The prophet Zephaniah was a resident of Jerusalem prior to its overthrow by Babylon. He was probably a member of the royal family of David (see his reference to Hezekiah). His prophecy was a call to repentance and of coming judgment. Yet, in the midst of these words, he reported God’s plan for a coming “time” when all peoples would call upon the name of God with a “pure” and changed speech. A future day when the peoples of the world would serve God in “one accord.”
The prophet Habakkuk lived in a day when God’s judgment on Judah was about to be carried out via Babylon. In this day when there was no “fruit” or outward reason to be happy, Habakkuk determined to rejoice in God and in His salvation. Happiness is based on a desirable happening, but joy is an unshakeable state found by faith in God alone. The prophet chose joy over happiness. He said, “I will rejoice,” and “I will take joy.” These are the actions of faith.
John saw Christ open the 7th and final seal and as the scroll unfolded, silence fell over heaven. Was this the silence of expectation, awaiting the reading of the scroll’s content? Or was the silence part of the message? Perhaps it was a kind of intermission between scenes? Or a time of prayerful meditation awaiting the final unfolding of God’s revelation? Regardless, there was silence… made more profound by its suddenness and length. Even John held his tongue and did not interrupt with questions. All was silent. Perhaps this is the silence that will precede the creation of the new heaven and the new earth. Just like the silence that preceded the original creation. And the silent night that fell before our Savior’s birth.
This prophecy from Micah is the one that Herod’s chief priests and scribes reported when the Magi visited inquiring about the one born king of the Jews (Matthew 2:1). Micah wrote this prophecy 700 years before Christ’s birth. Bethlehem (“house of bread”) Ephrathah (“fruitful”) was the town of David’s birth and therefore an appropriate place for one born to the line of David to be born. Yet, it would be presumptuous for the prophet to assume that a future heir would be born in the same town. David’s many other sons certainly weren’t born there. No, this was not speculation on Micah’s part. It was the very Word of God that Micah spoke when he prophesied little Bethlehem’s future “starring” role.
After three chapters of judgment, God spoke of a future day when the nations would “study war no more.” But this peace cannot precede judgment. Otherwise, the seeds of the next war would be contained therein. Many asked Micah to stop preaching such stuff. Too negative. But Micah replied with the word of the Lord, “Do not my words do good to him who walks uprightly?” In other words, the one who “walks uprightly” understands that real peace is more than the cessation of hostilities. It is the changing of the human heart that comes only through the Lord, that fills everyone with love and forgiveness.
John wept because no one was found that could open the scroll with the seven seals. Then, one of the elders (possibly Peter or Matthew, since both were already martyred), pointed out One that was standing between the Throne and four living creatures. This One was both the “Root” and the “Branch” (Isaiah 11:1) of David, pointing to both His preexistence and incarnation. He was the “Lion of Judah” reflecting His royal birthright. Yet even more significant was His identity as the One who had “conquered,” defeating sin, death and the grave by His sacrificial death and resurrection. When John saw Him take the scroll, he witnessed the most wonderful worship erupt in heaven as they all sang, “Worthy is the Lamb!” And his tears turned to joy!
This psalm of ascent calls the Lord to remember His promise to David, that the Messiah would be born in his line. The psalmist wrote this for worshipers to sing as they climbed Zion’s hill, urging God to keep His promise to send the Anointed One. “Of your body” is an unusual phrase in the Hebrew, literally, “of the fruit of your womb.” Of course, David had no womb. But Mary did.
Amos was a blue-collar prophet. Unlike Samuel who grew up in the tabernacle and called as a child, Amos was called as a grown man who already had a vocation. Be careful about putting God’s calling in a box. You may think God does it this way or that. But He doesn’t do encores. And its never too late with God. After all, He called Moses at age 80! God calls whom He wills, when He wills, how He wills. Answering that call is ours to do. Yet, may I say that I have never seen anyone more miserable than the one called who declines. When God calls, hear and follow.
Those with anger management problems cause trouble and sin everywhere they go. There is an appropriate emotional response of anger. God gets angry. But God’s anger is under His control. However, the “man of wrath” acts out of uncontrolled anger. Anger controls him. Ironically, “control” is often at the heart of the “one given to anger.” This person is continually angry because they want to be in control of every situation. They have no patience for others and their opinions. They want control. And anger and frustration is their constant state. Why? Because they cannot even gain control of themselves.
Are you angry today? Easily frustrated? Is it because you aren’t getting your way? Give your anger to God. Ask Him to give you patience and self-control. Trust Him with control of your life. Give him your relationships. And watch the boiling temp of your heart finally go calm.
Since Jesus has called us to a relationship, He cares about our love. The church at Ephesus was commended by Christ for their works, endurance and doctrine. Yet, He questioned the priority of their love. He called them back to the passion they had when they first began. Jesus cares as much for our attitude as our action. He wants our hearts afire with a love for Him that worships out of passionate devotion, not religious duty.