Reading Haggai

Haggai is a book primed to one specific purpose; to challenge the people. At this time, the people were mixing up their priorities. Instead of focusing on God, and what He wanted, they were turning to immoral actions, and to fear because of opposition. God had called the people to rebuild Jerusalem, and the Temple; however, foreign powers didn't want this to happen, and so they tried to intimidate the Israelites. Haggai challenged the people to stand up, act emboldened, and take on this mission. They are to reprioritize and put God first in every aspect of their life, no matter the opposition.

Again this message applies perfectly to our lives today. Especially in today's society, when everything is so busy, busy, we need to focus on God, instead of the tasks that are continually in front of us. We tend to prioritize work, our social life, TV, technology, pretty much anything in front of God. This causes us to lose focus of our Lord, and what He wants us to do. Instead it becomes what the world wants us to do.

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Reading Zephaniah

Zephaniah is another prophet sent to announce God's coming judgement. This time its for the nation of Judah. Mainly, Zephaniah focuses the coming day of the Lord. He assures the people that God will punish everyone, including them if they don't correct their ways. The book also contains God's message to the surrounding nations, messages of judgement again. His mercy will prevail if the people turn to Him.

Again, this message applies to us today. We need to heed this warning, and obey the Lord. If we don't judgement awaits us, just like it does to everyone else in this world. It's also important that we spread this message as much as possible. This possible ending for the world should make us strive to spread the news to everyone that we can.

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Reading Habakkuk

Habakkuk is another interesting prophetic book, with some unique ties to external sources. Unlike the other prophetic books, Habakkuk is formatted in a dialogue, instead of an oracle. The book records this talk between Habakkuk and God with both parties actively participating.

Much like many other Old Testament characters, especially the prophets, the book starts with Habakkuk complaining to God. The connection can be drawn vividly to Jonah, and his similar complaint to God, regarding His unjust ways.

However ultimately, God responds, and confirms that He is indeed just. He assures Habakkuk that the destroyer will be destroyed. Habakkuk responds to this in faith, and recommits himself to his Lord. A patient wait is accepted by the prophet, and accepted wholeheartedly.

This should pan over in our lives today. We are surrounded by immoral characters all over, that seem to be receiving blessings instead of punishment. As Habakkuk learns, that shouldn't frustrate us. Instead we should take confidence in our Lord, and look forward to the end times.

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Reading Nahum

Nahum serves as a sequel or follow up to the story contained in Jonah. While many don't realize it, it is really part two of the plot that concerns Nineveh. Jonah left the story off at a good point; Nineveh had listened to the message of repentance, and had seemed to readily accept the concept into their hearts and minds. However, Nahum reveals that this hopeful state only lasted for a short while. The Assyrian capital city fell back into sin, returning to their ways of picking on surrounding countries, continually terrorizing those they had conquered. Nahum serves to remind the Israelites that while God does have great mercy, He also has a just side, and there is a balance between the two.

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Ultimately, God wants to display His mercy as often as possible. But when people, such as the Nineveh citizens, spurn this message and continue sinning, God is also just, and His judgement will come. Nahum serves to remind the Israelites of this, and to urge them to be patient, and wait for God's judgement, rather then act out themselves without God's blessing.

This does bring up an interesting discussion regarding the issue of believers who fall away from their faith, and their ultimate destination; heaven or hell. There are many contributing Biblical verses to the discussion, all regarding if believers can lose their salvation. While this book is not entirely clear on the ultimate end of God's judgement, it still does provide another side to the debate.

Reading Micah

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The book of Micah is one that is directed to a specific population of the Israel society. Rather then focus on the whole culture, he chooses to direct his prophecy directly at the powerful leaders of the time. Ultimately, this serves his purpose of concern for those who are in poverty, or in need. While we do know that obviously this was God inspired, it's possible that God specifically chose Micah as the prophet for this message because of his location and family history. Micah came from a poor family background in an agricultural village far from the powerful capital cities. At times, he uses his personal experience to vividly express his message. He predicts the upcoming doom, because of the leader's evil thoughts and actions.

However, like many of the other prophetic books, it isn't all doom and gloom. Micah also provides hope with his prophecy regarding the birth of Jesus Christ. He points to Jesus' eternal nature, and his birthplace. Micah also alludes to the future kingdom of Christ, where peace will reign. Here again is where the contrasting picture of Israel and Judah's current state and the world's future is displayed.

The book serves as a warning and hope for us today. The warning is what happens if we fall away from God, while the hope is seen in what God will provide for those who don't fall away or ignore Him. Even though many of the prophecies of this book have been fulfilled, there are others which we can look to see in the future. God works in wondrous ways, and we will never fully comprehend, especially these prophecies, until the end times.