Voice of the Prophets

The lives of Old Testament prophets were marked with an unwavering devotion to God. Often called to stand alone against unbelief, their message inevitably brought hardship and personal sacrifice. Their lives illustrate what is pleasing to God and what is not. For spiritual Israel then, this study is important and fruitful. In His wisdom, God recognized the need to allow evil for a time so that good may eventually triumph.

Lessons from the Life of Jacob describes how God worked with an imperfect man, preparing him for a higher purpose. Jacob understood the significance of God’s promise to Abraham, as demonstrated in his dream of a ladder to heaven. The seven years he served for Rachel are a lovely picture of Christ’s work during the Gospel Age in preparing his own bride.

Profiles in Courage: Elijah the Tishbite focuses on Israel’s widespread idolatry. Elijah’s victory at Mt. Carmel renewed the faith of many Israelites. But discouragement tested even this great prophet as he fled from the threats of Jezebel, only to be reinvigorated by a vision of wind, earthquake and fire, followed by a still small voice.

The Book of Amos: Privilege Brings Responsibility shares how a simple herdsman was used to convey a vital warning message to his people. Pure religion cannot mix the worship of Jehovah with the worship of other gods. These same lessons continue to be relevant today.

The Prophet Hosea: A Living Parable delves into God’s intended symbolism when He instructed Hosea to marry a wife of whoredoms. As the prophet suffered the pain of betrayal, so God has suffered similar unfaithfulness when idolatry became common in Israel. But even in punishment God shared a hope for Israel’s future blessing.

Isaiah: A Prophet of Judgment and Hope shows how God places holiness before service, vision before mission, and humility before usefulness. Like other prophets, his ministry dealt with unbelief and idolatry and the consequences were severe. But once again God offered hope.

The Plans I Have for You examines the life of Jeremiah. Known as the weeping prophet, he mourned for the inevitable punishment of Judah for unbelief and idolatry. Despite personal rejection and suffering, he persisted to give God’s message desiring that his people repent. Even after their exile, he wrote letters of comfort and encouragement that a new covenant was God’s plan for them.