suprised by the voice of God_jack deere: my attempt at a biblically critique.

SURPRISED BY REVELATION



An Honest Introduction



On occasion I had to set down Jack Deere’s book, “Surprised by the Voice of God” because of a deep frustration welling within my heart. I also had to stop listening to the lectures by Professor Kreider for the same overwhelming frustration emerged. It wasn’t necessarily either of these works in and of themselves, but how they intertwined and contradicted each other. Points within Deere’s book struck a resounding chord in my heart, as did Kreider’s lectures. But these two men represent different viewpoints of the revelation of scripture, a vitally important part of the Christian faith. Two well trained and intelligent men, with a deep passion for truth, were in disagreement over their understanding of the Bible and I was left unsure of who, and what, to believe. I felt like I was being tossed about like a ship in a storm and unsure of where or how to ground myself. Sometimes frustrations like this can lead, and leave, me to a paralyzed state. Previously when I found myself in this type of situation I put my uneasiness to rest as I identified the positive found within the differing viewpoints. But this time a paper was assigned to examine Deere’s book in light of revelation and other corollaries of scripture. How was I to complete this assignment with integrity? I could simply regurgitate what I had learned from class. Isn’t this often how students get through school? Determine what the teacher looks for and simply include those thoughts within any given assignment? But that would not help me figure out how to end the continuous cycle of frustration of my heart, paralysis of the mind, and then sugar-coating snippets of truth. This leaves me, to put in mildly, a push-over and ungrounded in truth. One cannot base their opinions upon what merely makes them feel good or ‘sits right on their heart.’ Major trouble comes when this is your basis for developing a belief system or grid for determining the way to live out a personal faith. What sounds good and pleasing is accepted, but sounds challenging is rejected. Deere’s book cannot be set up against the teachings and doctrinal statements of a seminary, but they must align with what the scriptures teach us. This is the basis for critiquing a work. We must not accept any teaching as truth without deep scrutiny of scriptures to determine its validity. It is dangerous to accept any teaching, either within the walls of a seminary, or a former professor. This paper attempts to examine Deere’s claims in light of scripture and what we understand as the revelation of scripture. It is not an attempt to state the validity of Deere’s claims.





Presentation is everything. Jack Deere’s book, “Surprised by the Voice of God” is not an exception. Something within Deere’s book tugs at the heart of many Christians in America today. They sense something is missing, a distance exists between them and God, and perhaps this is what prompts them to pick up a book with a title which implies the voice of God has been heard. Deere includes many scripture references which seemingly validate his view and experience. What he states tugs on people’s emotions, which prompts people to believe whatever he has to say. Are people so hungry to be close to God they would believe Deere even without the inclusion of scripture to back up his claim? Deere leads people to question if they are the close-minded, and conservative, and Bible beaters so often belittled in Deere’s writing. The reader begins to think all which previously believed might not just be close-minded and limited, but wrong. Throughout the book references are made to the more traditional, conservative, and orthodox Christian which the reader definitely doesn’t want to identify themselves because of the many negative connotations given to these groups.
“Many conservative churchgoers are appalled anyone would ever read the Bible like [miracles still occur]. They are certain every miracle in the Bible took place just as it’s recorded. Yet when it comes to applying the Bible to today’s experience, many conservatives are filled with the same kind of unbelief as the liberals. For many orthodox Christians, the Bible is a book of abstract truths about God rather than a guide into the supernatural realm of God’s power.” (Deere, 26)




