Joel Amos Obadiah - 9 Sessions

This study will delve into the powerful messages of Joel, Amos, and Obadiah, three minor prophets whose words continue to resonate today. As the renowned theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer observed, 'True prophethood is always a disturbance, a challenge to the comfortable, a threat to the complacent.' We will examine how these prophets challenged the social and religious injustices of their time, offering timeless lessons for our own era.

Joel, Introduction

The book of Joel is a powerful, poetic prophecy that calls God’s people to repentance and paints vivid pictures of both judgment and restoration. Although it is one of the shorter books of the Bible, Joel’s message resonates deeply with believers today, offering timeless truths about God’s sovereignty, justice, and mercy. Joel centers around a locust plague—a devastating event that serves as a metaphor for God's judgment—and transitions into a promise of restoration and a vision of the "Day of the Lord," a theme that connects directly to God’s ultimate plan of redemption.

As we begin our study, it’s important to consider how Christians today should approach the Old Testament. While some may view these texts as ancient and unrelated to modern faith, Jesus Himself emphasized their importance. In Matthew 5:17, Jesus said, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." The Old Testament is the foundation upon which the New Testament is built, revealing God's character, promises, and the grand narrative of redemption that culminates in Christ. Renowned preacher Charles Spurgeon once said, “The Old Testament is the bud; the New Testament is the flower.” The two are inseparably linked, with the Old Testament pointing forward to Christ and the New Testament looking back to fulfill and explain His work.

Joel’s prophecy, in particular, reminds us that God is not distant but deeply involved in the lives of His people. The call to “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning” (Joel 2:12) is just as relevant today as it was in Joel’s time. As J.I. Packer noted, “The Word of God is the instrument of our salvation, the means of our sanctification, and the fuel of our worship.” Studying the book of Joel invites us to reflect on our relationship with God, to see His hand at work even in trials, and to cling to the hope of His ultimate restoration through Christ.

As we embark on this two-session journey through Joel, let us remember that this book not only speaks of judgment but also of hope—a hope that finds its fullest expression in the Gospel. It challenges us to trust in the God who controls all history and to live in anticipation of the great "Day of the Lord," when His promises will be fully realized.

Joel, Introduction

Obadiah, Introduction

The book of Obadiah, the shortest in the Old Testament, packs a powerful punch. In just 21 verses, we encounter a prophetic message of God's judgment on the nation of Edom and a promise of restoration for Israel. While the specific historical context may seem distant, Obadiah offers timeless truths about God's justice, his unwavering love for his people, and the enduring nature of his promises.

For Christians today, the Old Testament can sometimes feel like a distant and unfamiliar world. However, as renowned theologian J.I. Packer reminds us, "The Old Testament is the seedbed of the New." It provides the foundation for Christian theology, revealing God's character, his covenant relationship with humanity, and the unfolding story of redemption.

While we may not directly experience the same judgments or blessings as the ancient Israelites, Obadiah's message of God's justice and his ultimate plan of restoration still resonates deeply. As the prophet Micah declared, "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8). By studying Obadiah, we can gain valuable insights into God's heart for justice and his desire to see his people live in a way that reflects his character.

Let us approach the study of Obadiah with open minds and hearts, seeking to understand not only the historical context but also the enduring spiritual principles that continue to guide and challenge us today.

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OCC Bible Study Class

Joel Amos Obadiah - 9 Sessions

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