God's Covenant: Justice, Hope, and Authentic Worship
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we delved into the Minor Prophets, a collection of twelve books in the Old Testament that span over 400 years. These prophets, though their writings are shorter than those of major prophets like Isaiah, carry profound messages that are still relevant today. We explored the overarching question they address: "Where is God?" This question resonates deeply, especially in times of pain, injustice, and uncertainty.
We began by celebrating our church's financial achievements and the impact of our community outreach programs, such as the food bank, which served over 600 families last year. This sets the stage for understanding the Minor Prophets' emphasis on social justice and God's covenant with His people.
The Minor Prophets reveal themes of covenant, judgment, hope, worship, and promise. They highlight God's unwavering commitment to His people, despite their repeated failures. Hosea, for instance, uses his marriage as a metaphor for God's relationship with Israel, emphasizing God's relentless love and mercy. Joel calls for genuine repentance, urging people to tear their hearts, not just their clothes. Amos condemns hypocritical religiosity, stressing that true worship involves justice and righteousness.
Obadiah addresses the arrogance of nations, while Jonah challenges us to accept God's mercy towards our enemies. Micah outlines what it means to be part of God's remnant: doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God. Nahum and Habakkuk confront the injustices of empires and the suffering of the innocent, reminding us that God will ultimately judge all evil.
Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi continue these themes, pointing towards a future hope fulfilled in Jesus Christ. They call us to authentic worship, rooted in both heart and action, and to trust in God's eternal mission to reconcile all things to Himself.
As we reflect on these teachings, we are reminded that our response should be one of authentic worship, justice, and mercy. We are invited to rise above the chaos of this world, see God's faithfulness in the past, and live faithfully in the present, anticipating His promised future.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Covenant and Unfailing Love:
God's covenant with His people is rooted in His character and nature, which are unchanging. His unfailing love, or "chesed," is a recurring theme throughout the Minor Prophets. Despite Israel's repeated failures, God's commitment to His covenant remains steadfast. This teaches us that God's love and mercy are not dependent on our actions but on His eternal nature. [47:03]
2. Authentic Worship vs. Hypocritical Religiosity:
The Minor Prophets, especially Amos, emphasize the difference between true worship and mere religious rituals. True worship involves justice, righteousness, and genuine repentance. It is not enough to perform religious acts; our worship must be reflected in our actions towards others. This challenges us to examine our own lives and ensure that our faith is lived out in tangible ways. [54:40]
3. God's Justice and Judgment:
The prophets repeatedly warn of God's judgment against sin, injustice, and reliance on anything other than Him. This judgment is not just punitive but also purifying, aimed at restoring and healing. Understanding God's justice helps us to trust that He will ultimately right all wrongs and that our role is to live justly and righteously in the meantime. [45:36]
4. Hope and Restoration:
Despite the themes of judgment, the Minor Prophets also offer profound hope. They speak of a future where God will restore His people, heal the broken, and establish a new kingdom through the Messiah. This hope is not just for Israel but for all nations, reminding us of God's inclusive plan of salvation. Our hope is anchored in God's promises and His faithfulness. [48:23]
5. Living Faithfully in the Present:
The teachings of the Minor Prophets call us to live faithfully and righteously today, in anticipation of God's future kingdom. This involves loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving our neighbors as ourselves. It means engaging in acts of justice and mercy, and living as if the kingdom of God is already here. This practical outworking of our faith is essential to authentic worship. [01:17:00]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[39:00] - Financial Year-End Report
[40:24] - Community Outreach and Food Bank
[41:33] - Introduction to the Minor Prophets
[42:57] - Overview of the Minor Prophets
[44:18] - Themes in the Minor Prophets
[45:36] - Covenant, Judgment, and Hope
[47:03] - Key Passages: Genesis and Exodus
[49:44] - The Concept of Chesed
[50:55] - Hosea: Where is God in the Metaphor?
[52:12] - Joel: Where is God in the Repentance?
[54:40] - Amos: Where is God in the Religiosity?
