Read the Bible in One Year!

Purging God's People Malachi Introduction It has been years since God restored his people to their land. But they have lapsed into the very sins that had brought about their captivity. God sends Malachi to remind his people that he loves them, but they have not returned his love. The priests have dishonored him and led his people astray. The men have married heathen. And all have hardened their hearts to persist in their sins, and they could never hope to prosper. Malachi gives them a final warning of purifying Day of the Lord after which follows 400 years of silence in the biblical record. Of the fifty-five verses in Malachi, forty-seven are spoken by God—the highest proportion of any prophetical book. Malachi is also the only prophet who ends his book on a note of Judgment rather than hope (note the final word of the book!)—a fitting conclusion to the Old Testament because it underscores mankind's sinful condition and sets the stage for God's solution in the person ...

The Refining Fire Scripture September 29—Zechariah 12-14: Israel's Coming Comfort Observation God will utterly destroy all his enemies (12:9); idols and false prophets will be swept away (13:2-3); the Mount of Olives will be split apart (14:4); the Lord will descend with all the saints to rule the earth (14:5, 9); and all men everywhere will worship God in Jerusalem (14:16). Such is the breathtaking scenario painted by Zechariah in the closing chapters of his prophecy. In that day, every aspect of life will reflect God's authority, and all will worship him in truth. Application "But he hit me first!" "I don't want to take a bath!" "No, I won't!" You may have heard statements like these coming from mouths of little children or remember them coming from your own lips not so many years ago. Every child demonstrates the urge to fight back, to flee unpleasant experiences (particularly if they involve soap and water), to resist autho...

Make a Joyful Noise onto the Lord! Weekly Devotional September 28— Psalm 100 : Joy in the Court of the King! Reflection Congratulations! We have nearly completed our walk through the Old Testament. Think back over the lessons learned from the books and lives of Haggai and Zechariah this past week. Hope shines through the prophetic announcements—the hope of the Lamb of God coming to take away our sins. It's an appropriate time then to pause, look back in thanksgiving, look ahead in praise and anticipation, and worship of God. Psalm 100 will encourage us to do just that! Praise and Worship Him! When the president of the United States appears in public, he has often been greeted by a rousing rendition of "Hail to the Chief." The title is appropriate, for the object of attention is none other than the Commander-in-Chief of the United States. But what do you play when the Lord God, the Commander-in-Chief of the universe, appears? How do you honor him? What fitti...

Jesus Coming to His Own! Scripture September 27—Zechariah 9-11: Israel's Coming King! Observation Zechariah proclaims judgment to fall on Israel's neighbors, while Israel herself will be preserved to see the coming of her long-awaited Messiah. In remarkable detail Zechariah predicts: the King's arrival, riding on the colt of a donkey (9:9); the Good Shepherd's betrayal for thirty pieces of silver (11:12); the use of the "blood money" to purchase a field from a pottery maker (11:13). Like Daniel, Zechariah mentions a future nation's rise to power long before that nation even existed (9:13)! And for his efforts, he too receives the critics' doubts for his supernatural insight! Application From his prophetic stance in the fifth century B.C., Zechariah looked into the future and penned a startling series of predictions concerning the coming Messiah. Serious students of the Bible will find today's reading an enormous challenge, for while Ze...

Special Feasts: Rejoicing ( 8:18-23 )! Scripture September 26—Zechariah 7-8: Fasting or Faithfulness? Observation Which is more important: fasting or faithfulness? Outward observance or inward attitude of heart? Zechariah speaks to the issue in four moving messages on the subject of fasting. He reminds the people that it is more important how they live than how they fast. God is looking for those who will exercise truth and love in their daily affairs. Just as there would come a time when the nation could no longer fast (while in exile in Babylon), there would likewise come a time when the nation would no longer need to fast (in the righteous reign of the coming Messiah). Application A close friend shares with you a personal sorrow. How do you respond? Another friend is elated with a recent promotion. What do you say when you hear of it? A fellow employee with whom you have never gotten along well comes to you asking your forgiveness. What is your first reaction? In each c...

