The Next Chapter-God's Big Picture, Ch 5

The Prophesied kingdom

God chooses, in the Old Testament, to speak directly to His people through the prophets. Moses is the first of a long string of "mouthpieces for God". Elijah, Elisha and others follow in a dizzying variety of godly men whose primary function is enforce His covenant, acting as a sometimes harsh reminder that obedience brings blessings while disobedience brings curses. 

The prophets, while being godly, committed man, are largely unsuccessful at calling people to return to godly ways. 

Starting around the 8th century B.C, the words of the prophets are written down and preserved in the Scriptures. Prophets play a large part in warning the northern kingdom of impending invasion by the Assyrians and eventual captivity. Later the same thing happens to the southern kingdom when Babylon invades. Prophets hold key roles in warning God's people of areas of weakness and sin, then guiding them back once they stumble and re-establishing their relationship with God.

There are two types of prophets, major and minor, the sole difference being the length of their books which is not a measure of their importance or value. They all have a very specific function and role to play. 

They prophecy judgment; on the nations, on Israel and on Judah. They warn Israel of the Assyrian invasion. They warn Judah of the Babylonian/Chaldean invasion. Meanwhile they warn Assyria, Babylon and any other nation that opposes God's people that judgment will fall on them. None heed the warnings, all suffer the consequences. 

For His people, the judgment the prophets warn about is not the end result. For those who belong to the Father, the prophets prophecy the consequences of their sin and rebellion as a way for God to re-establish hope and bring them into redemption. There are certainly earthly consequences for their rebellion. But, in all cases, a small remnant becomes the benefactors of that hope and redemption. Through it all, God is true to His character, maintaining His holiness and justice while dispensing His grace. For those that are not His, the judgment brings death. 

Eventually, the prophets reveal that God will deliver Judah out of Babylon. They will be led out by a leader appointed and enabled by God. They will return to the land they were given, rebuild the temple  and live in the new city (God's place). There will be a renewed covenant (God's blessing) and will have a new king (God's king) . 

This is a precise re-enactment of the events and circumstances that occurred when they were delivered out of Egypt. Both patterns point to the ultimate deliverance. God's people will be delivered into His presence (God's place), worship Him forever (God's blessing) and be led by their King (Jesus).

Once they are delivered out of Babylon, though, there will be one more repetition of the pattern. God will, again speak through a prophet, warning of impending judgment (John the Baptist), deliver His people to His place (Jerusalem/the Temple), bless them (the crucifixion) and crown their King (Jesus).

They will, once more, reject the warning. Consequences will be suffered. But, there will be, as there always is, a remnant that will receive His blessing.