[56:07] - Obadiah: Where is God in the Arrogance?
[58:51] - Jonah: Am I Okay with God's Mercy?
[01:01:28] - Micah: Where is God in the Remnant?
[01:04:14] - Nahum: Where is God in the Empire?
[01:05:31] - Habakkuk: Where is God in the Injustice?
[01:09:46] - Zephaniah: Where is God in the Fire?
[01:11:05] - Haggai: Where is God in the Rebuilding?
[01:12:27] - Zechariah: Where is God in the Vision?
[01:13:53] - Malachi: Where is God in the Apathy?
[01:15:19] - Emerging Themes and Final Reflections
[01:17:00] - One-Sentence Summary
[01:18:34] - Reflective Questions and Closing Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 12:2-3: "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."
2. Exodus 34:6-7: "And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, 'The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.'"
3. Micah 6:8: "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Genesis 12:2-3 reveal about God's promise to Abraham and its significance for all families on earth?
2. According to Exodus 34:6-7, how does God describe His own character when He introduces Himself to Moses?
3. In Micah 6:8, what three actions does the Lord require of His people?
4. How does the sermon describe the role of the Minor Prophets in addressing the question, "Where is God?" in various life situations? [44:18]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the promise in Genesis 12:2-3 relate to God's eternal mission to reconcile all things to Himself? [48:23]
2. What is the significance of God's self-description in Exodus 34:6-7 for understanding His actions and judgments throughout the Minor Prophets? [47:03]
3. How does Micah 6:8 encapsulate the themes of justice, mercy, and humility as essential components of authentic worship? [01:01:28]
4. The sermon mentions that true worship involves justice and righteousness. How does this challenge the notion of worship as merely religious rituals? [54:40]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you questioned, "Where is God?" in your own life. How did you find or struggle to find an answer? [44:18]
2. The sermon emphasizes God's unfailing love (chesed) despite human failures. How can you remind yourself of God's steadfast love in moments of personal failure or doubt? [49:44]
3. Amos condemns hypocritical religiosity and calls for justice and righteousness. In what ways can you ensure that your worship is reflected in your actions towards others? [54:40]
4. The Minor Prophets call for genuine repentance. What does "tearing your heart" rather than your clothes look like in your life today? [53:26]
5. How can you actively participate in God's eternal mission to reconcile all things to Himself in your community, especially through acts of justice and mercy? [01:18:34]
6. The sermon highlights the importance of living faithfully in the present. What specific steps can you take this week to live out your faith authentically and righteously? [01:17:00]
7. Consider the question posed by Jonah: Are you okay with God showing mercy to those you consider your enemies? How can you cultivate a heart that reflects God's mercy and compassion? [01:00:05]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Unfailing Love and Covenant
God's covenant with His people is rooted in His character and nature, which are unchanging. His unfailing love, or "chesed," is a recurring theme throughout the Minor Prophets. Despite Israel's repeated failures, God's commitment to His covenant remains steadfast. This teaches us that God's love and mercy are not dependent on our actions but on His eternal nature. [47:03]
The Minor Prophets reveal that God's covenant is not just a contract but a relationship based on His steadfast love. Hosea's marriage to Gomer is a powerful metaphor for God's relationship with Israel, showing that even when we are unfaithful, God remains faithful. This covenant is a testament to God's unchanging nature and His relentless pursuit of His people. It reassures us that no matter how far we stray, God's love and mercy are always available to us.
Understanding this covenant helps us to see that our relationship with God is not based on our performance but on His grace. It invites us to rest in the assurance of His love and to respond with gratitude and faithfulness. This perspective can transform how we live, knowing that we are deeply loved and valued by God, not because of what we do, but because of who He is.
Hosea 2:19-20 (ESV): "And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy. I will betroth you to me in faithfulness. And you shall know the Lord."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt unworthy of God's love. How does understanding His steadfast covenant love change your perspective on that experience?
