God's protection – Be Still…

Zechariah 9:1-8 – Safety

Read Zechariah 9:1-8

You probably noticed the style change in today’s reading. The remainder of the book of Zechariah is regarded by Bible scholars as “separate works.” While hard to pinpoint exactly, it’s likely these messages from God came after the temple was completed from prophets who were not necessarily returnees from exile.

This reading tells how God is going to level the playing field and destroy Israel’s oppressors. Foreign nations would likely try and revolt against Israel again, sensing Israel’s potential weakness. We know God allowed the punishment his people endured in exile. But those days were past. As God said, “I am watching closely to ensure that no more foreign oppressors overrun my people’s land.”

Obadiah 1-9 – Edom’s Judgment

Read Obadiah 1-9

Welcome to Obadiah, the shortest book in the Old Testament. Its message is about oppression and betrayal, from both vantage points. We’ll also see examples of being the “innocent bystander” in perilous times. It’s thought that Obadiah would have written this prophecy sometime after the Babylonian conquest, but it is not clearly stated.

Obadiah’s message reveals God’s dramatic response to anyone who would harm his precious children. Edom was one of those nations, located southwest of the Dead Sea. The Edomite people were descendants of Esau, Jacob’s twin brother. Remember the story about the birth right in Genesis 27? We see time and again in the Old Testament references to the hostilities and struggles Edom had with God’s people, Israel.

2 Kings 1:1-18 🔰 Not Always Popular

Read 2 Kings 1:1-18

Man unafraid of opening his mouth wide while taking a selfie of himself

The Book of 2 Kings will continue to show wicked rulers, widespread idolatry, and God’s people seemingly looking the other way. We’ll also see how those people were sliding down a slippery slope. I’ve heard it described as a society’s river current, flowing fast and furious, pulling downward everything in its path. God calls us to swim against the flow. It might not always be popular, but we can be sure God’s way is the way to trust.

Our reading today begins with a very unpopular message being sent to the king of Israel from the prophet, Elijah. You’ll notice Elijah sent the message because God said to, not because he was asked for a word from God. God was angered by the fact Israel’s king wasn’t seeking God’s answer but that of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron. Despite the unpopular nature of Elijah’s message, he shared it anyway.

Tag: God's protection

Zechariah 9:1-8 – Safety

Read Zechariah 9:1-8

2 Kings 1:1-18 🔰 Not Always Popular

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