when in severe pain or terrorized.  Together, as a nation, they were to shriek to the LORD, confessing their sin, and pleading for mercy.

"The wicked shall return to Sheol, all the nations that forget God." (Psalm 9:17)

Life at the Crossroads

Read Hosea 14.

God's judgment upon Israel's rebellion was sure, but it would not be permanent.  Even at that this point, He issued a call for them to repent of their sin and turn back to Him.

In the prophetic plan of God, He announced that one day the Jews would return to Him.  At that time, "I will heal their apostasy; I will love them freely, for my anger has turned from them" (v.4).  But that day of spiritual restoration for the nation has yet to come.  The Apostle Paul looked forward to it in Romans 9-11.

In the LORD's call for repentance, He even instructed the people step by step in what to do.
1. Confessing of sin. (v.2b)
"Take away all iniquity."  The first step is to admit the sin to God and agree with Him of its wrong.  More than that, it is seeking His forgiveness and cleansing from the sin.
"If we confess out sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

2. Offering for sin. (v.2c)
Under the Old Testament Law, the sinner offered to God the blood of sacrificed animals as an atoning payment.  But the blood of animals only covered the sin; it never took it away.  That is why the words of John the Baptist concerning Jesus in John 1:29 are so spiritually earth-shattering.  "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"  Since the crucifixion, there are no more offerings for sin.  The debt has been paid.  Accepting Christ's death as the full and final payment for one's personal sin is the sinner's prayer.

3. Forsaking the sin. (v.3)
Words and rituals may be only a pretense of repentance.  The real proof is in a changed life.  God's call for Israel to demonstrate a new direction included giving up their dependence upon Assyria to protect them and ridding their lives of spiritual allegiance to anything else.  God demands exclusive worship and obedience to Him.

The result?  Those who are totally dependent upon the LORD will find mercy (v.3c).  God answers prayer and cares for us (v.8a).  It is God who is the source of the provisions we need (v.8b).

Like Israel, every life comes to a crossroads and must decide which way they will go.   The closing verse of Hosea issues a clear invitation for a decision.  Those who are wise and understand will choose to turn to the LORD and live in ways that please Him.  Those who turn away from Him will continue to stumble through life and experience the painful consequences.  Choose Him.

Sin, death and the Resurrection

Read Hosea 13.

Judah had been chosen to be tribe of the royal line.  However, when the kingdom divided, Jeroboam became king in the north from the tribe of Ephraim.  Separated from Jerusalem and the Temple, the northern kingdom gave itself to idol worship.

Craftsmen made images of calves out of silver to which the people ascribed spiritual power.  Incredibly, grown men worshipped by kissing an inanimate object they made with their own hands.  Then, in their delusion, they offered human sacrifices to appease it (v.2).  They did this despite their heritage of faith in God, not acknowledging all that God had done for them, and ignoring the prophets He sent to call them to turn back to Him.

In order to bring some reality to their thinking, the LORD reminded them that He alone is God "and there is no savior" apart from Him.  All the religious philosophies and rituals of this world can never take away sin!  There is only one cure for sin, only one source of forgiveness, and only one way to heaven.  Jesus claimed, "I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

God's judgment on the sin of Israel was pre-announced and sure.  The time had come and He would not relent.  In verse 14, God asked four questions about holding back the punishment, but "compassion is hidden from my eyes."  The Assyrians were used to implement God's plan.

When the Apostle Paul wrote so vigorously concerning the resurrection of Christ as the proof of eternal life for every believer, he first referred to a verse from Isaiah and then quoted two of the questions from Hosea 13:14.
"He will swallow up death forever..." (Isaiah 25:8)
"O death, where is your victory?  O death, where is your sting?" (1 Corinthians 15:55)

Jesus paid the price for the sin of the world, once for all, when He was crucified.  Therefore, for the believer in Jesus there is no fear of death or uncertainty of what will take place afterwards.  His resurrection is our guarantee.  "The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:56-57)