NATURE CALLS

EARLY WARNING Joel may be one of the first early warning prophets, but that will just start the commentators on a big argument.  Jerusalem doesn’t be fully backslidden yet and the famous enemies are not mentioned yet.  Still they are suffering from attacks from nature as a first warning.  Can they hear the Lord? Joel

WARM LIGHT

LIGHT IN DARK TIMES Winter brought us long cold dark nights.  Now just when the pandemic seems to be fading and spring may awaken, we see the darkness of war in Europe.  Hosea also lived in troubled times of sin and death.  After many warnings they need a little hope.  He points to the light.

REFLECTIONS

IN THE MIRROR Hosea lived in troubled times when leaders ignored idolatry and the anger of God.  The tribe of Ephraim was not afraid of idolatry but they were afraid to repent and live, so they died.  The modern world sees evil, but rarely looks in the mirror to see their own covered up sins.

WITNESSES

HEAR HIM Imagine modern news media covering the wars of Israel during the times of the prophets.  Live video feeds might have shown the Assyrian armies horribly destroying the rebellious northern tribes of Israel.  A few remained true to Judah and worshiped in Jerusalem, and so avoided the judgment of God for a time.  But