This is one example of the overall attitude Deere extends towards the average church attendee. The average person who picks up this book will be drawn into Deere’s teachings through the captivating emotional attraction. The inclusion of scripture is just icing on the already appealing cake. Many who pick up a book with such a title already desire to hear from God which will cause slow their critical thinking skills. Also, Deere’s incessant jabs at the close-mindedness of traditional church goers cause the reader to want to place themselves in Deere’s camp of believing God speaks today through prophecies and dreams. No one wants to limit God! And that’s what Deere makes the reader feel if they disagree with his view. “But our hearts will never burn with passion until he becomes our teacher and enters into the interpretive process with us” is a statement Deere makes on page 264. While not an explicit statement what is implicitly implied is if your heart does not burn with passion perhaps you are doing something wrong and do not hear from God. “Also, the more we love God, the better we will hear his voice” is another statement on page 215 which causes the reader to think they must not love God enough if they don’t hear his voice. All of this to show the way in which Deere presents his point is just as important as the content of what is presented. Deere’s position is made stronger by the emphasis upon feelings as much, or more so, than proof. But just because something tugs at the emotions of a spiritually hungry heart doesn’t make it biblically correct and true. We need to examine what Deere states and the basis for his statements.

Throughout his book Deere asserts that God will speak to Christ followers who believe God still speaks today. Deere states on page 270, “Unbelief can stop our ears from hearing the voice of God and limit our experience of his power.” Scattered throughout the book are Deere’s personal experiences of those who believe in God’s power and hear the voice of God. These personal experiences depict divine revelation, which include specific details concerning the lives of people, past and future, and also how one should live their life (343-51). Deere stresses how hearing God’s voice should not be the exception in the church today but the norm. The supernatural events we read about in Acts did not end but continued throughout all generations. God longs to work in our lives in the same way if we just believed. A lack of belief, the conservative (literal) interpretation of the Bible, and the development of theological grids have all combined to create an inability for many to discern the supernatural phenomenon described.




On page 324 Deere states: “If others are to help us, what we need from them is true spiritual discernment, not reasonable advice.” This is a dangerous statement as it seems to lay a breeding ground for dissention within the church as it gives leeway to question opinions offered by others. We live and grow and work out our faith within the context of community, and it seems dangerous to belittle the significance of other’s wisdom. Deere does not define or explain how to determine if an opinion is ‘true spiritual discernment’ or simply ‘reasonable advice.’ Even if he expounded on how to determine the difference between these two, he has yet to unveil how reasonable advice is not sufficient to stop for personal reflection. Deere points to John 10:3-4 as a passage to show how we are to learn to recognize the voice of God. His basic point seems to center around how we determine if and when it’s God’s voice and not be swayed by others opinions. These statements are made as Deere explains how one can determine if the voice speaking is the Lord or not. Within these few lines the importance of community is diminished. Deere stresses how the individual understands and discerns God’s voice while the opinions and advice of the community is not as important. Even if the ‘reasonable advice’ is given from the basis of scripture, perhaps it is not spiritually discerned. This is dangerous in light of scripture being authoritative over the lives of Believers. Deere seemingly allows biblical advice to be thrown out if one thinks they have a deeper spiritual insight about a particular subject. Reasonable advice is often derived from scripture as exemplified in the book of Proverbs.



