Developing A Biblical World View

THE BOOKS OF PROPHECY

Isaiah Through Malachi

The books of Isaiah through Malachi are called books of prophecy. They record the prophecies given by God through anointed men of Israel. These prophecies explained future events in God's plan for the world. Throughout these books, the worldwide aspect of the Savior's work is emphasized. Jesus would come not for the people of Israel alone, but for the entire human race.

CROSS-CULTURAL MINISTERS:

Two of the prophets, Daniel and Jonah, ministered in cross-cultural settings.

Daniel was a witness to God while serving as a counselor and official in Babylon. God delivered Daniel from death to reveal Himself as God of the earth (Daniel 6:27). The Book of Daniel records many revelations from God concerning the future of the world. This book is related to the book of Revelation in the New Testament which provides additional information of God's plan for the nations.

The purpose of God's plan is summarized in this verse in Daniel:

And there was given Him [Jesus] dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages should serve Him; His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. (Daniel 7:14)

Jonah was a Jewish missionary called to preach redemption to the evil Gentile city of Ninevah. He fulfilled his mission reluctantly. The book of Jonah is important because it reveals God's purpose to bring salvation to all nations, not just the nation of Israel.

Israel hated the people of Ninevah. At first, Jonah refused to go preach to them. But after further dealing from God, he went and preached repentance, although he offered no guidance on how to repent. They had to guess at what to do, as the king's decree reflects (Jonah 3:8-9).

Instead of rejoicing at their repentance, Jonah complained and argued with God (Jonah 4:2). The last words of Jonah recorded in Scripture are "I am angry enough to die" (Jonah 4:9). The book of Jonah has no conclusion. The final questions (Jonah 4:9-11) are given no answer. We leave

Jonah waiting for God to come around to His way of thinking. God is still waiting for a host of people who are much like Jonah. They sit at ease in their comfortable houses, just as Jonah sat in his shaded seat. They fail to understand and refuse to participate in God's plan for the world.