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September
There are several voices that will be encountered this month. As you read, remember that the prophetic books were first shared centuries ago to people whose cultural, socioeconomic, religious, and personal lives were far different than our own. Do not get weighed down by specific details and miss the larger message. Ask yourself, what is the point that is being made?
Remember that typically when a prophet was critical against the people – it was because times were prosperous and they were probably overlooking the needs of the poor (usually represented by the treatment of widows and orphans); and when a prophet was issuing words of comfort to the people, it was because they were going through terrible times of persecution and trouble. That can help us if we remember that when times are good in our own lives, how are we helping those in need?
When we are facing painful struggles, God is with us, comforting us.
As you read through the Bible take time each day to:
- Reflections on the Scripture
- What surprised or inspired you?
- What questions do you have?
- List three things you are thankful for.
This Month’s Memory Verse
He has showed you, O man, 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)
Ezekiel Synopsis
Ezekiel is one of the major prophets of the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) who lived and preached during the time of the Babylonian exile. He offers a strong message of judgment when he predicts the fall of Jerusalem and the Temple. More importantly, perhaps, is the hopeful vision he lays out when he describes how dry bones can live again. The dry bones represent all that is left of the Israelites who have been thrown into exile. God breathes His spirit into these bones, and they live again. The message: No matter how dire our circumstances are, there is always hope with God.
The Hebrew word for prophet is “nabi.” It describes a person who is called to speak on behalf of God. The Old Testament is filled with the writings of the “nabi.” These faithful people are called from many different walks of life to bring the word of God to the people of Israel and Judah. Their words still inspire and strengthen our faith, today.
There are seventeen books of the prophets in the Old Testament. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel are known as the major prophets. The other thirteen books are known as the contributions of the minor prophets. The difference? The size of the books. Major prophets are significantly larger works. The words of the minor prophets may be few, but they are as significant because they are the words of God.
Each prophet speaks and acts in unique ways to encourage God’s people. Although the settings are not all the same, there is an underlying pattern to the work of the “nabi.” Without hesitation, they point out bad behavior, injustice, oppression, and the faithlessness of the people who were called by God to be a holy nation. The prophet’s job is to call the people back to a faithful relationship with God. The prophets point out that there are consequences to living apart from God’s law. However, each prophet demonstrates that there is hope in the midst of God’s righteous judgment. Although the message of the prophets is challenging, it is necessary.
Even today, it is easy to see that God’s people can forget who they are called to be, yet the word of God is our foundation. It reminds us of who God is, who God has created us to be, and the word of God provides us hope that we can become the people who live in and are motivated by the ageless love of God.
We encourage you to begin your Bible reading time by reciting the month’s memory verse and then the daily Bible reading. Reflect on the reading – did it raise questions or confusion; did it inspire you or warm your heart? Then, to live in a spirit of gratitude, write down three things for which you’re grateful. Finally, close your devotional time in prayer. While you might not feel the same way each day, the ongoing discipline of having a daily devotional time will have lasting impact on your life and certainly deepen your relationship with God.
Reading Plan
September 1: Ezekiel 23-25 and Psalms 57
September 2: Ezekiel 26-27 and Psalms 58
September 3: Ezekiel 28-30 and Psalms 59
September 4: Ezekiel 31-32 and Psalms 60
September 5: Ezekiel 33-35 and Psalms 61
September 6: Ezekiel 36-37 and Psalms 62
September 7: Ezekiel 38-39 and Psalms 63
September 8: Ezekiel 40-41 and Psalms 64
September 9: Ezekiel 42-43 and Psalms 65
September 10: Ezekiel 44-46 and Psalms 66
September 11: Ezekiel 47-48 and Psalms 67
September 12: Daniel 1-2 and Psalms 68
September 13: Daniel 3-4 and Psalms 68
September 14: Daniel 5-6 and Psalms 69
September 15: Daniel 7-8 and Psalms 69
September 16: Daniel 9-10 and Psalms 70
September 17: Daniel 11-12 and Psalms 71
September 18: Hosea 1-5 and Psalms 72
September 19: Hosea 6-11 and Psalms 73
September 20: Hosea 12-14 and Psalms 74
September 21: Joel 1-3 and Psalms 75
September 22: Amos 1-5 and Psalms 76
September 23: Amos 6-9 and Psalms 77
September 24: Obadiah, Jonah 1-4 and Psalms 78
September 25: Micah 1-7 and Psalms 78
September 26: Nahum 1-3 and Psalms 78
September 27: Habakkuk 1-3 and Psalms 78
September 28: Zephaniah 1-3 and Psalms 78
September 29: Zechariah 1-7 and Psalms 78
September 30: Zechariah 8-14 and Psalms 79