Scripture September 25—Zechariah 5-6: Scrolls, Chariots and Crowns Observation The colorful visions of Zechariah now take on both national and international overtones. The flying scroll signifies the judgment of personal sin (5:1-4); the woman in the basket personifies the sins of Judah being removed (5:5-11); the four chariots inaugurate God's judgment upon the sins of the whole earth (6:1-8); and the crowning of Joshua the priest pictures the coming of another Priest and King, the Messiah, the ultimate expression of God's favor and glory (6:9-15). Zechariah is considered the Temple-Minded Prophet. Skim quickly through Zechariah's visions, looking for references and allusions to the temple and proper worship (remember, the rebuilding of the temple was Zechariah's primary concern). In the eight "night visions" (1-6), how many direct and indirect references to the temple and temple worship can you find? Application As you read through today's p...

Scripture September 24—Zechariah 3-4: Lampstands and Olive Trees Observation Zechariah's night visions continue with the encouraging promise of a renewed and cleansed priesthood (symbolized by the new clothes for Joshua—3:3-4), an assurance of God's oversight and presence (the lamps: "the eyes of the Lord—see everywhere around the world"—4:10), and a reminder of the importance of both priest and king in God's plan (the two anointed ones—4:14). The era of corrupt priests and self-serving kings will end, replaced by a day of revitalized worship, just rule, and face-to-face fellowship with God. Application Ask a person his occupation, and you have learned how he pays the bills. Ask a person his preoccupation, and you have discovered the passion of his life. By trade, Zechariah was prophet—a mouthpiece for God, listening for his directives and passing them on fearlessly and faithfully to God's people. Like a heavenly herald, Zechariah echoed God's...

An Announcement of Coming Peace Zechariah Introduction The temple rebuilding had begun amid great excitement in 536 B.C. But the early enthusiasm had waned, and sixteen years later, the only movement in the unfinished building was the stirring of the wind. Enter Zechariah, commissioned by God to join Haggai in motivating the workers to finish what they had begun. His message is one of consolation: the temple will be no ordinary building, but will house Messiah himself. All hands to the task, "For look—your King is coming!" (9:9). A Name Worth Remembering: The Hebrew name Zekar-yah (Zechariah) literally means "Jehovah remembers"—a theme that permeates Zechariah's ministry. Indeed, God has remembered his promises to his people and always will!  Scripture September 23—Zechariah 1-2: Horses, Horns and the Surveyor Observation Zechariah and Haggai are contemporaries with much the same message to deliver: "Finish the temple!" But they use s...

It's Time to Rebuild Haggai Introduction Having just returned from exile in Babylonia, the people are confronted by a heartbreaking sight. Nebuchadnezzar had made a shambles of their city, including the glorious structure that was once Solomon's temple. Work progresses on a new temple until opposition arises. For sixteen years the Jews ignore the unfinished temple to pursue personal prosperity. Onto the scene steps Haggai, an aged, straight-talking prophet of God, who minces no words in his call to "finish what you have begun," for future blessing is promised to the obedient. Scripture September 22—Haggai 1-2: Take Part in God's Program! Observation The final three Old Testament prophets are known as the "Post-exilic Prophets" because they address their messages to the returnees in Jerusalem following the Babylonian Exile. The people waste no time beginning to restore their beloved temple. But delays and distractions soon undermine the ...

Weekly Devotional September 21— Psalm 98 : A Joyful Noise Reflection Still more prophets of God have crossed your path on your way through the Bible, preaching God's loving discipline and merciful hope. Today, take the opportunity to pause, catch up on any Scripture reading you've fallen behind in, and then spend some time in prayer and praise. Let's consider how the psalmist praises the Lord in Psalm 98. Praise God! You'll notice in Psalm 98:4 that you are not commanded to make beautiful music, but only to break out in praise to the Lord. Or, as the King James puts it, "make a joyful noise"! Even monotones can praise the Lord in song!  The writer of Psalm 98 knew what rejoicing in the Lord meant. Have you learned his secret? When God has done something wonderful in you life, when you are bubbling over with appreciation for his mighty deeds, how can you express your joy? How can you say thank you to God in a way that befits his majesty and splen...