Day 2: Authentic Worship vs. Hypocritical Religiosity
The Minor Prophets, especially Amos, emphasize the difference between true worship and mere religious rituals. True worship involves justice, righteousness, and genuine repentance. It is not enough to perform religious acts; our worship must be reflected in our actions towards others. This challenges us to examine our own lives and ensure that our faith is lived out in tangible ways. [54:40]
Amos condemns the empty rituals of Israel, pointing out that God desires justice and righteousness over mere religious ceremonies. True worship is not confined to what happens in a church service but is demonstrated in how we treat others. It calls for a heart that seeks justice, loves mercy, and walks humbly with God. This kind of worship is holistic, integrating our faith into every aspect of our lives.
This message challenges us to reflect on our own worship practices. Are we merely going through the motions, or are we allowing our faith to transform our actions and attitudes? Authentic worship requires us to align our lives with God's values, seeking to live out His justice and mercy in our daily interactions. It calls us to be genuine in our repentance and sincere in our devotion.
Amos 5:23-24 (ESV): "Take away from me the noise of your songs; to the melody of your harps I will not listen. But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream."
Reflection: In what ways can you ensure that your worship is reflected in your actions towards others this week? Identify one specific action you can take to live out justice and mercy.
Day 3: God's Justice and Judgment
The prophets repeatedly warn of God's judgment against sin, injustice, and reliance on anything other than Him. This judgment is not just punitive but also purifying, aimed at restoring and healing. Understanding God's justice helps us to trust that He will ultimately right all wrongs and that our role is to live justly and righteously in the meantime. [45:36]
The Minor Prophets highlight that God's judgment is a response to sin and injustice. It is a necessary aspect of His character, ensuring that evil does not go unpunished. However, God's judgment is also redemptive, intended to bring about repentance and restoration. It is a call to return to Him and to live in accordance with His ways. This dual aspect of judgment—punitive and purifying—reveals God's desire for a just and righteous world.
For us, this means recognizing the seriousness of sin and the importance of living justly. It calls us to examine our own lives and to repent of any injustice or wrongdoing. Trusting in God's justice also gives us hope, knowing that He will ultimately right all wrongs. It encourages us to live in a way that reflects His righteousness, seeking to be agents of His justice in the world.
Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you see injustice. How can you be an agent of God's justice in that situation? What steps can you take to address it?
Day 4: Hope and Restoration
Despite the themes of judgment, the Minor Prophets also offer profound hope. They speak of a future where God will restore His people, heal the broken, and establish a new kingdom through the Messiah. This hope is not just for Israel but for all nations, reminding us of God's inclusive plan of salvation. Our hope is anchored in God's promises and His faithfulness. [48:23]
The messages of the Minor Prophets are filled with hope, pointing to a future where God will restore and renew His creation. This hope is centered on the coming of the Messiah, who will bring healing and reconciliation. It is a promise that extends beyond Israel to all nations, highlighting God's inclusive plan of salvation. This future hope gives us a reason to persevere, knowing that God's promises are sure and His faithfulness is unwavering.
For believers, this hope is a source of strength and encouragement. It reminds us that no matter how difficult our present circumstances may be, God has a plan for restoration and renewal. This hope calls us to live with an eternal perspective, trusting in God's promises and looking forward to the fulfillment of His kingdom. It encourages us to be agents of hope, sharing the message of God's salvation with others.
Zechariah 8:12-13 (ESV): "For there shall be a sowing of peace. The vine shall give its fruit, and the ground shall give its produce, and the heavens shall give their dew. And I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things. And as you have been a byword of cursing among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you, and you shall be a blessing. Fear not, but let your hands be strong."
Reflection: How does the promise of God's future restoration give you hope in your current circumstances? Identify one way you can share this hope with someone else today.
Day 5: Living Faithfully in the Present
The teachings of the Minor Prophets call us to live faithfully and righteously today, in anticipation of God's future kingdom. This involves loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving our neighbors as ourselves. It means engaging in acts of justice and mercy, and living as if the kingdom of God is already here. This practical outworking of our faith is essential to authentic worship. [01:17:00]
The Minor Prophets urge us to live in a way that reflects our faith in God's promises. This means loving God wholeheartedly and loving our neighbors as ourselves. It involves practical acts of justice and mercy, demonstrating our faith through our actions. Living faithfully in the present is about embodying the values of God's kingdom in our daily lives, showing the world what it means to follow Christ.
