Twelve Books of Minor Prophets

Hosea through Malachi

The Lord Loved the sons of Israel, beginning with the promise to Father Abraham. Despite the amazing stories of deliverance and provision, they consistently turned away, seeking comfort in falsehoods. Their adulterous ways deepened. Hosea was called to express this in action, reminding them that the manna from Heaven fills the Soul, leading to New Life, while desires like the "raison cakes" feed the flesh, leading to death. We gain HOPE from spiritual food, knowing we cannot live on bread alone but on every Word that comes from the mouth of God.

In the prophetic messages of the minor prophets, we read about the judgments coming upon the rebellious nation of Israel. Amos writes about the devastating defeats and exiles that were about to transpire.

The beloved story of Jonah has been told over the years due to the miracle of his salvation after being swallowed by a great fish and then set forth in his calling when he was spit up on dry ground near Nineveh. However, we mustn’t overlook Jonah's acknowledgments that drove his actions; he understood the attributes of God, recognizing that "You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abundant in mercy." Even though Jonah was called to warn the Ninevites to repent and turn from their deep sin, his human hatred for the nation caused him to resist until God intervened.

We see God's mercies through the prophet Micah, who foretells that the time of Israel's defeats and exile will expire. God would initiate a change in the hearts of their enemies. Throughout scripture, we read of God hardening hearts, but He can also renew favor according to His purposes. As we read, "He delights in mercy," reminding us to come before His throne daily in prayer, as there is always a path to forgiveness through His precious blood that was shed for us.

The prophet Habakkuk reminds us that God is HOLY and is for all creation, as we read, "Let all the earth be silent before Him." In Revelation, we are instructed not to add or take away from the words spoken; God-breathed Words. His Word will never change and has an everlasting impact on our lives. Let us trust in Him and not lean on our own understanding.

In Zephaniah, the prophet calls us to seek the Lord with all our heart, coming to Him with a humbled spirit and emptying ourselves of all selfish ways. There is great gain in obedience to the Lord’s commands, living out His Word.

The prophet Haggai encourages us to "Consider your ways!" This powerful message prompts us to reflect on whether we are driven by people-pleasing, pride, jealousy, envy, or spite for being wronged, or if we are motivated by Love and Mercy. We serve a Loving and Merciful God who calls us to embrace these attributes.

After the announcement of the rebuilding of the Temple, there comes a message of God’s Kingdom. Zechariah prophesies a song of praise for a coming King, stating, "He is righteous and endowed with salvation, humble, and mounted on a donkey." This pronouncement speaks of the Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ, who will come to serve and not to be served, and what a great example Christ is for us.

Malachi prophesied the coming of John the Baptist as the forerunner of Christ, as it is written, "he will clear a way before Me." Even when Mary, the mother of Jesus, approached John's pregnant mother Elizabeth, the unborn John leaped for joy. It was God working in John to bring all Glory to the coming King, prophesied over four hundred years earlier. Jesus Christ ushered in a New Covenant, not based on man’s faithfulness but on God’s mercy. Amen.