A Depiction of Zephaniah having Concern Zephaniah Introduction Zephaniah is possessed by one passion, motivated by one concern: the impending Day of the Lord. That day signifies the final judgment of God on the earth and the ensuing time of blessing and peace. He shudders at Judah's flaunting God, moving from him instead of toward him. Judah would be punished. But beyond that cloud brightness blazes. God will purify his people; he will restore their fortunes; he will rejoice over them with shouts of joy; he will make them great; he will be in their midst. Beyond judgment there is joy. Scripture September 20—Zephaniah 1-3: Lukewarm Living Observation Jerusalem his sunk to its lowest ebb. Even after the well-intentioned reforms of good king Josiah, worship of God is still polluted by pagan idols (1:4-6). Governmental officials and judges are still corrupt (3:3-4). The citizens are stagnant with apathy and laziness (1:12). Enter Zephaniah with a message that cannot b...

Habakkuk Introduction Habakkuk prophesies in Judah before its final destruction at the hands of the Babylonians. Like Job, he honestly raises the perplexing issue of why a just God is silent, and why the cries of the faithful seem to go unheard. In reply, God declares to his prophet a timeless principle of trust in his sovereignty. The wicked will be dealt with in God's own way, in God's own time. He will use the even more wicked Babylon as his divine instrument of justice. But in the meantime, the righteous man must trust in the Lord (2:4). Scripture September 19—Habakkuk 1-3: The Just Shall Live by Faith Observation Habakkuk ministers during Judah's "death throes." Though repeatedly called to repentance, the nation stubbornly refuses to change her sinful ways. Habakkuk, knowing the hardheartedness of his countrymen, asks God how long this "intolerable condition" can be tolerated. God replies that the Babylonians will be his instrument...

The Wrath of God on Nineveh Nahum Introduction It has been about a century since Nineveh repented under the preaching Jonah. And yet Nineveh is as wicked a city as she has ever been. But she fears no judgment; after all, her walls are wide and high and she is surrounded by a deep moat. But God speaks through Nahum of her destruction that's not a warning of doom that could be averted like Jonah's, but a description of her certain coming death. God's prophecy comes true to the letter, and Nineveh's grave was so effectively dug that it lay undiscovered for 2500 years. Nahum and Nineveh: Prediction and Fulfillment. The prophecies of Nahum are detailed beyond belief. Here are just a few with their actual historical fulfillment: The siege of the city would be lengthy (3:14). According to Diodorus, the siege dragged on for two years. The Ninevites would be destroyed while they were drunk (3:11). "Meantime the Assyrian king distributed to his soldiers meat and libera...

Scripture September 17—Micah 6-7: Controversy between Judah and Jehovah Observation A controversy exists between God and his people, and a court convenes to resolve the issue. God himself is the Prosecuting Attorney, and his people are the defendants. Heaven and earth are called together as jury to sit in judgment on the case. The evidence is presented against the nation of Judah: halfhearted worship, empty ritual, persistent rebellion, deception, hypocrisy, corruption, greed, idolatry. The verdict is swift and decisive: Guilty as charged! And yet, though the evidence is overwhelming and the sentence must be executed (exile in Babylon for seventy years), there is more to look forward to than an endless imprisonment. A full pardon and renewed status await God's people when their days of exile are completed. One example of their corrupted nature is their wicked balances and wobbly scales. The merchants in Micah's day were so dishonest that many of them carried two sets of...