This call to faithful living challenges us to examine our priorities and actions. Are we living in a way that honors God and reflects His love to others? It encourages us to be intentional in our relationships, seeking to serve and uplift those around us. By living as if the kingdom of God is already here, we become witnesses to His transformative power and agents of His grace.
Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can better reflect God's kingdom values? Identify a specific action you can take this week to live more faithfully in that area.
Quotes
1. "It is so important that before we connect people to Jesus through theology, we connect people to food and to water and to shelter and those kinds of needs. So that's what we're trying to do. Thank you for making that possible." [40:24] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Where is God when it hurts? Where is God in my pain? Where is God when I pray? Where is God when the good things are happening to the bad people and the bad things are happening to the good people? Where is God in my sickness? Where is God in my family and my relationships? Where is God in the Israel and Palestine stuff, in the Russia and Ukraine stuff, in the you name your international conflict? Where is it there?" [44:18] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You see things like covenant, God's covenant to his chosen people, their covenant back to him, their breaking of the covenant, his promise to restore the covenant, his appeal for them to return to it. You see it over and over. You see judgment and destruction. You see judgment for those who harm his people. You see judgment for those who trust in military power or empires instead of trusting. And God or trust in their economic ways to provide for them and to give them security instead of trusting in God. You see judgment for those who take advantage of others." [45:36] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "There's hope and healing for the faithful remnant. There's hope and healing for those who humbly call on him. For those who practice true righteousness and true justice. There's hope for the human race. There's hope for all of creation. And there's hope that is fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ and his coming kingdom." [45:36] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We here at the church, I say, because I'm the one who usually, up here, I say over and over and over, because I see it throughout all of scripture, God is on an eternal mission. What is that mission? It is to reconcile all things to himself, including all families of the world, to reconcile all things to himself through the person and work of his son, Jesus Christ, so that one day there'll be worshipers from every kindred and every tribe and every tongue and every nation gathered around the throne of King Jesus, which we read about in Revelation, the new heaven, the new earth." [48:23] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "So who is God when he is, when he introduces himself to Moses? This is how he introduces himself. The Lord, the Lord is gracious and loving. He's compassionate. He's merciful. He's slow to anger. He loves to forgive. Hang on to that. Because God has a lot of reasons throughout the minor prophets to be judgmental and angry, but this is who he is." [49:44] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "So true worship of the creator God is synonymous with doing good, being generous, and treating everyone with justice. It's not just a head thing. It's a heart thing and a, and thing. It has to go here and here. And this is, I was talking with Joanna as I was prepping for this, something that just struck me is, and maybe I'm the only one, but just because of my background and my church background and my studies and stuff like that, somehow righteousness and holiness became who was most accurate and most right, who was most theologically correct." [57:32] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Am I okay with God blessing and forgiving and being merciful to my enemy? Am I okay with God blessing the ones that I think are wrong? See, we all love to be recipients of God's grace. Even if it's hard for us to like, wrap our head around it and accept it, we still love it. But we also want to be recipients of God's grace, and we want to be the determiner of who else is the recipient of God's grace. And am I okay with this?" [01:00:05] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "So who will make up this remnant? Good question. I want to be a part of it. So who will make that up? Well, it'll be those who practice true righteousness as Obadiah defined it. Remember, righteousness and justice. So what would that look like in Micah? What would he say? Well, one of the most famous verses from the Old Testament. He has told you, oh human, what is good and what the Lord requires of you to do justice, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." [01:01:28] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "So what do we do with this book? Well, we can just take away from it that no matter how dark or chaotic the world becomes, we are invited into a journey of faith, trusting that God loves this world more than we do. And he will one day deal with its evil." [01:09:46] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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