wisdom from ancient prophets

29 - 08/24 /17:48

The Old Testament concludes with twelve short books which record divine revelations given to ancient prophets. They reveal non-human powers intent upon human destruction—determined to sabotage God’s plan for earth. But the prophets foresaw that “The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord.”

The ancient prophets raised timeless questions:

Why is there suffering and injustice in the world?
Does God even care?
Could God possibly love us, or has He tired of humanity?
Can we find God?
Why do so many people express contempt for God?
Why do the wicked so often succeed?

The overarching response to these questions is that the God of the Bible is all about justice. Humanity’s deep flaw is that people everywhere and always participate with injustice. Our doom is that God will not leave the guilty unpunished.

Oppression is today’s go-to explanation for whatever is wrong. Oppressors are called out and condemned. The oppressed get marches and chants, but scant justice. The ancient prophets believed that truly oppressed people welcome divine judgment. Oppressors, on the other hand, reject judgment.

The ancient prophets claim God will not leave the guilty unpunished, divine wrath is certain for those who fail to repent. But they assure the repentant, “The Lord your God is with you … He will rejoice over you with singing.” Toward the repentant, God transforms from a wrathful judge to a gentle parent whispering a lullaby over a child.

Prophets announced that the kingdom of heaven belongs to the meek and humble. Jesus echoed this, saying, “Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth.” They challenge readers to rely upon God’s out-of-this-world resources. Prophets identify God’s people as “prisoners of hope” who, while living in an evil reality, are empowered to love and seek God’s best for broken humanity.

The prophets challenge readers to give very careful thought to how we live. It’s foolish to prioritize getting ahead over getting closer to God. Pre-occupation with yourself damages you and those around you.

In the New Testament a Christian gathering is an other-worldly thing, an opportunity to carefully consider how we live. Christian gatherings offer a brief withdrawal and disengaging from the day-to-day scramble, inviting participants be refreshed by the presence and peace of God. Church is not about entertaining or soothing or validating. It is a time to participate with a community that thinks carefully about big questions. Why do we exist? Why does the world exist? What is our purpose and destiny? How, then, should we live?

Authentic church gatherings are like nothing else on earth, a setting where believers might briefly disengage from our material reality to be touched by the heavenly dimension. An opportunity to be raised up to a higher level of love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control ~

Blessings,
Dan Nygaard