Plowshares for Future Peace Scripture September 16—Micah 3-5: Condemnation of Judah's Leaders Observation As you read today's Bible study, watch Micah's focus narrow from the nation (chap. 3) to the remnant (chap. 4) to the King (chap. 5). The nation's leadership is morally and spiritually bankrupt. But against such a dark backdrop, God's promises of peace shine all the more brightly. Judgment will not utterly sweep away God's people. A remnant will be spared to enjoy the blessings of peace and safety yet again. Out of an obscure town called Bethlehem would emerge a Judge and Shepherd of God's people. In that day, vengeance would fall on the disobedient nations, while a purified remnant would enjoy unparalleled privileges and blessings. Micah and Isaiah is alike yet different. In some ways, Micah is like Isaiah in miniature. Both prophets addressed the same people and problems. But Micah focuses on moral and social issues, while Isaiah places greater...

Micah Delivering God's Message Micah Introduction Leaving the familiar surroundings of his rural life, Micah journeys to Jerusalem to deliver God's message of judgment to a corrupt and immoral Judah. The prophet aims his rebukes at those who use their God-given authority to cheat the poor and abuse the powerless. Throughout Micah's quarter century of ministry, three themes ring clear: sin will not go unpunished; judgment will be swift and soon; and once the discipline is completed, God will restore his people of their covenant land. The roots of the prophet Micah was that his home town of Moresheth of Gath (1:14) was located about twenty-five miles southwest of Jerusalem on the border of Judah and Philistia. Like Amos, Micah was from the country. His occupation is unknown, but Moresheth was a productive farming area. Scripture September 15—Micah 1-2: Condemnation of Judah's People Observation Micah begins his prophecy by launching into a general declar...

Singing Praise to Our Great God! Weekly Devotional September 14— Psalm 95 : A Reason for Singing Reflection Amos was a farmer and fig-picker, and we know very little about Obadiah and Jonah. All three were simply ordinary people with an extraordinary God who used them to do extraordinary things. Perhaps you're feeling rather ordinary today. If so, realize that God can use you just as dramatically as he used these men and others. Turn your eyes on him today in praise by meditating on Psalm 95 to refresh you in your walk through the Bible. Lift Every Voice! Would you describe your singing ability as (a) fit for Carnegie Hall, (b) fit for the shower, or (c) something that gives other people fits? Notice the two invitations in Psalm 95: "Oh, come, let us sing" (v. 1), and "Come, kneel before the Lord our Maker" (v. 6). There is good reason for both, regardless of the quality of your voice. Why should you want to sing the praises of God? Because he is ...

A Depiction of Jonah in the Belly of the Big Fish Jonah Introduction Jonah despises the brutal Assyrian city of Nineveh. So when God tells him to go warn them of their impending destruction, Jonah sets sail in the opposite direction. God sends a storm to fetch him back, and at his own request Jonah is tossed overboard. A huge fish swallows God's prophet and deposits him on dry land. Result: Jonah goes straight to Nineveh. When the people repent, God mercifully withholds punishment. God takes the resentful Jonah to a scorching hill and there teaches him firsthand of his compassion. But, look at Jonah's Assyrian assignment in perspective. When God asked Jonah to go to Nineveh to preach repentance, it was not an assignment to be taken lightly. Nineveh was a notorious "sanctuary of savagery." Consider what one Assyrian king did to his defeated foes: "3,000 captives I burned with fire and their corpse I formed into pillars, their governor I flayed; his skin I sp...

The Pride and Fall of Esau Heirs Depicted Obadiah Introduction Edom and Judah should exist in brotherly harmony as neighbors. After all, they are in the same family: Edom is descended from Esau and Judah from Jacob. But in a moment of urgent need, with Israel's enemies knocking at the gates of Jerusalem, the Edomites rush in to help the enemy! As a result, God sends his prophet Obadiah to predict extinction for the haughty Edomites. In contrast, he promises that his people will ultimately destroy their enemies and live in peace. Scripture September 12—Obadiah 1: Edom's Day in Court Observation Sibling rivalry between twin brothers Jacob and Esau ( Genesis 27 ) leads to national friction between their respective peoples, Israel (Jacob) and Edom (Esau). In a moment of urgent need, with Israel's enemies knocking at the gates of Jerusalem, the Edomites are summoned to assist their brothers. But rather than play the role of "brother's keeper," Edo...