The Minor Prophets are so named not because their messages were any less important or inspired but because their writings were shorter. Often God called them to deliver one specific message and then they went back to their vocation. We're in the process of looking at what makes these short books relevant and worth a closer look.Jonah – My first tip for studying Jonah is forget the fish. Our familiarity with that part of the story can cloud our ability to see a sobering, convicting story of a believer who had unilaterally decided some people were beyond the reach of God's mercy.
Study Jonah's words and his prayers. What do they reveal about the condition of his heart? Do we ever get frustrated with God's decision to extend mercy to those who don't seem to deserve it?
Study the response of the pagans – the sailors and the Ninevites – to the truth Jonah relayed. Contrast it to Jonah's response to God's command. What do you think made the difference? Does our familiarity with God cause us to lose some of our awe for Him?
Trace the word "prepared". What does this demonstrate about Gods' sovereignty? What else do you learn about God's character?
Study the last object lesson with the plant and the worm. What was God trying to show Jonah? What is God trying to teach us with the abrupt end of the book?
BONUS: Can you see any similarities between the attitude of the Pharisees in Jesus' day and Jonah's attitude toward the people of Nineveh? Are there any people or groups that some in the church are reluctant to carry the gospel to? How do the lessons of Jonah apply?
Nahum tells the "rest of the story" for Nineveh. It picks up a hundred years after Jonah and his amazing revival, and contains a message of judgment against the city, for their abandonment of God and His law.
- What does Nahum say about Nineveh? What have they done to bring God's judgment upon themselves?
- What do you learn about God and His anger?
- Is there any message of hope or restoration?
- What lessons does Nahum have for God's people in the prophet's day? In ours?
I didn't forget Micah. We'll look at his prophecy next week.
Huh, very interesting. I love your words on Jonah, because it seems like we can’t just read about Jonah. It’s always “Jonah…and the whale/fish” and we spend forever arguing if it’s a fish or a whale. But to just look at him as a person…it seems new when it’s not.
And I’ve never really given Nahum a second glance. I had no idea it picked up after Jonah! Learn something new every day. I may have to read them both together.