In the WordSample

Week 25, Day 1 Read Isaiah 6 The Prophets - Isaiah Will I get that promotion? When will I get married? Which school should I go to? Will I have children? Grandchildren? How long will I live? What does the future hold? Where does the world look for answers? Many turn to fortune tellers, palm readers, crystal balls, tea leaves, and horoscopes. People have always been fascinated by the future, captivated by the supernatural. But trusting in false prophets like psychics and fortune tellers only leads down a path of destruction. And more often than not, their predictions are inaccurate. When true prophets — those sent by God — make predictions, every single prophecy is accurate. One false forecast, and you do not have a true prophet. However, while telling the future is a big part of a true prophet’s ministry, that’s not all prophets do. In the Bible, the bulk of a prophet’s ministry is to simply proclaim the teachings of God. Usually, this involved: 1) Exposing sin and calling people to a higher moral standard 2) Warning the Israelites of a coming judgment if they fail to repent 3) Proclaiming the coming Messiah This often overlooked role of a prophet may explain why 12 of the 17 prophetical books in the Bible take place during the time of 2 Kings — as the nation of Israel desperately needs to be called to repentance. These books of prophecy also predict the consequences (including the Exile) if Israel doesn’t listen. Each of the remaining prophetic books also minister during times of great need in Israel. Ezekiel and Daniel prophesy during the Exile. Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi proclaim God’s truth during Israel’s return to the Promised Land. Scripture Coverage: Isaiah–Malachi Scripture Reading: Various verses throughout the Prophetical books Book Genre: Prophetical Main Theme: God uses the prophets to proclaim His Word for both the future and the present Main Events: See the general descriptions of each book Main Characters: Prophets The book of Isaiah confronts Israel with their sins and their coming judgment, speaks against other nations, and prophesies about future Jewish exiles and the Messiah. Think about: How does Isaiah see himself? How does God help his condition? What does this encounter look like to you? What question does God ask? What is Isaiah’s response? What would your response be? Are you truly willing to go wherever God leads you? Be truthful to yourself.