From time to time God reminds that He always knows what He’s doing.
Every time I just smile and shake my head, wondering why I ever questioned Him in the first place.
I’ve been feeling that way lately as I’ve studied for the new sermon series on the Minor Prophets that starts this Sunday. You see, it was well over a year ago I sensed the Holy Spirit prompting me to preach this series. I wasn’t sure why – until now.
God knew then what we all know now – this is one crazy presidential election cycle. More people will vote “against” a candidate than “vote” for a candidate this November than in any election in my lifetime. Perhaps the days of the civil war and its aftermath was the last time our nation was this polarized.
This polarization is not limited to the presidential election. It is seen is so many areas of life in the USA. Our culture is redefining what is morally “right” and “wrong”, often labeling those who hold to Biblical mores as hateful bigots who voices should be silenced in the public arena. Colleges and universities, long the bastions of debate and opposing views, now clamor for “safe spaces” where no one will be offended by an opinion they don’t like – especially an opinion that is traditional or conservative. The divide between the rich and poor is growing, as is the trust between the colors black and blue – African Americans and Police officers. The list of challenges and things people fear is a long one.
Perhaps no books in the Bible speak to our current political and moral situation in America as powerfully and clearly as the Minor Prophets. As we study these Old Testament books in the weeks ahead, you’ll discover that their messages – written between 2,900 and 2,400 years ago – are as relevant today as they were then.
Preparing for this series has been good for me. I’ve always loved the Major Prophet Jeremiah and the Minor Prophets Amos and Hosea. But Obadiah! I don’t know if I’ve ever preached a sermon from Obadiah. I doubt that most of you have ever heard one from Obadiah. Well, that will all change this Sunday when I preach the first message in this series from – you guessed it – Obadiah.
When God began prompting me to preach this series, He knew how crazy things were going to get in America. He knew that His people would need some Biblical guidance. He knew that the message He gave these so-called Minor Prophets all those years ago would be exactly what we needed to hear in the fall of 2016. God knew what He was doing – He always does.
Pastor Steve Hogg
Don says
I’m looking forward to it. God’s safe space is far more challenging and and exciting than ours.