Week 4- Prophets and their warnings

Read: 1 Kings 19:19-22:40; 2 Kings 2:1-18; Amos 1-4; 5-9; Isaiah 1-7; & Jeremiah 2
(Parallels Disciple week 10)

Most of us don't heed warnings until its too late. We hate to be told we are doing wrong, and we dont really
believe a punishment will come to us. The prophets delivered God's word of warning. There were many
different prophets warning against different signs but there was always the same theme: Because of your
disobedience and unfaithfulness to your covenant with God. a punishment is coming to Israel (the
Hebrews).

What is a prophet? It is someone who is called; who announces. The prophet sees, hears, or
understands what God is doing or is going to do, and often at great personal peril, announces that reality
to the people. They can discern the difference between a righteous, faithful people and a popular,
comfortable religiosity (a strong religious feeling or belief). They can receive their message from God
through visions or dreams and give signs, warnings and predictions. Prophets were opposed to paganism
(not putting God first in lives), and injustice (lack of fairness/justice). For example- the Israelites flirted with
the pagan gods and traditions of surrounding tribes and nations; forgetting their unique covenant with God
to be a people set apart. If Israel was to be a light to the nations, they must be an obedient people.

When Israel and Judah (North & South Kingdoms) did not put God first in their lives, they began to put
themselves first (sound familiar?). As a result they lacked consideration and compassion for neighbor. For
anyone. The prophets knew this and announce the disasters as punishments. They warned that the people
would be destroyed and exiled because of their refusal to take seriously their covenant responsibility. God
wanted His chosen to model justice to the world. But they failed. Self-interest prevailed; Love of God
declined, therefore so did love of neighbor (sound familiar?). We read in Amos about social wickedness.

Transgression or sinning again and again is not just failing or forgetting. Its aggressive rebellion, active
revolt against the authority of the almighty God!

1- Refer back to Amos 2:6-8 & 4:1-3. What are the sins Amos describes against neighbor?

2- How have you sinned like this?

3-Chasing the almighty dollar, keeping up with the Joneses...Give an example of how you do this.

God warns his people as a way to show mercy. The people did not listen.

4- Give an example of how you did not heed a warning, and what the outcome was.

5- Why do we prefer NOT to listen to warnings?

Elijah offers a model for our ministry (spiritual work, vocation, ministry to others). He spoke out on corruption
of the worship of God by pagan practices and social injustice. The people wanted to worship God AND
other gods, at the same time. Disciples recognize and listen to prophetic voices that are raised i our
community, nation, and world. At times YOU have a prophetic voice.

6- Can you think of a time when someone delivered a prophetic message? (It doesnt have to be huge or
astounding & you probably didnt realize it until after the fact.)

Disciple- A follower of Jesus

Prophet- A person who is inspired by God and proclaims the will of God. Someone who advocates/speaks
on behalf of God & His word.

Prophecy- A foretelling/prediction of what's to come.

Prophets warn us still, today.Doctors predict health risks if we dont change our habits. Ministers show us a
heavenly path and a hellish one; they plead for us to decide on the right one. Social prophets point to racial
injustice, environmental pollutants, and abuse of government power.

7- Given what we know about prophecy, why do you think God gave the Israelites so many warnings? Gives
us so many warnings?