MESSAGE OF THE PROPHETS
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These ideas were not always easy, shot poisoned barbs at comfortable religion. Hosea pointed out that Israel had married a harlot. Joel interpreted a swarm of locusts as Godly retribution. Amos attacked the financial divisions in the nation. Obadiah proclaimed divine support for Israel against Edom. Jonah is a parable of God's forgiving nature. Micah speaks against unholy corruption in the land. Nahum forecasts destruction of Israel's powerful neighbour. Habbakuk says wickedness will lead to Israel's destruction. Zephaniah predicts the end, and restoration, of the world. Haggai demands that the Temple should be rebuilt. Zechariah shows how Israel's sins have led to disasters. Malachi preaches against religious indifference. Christ preached a message of God's Kingdom. These are all messages pertinent to their time; some may still be relevant, if suitably transposed, but let us not treat the words of religious politicians as if they were of eternal relevance or divine origin.
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Today we have our own prophets telling out the word of God as in ancient times. We hear of the future horrors of climate change driven by our polution of the world around us and, as the lives of others are destroyed, we look on in horror, unchanged. We hear of the eventual demise of natural resources, which we use up faster than they are replaced, as our consumption grows ever greater, and, for our comfort, consume more. We hear of the continuing horror of modern slavery exploited for our own convenience, and look the other way. We hear the learning of Bible scholars, the finding of ancient historians, the facts of archaeology, and cling grimly to past theology. We hear the voices of modern prophets the voices of God for our time, and refuse to repent; to change our ways. |