Deere explains how prophetic words today will never contradict what the Bible has already revealed, but only our interpretation. “He may contradict our interpretations of the Bible, just as he did Peter’s interpretations of the Levitical food laws (Acts 10), but he will never contradict the actual teaching of the Bible” (Deere, 323). Deere uses Peter’s supernatural vision described in Acts 10. Within this vision Peter saw the heavens open and a sheet with four-footed animals was lowered for Peter’s observation. The voice told Peter to kill and eat, to which Peter responded that he would not eat that which was unclean. This same vision occurred three times, and ultimately revealed God’s blessings extend to all peoples, not just Jews. Peter states later in chapter 10: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right” (John 10:34-35). Peter had not misinterpreted the Scriptures as Deere previously asserts. The food laws were one way in which Jews remained distinguishable from Gentiles. Daniel is an example of an Israelite who refused to defile himself by eating unclean food when captured by the Babylonians. The vision was given to usher in a new understanding that the two have now become one. Gentiles and Jews were now included together in God’s blessings. No distinction was to be made. This wasn’t simply a different interpretation of the scripture, but an entire shift in understanding.
Is this Deere’s understanding? That Peter’s vision in Acts 10 was ushering in a new understanding or covenant? Or is Deere stating the way food laws laid out in Leviticus were interpreted wrongly for generations? “But the Revelation in the Bible expresses God’s rule for all people, everywhere, at all times” (Deere, 279), within this text Deere is attempting to solidify his assertions in the uniqueness of the Bible’s authority. This statement however leads us to assume Deere believes the laws given in Leviticus still apply to people today, which is obviously not Deere’s belief. But this is not what he says. Deere is attempting to overemphasize his understanding of the authority of the scriptures, while also stating God’s voice is heard today but with a different authority. Returning to the original vision given to Peter in Acts 10 which seemingly contradicted previously teachings, what caused this revelation to be included in the Bible? On page 280 Deere states: “Private revelation had to first pass through the age of unique authority of the Bible. Nothing that contradicted the Scripture could be recognized as valid revelation.” Peter’s vision in Acts 10, and subsequent understanding that gentiles and Jews were now included together in God’s blessings, could have been viewed as against scripture. This teaching did not align with God’s emphasis on his chosen people of Israel found throughout the Old Testament.
Deere is attempting to show how prophecy and revelation today must align with the unique authority of the scripture. But this argument seems to fall apart as it was not followed in the gathering of the writings which made up the New Testament. Why are prophecies today not gathered and bound together in a book? Where is the line drawn? Deere states that prophecies must align with previous teachings in scripture, but why then were some of the writings gathered and included in the canon and others were not?




The argument Deere makes continues to fall apart when he discusses the actual definition of “God’s Voice” in chapter 9. Within this chapter Deere describes how the audible voice of God is only heard when a task is incredibly difficult. The audible voice only comes at a turning point in history, or where a task is to be preformed which is extraordinarily difficult. But, isn’t the book entitled, “Surprised by the Voice of God”? But here Deere is stating the only time the audible voice of God has been heard in history is at a definite turning point such as Moses (Num 12:6-8), Paul (Acts 9:1-9), and John (Revelation 1:10). Yet Deere goes on to state God still speaks in an audible voice. If this were to fit in with other historical moments God has chosen to spoke in an audible voice, shouldn’t these statements be made available to the public? However, those that have experienced the audible voice of God do not want to discuss their experience in public (Deere, 133).
Deere’s argument is inconsistent, and his main purpose become muddled as he attempts to find biblical support for his conclusion. At one point he asserts the unique authority of the Bible over all people at all times, and the next moment he states how the audible voice of God is heard at ‘turning points’ of history.
Throughout all Deere’s assertions an underlying feeling is gathered by the reader that scripture is not sufficient, but one must hear the voice of God if one is truly living in obedience and knows him. “God holds each one of us accountable to hear his voice for ourselves and to obey it” (Deer 185). If we do not hear his voice, then how can we obey it? Those that hear God’s voice are humble: “The birth of Jesus teaches us that the humble will be the first to hear the voice of God” (Deere, 40). The reader may wonder why they have never heard God’s voice, and Deere says it’s because they are not humble, and their life is marked with unbelief (Deere, 307-320). This point is made subtly by Deere, but nevertheless is woven throughout the book. This subtle push of Deere is not biblical, as it clearly states in II Timothy 3:16-17 scriptures are sufficient to equip the man of God for every good work.




When encountering new ideas it is important to keep a critical stance and guard what you hold to be true. Let the information flow through the theological web established from personal study, reflection and meditation on scripture. Let the bad fall away, but make sure the good is held onto. While it’s easy to reject a certain author or teaching because you do not agree with their stance, it doesn’t mean everything they say is false. (Satan is powerful because he is master of deception; he intertwines substantial truths with lies) One good thing to grab from Deere’s teaching is his warnings against Bible deists, which he himself claims to have once been. This is especially a strong warning towards those entering Biblical studies at a graduate level. “The key that unlocks the meaning of Scripture is not held by institutions of higher learning” (Deere, 262). We can study and have all the intelligence in the world, but still be far from God. Again, Satan and demons, are great examples as they know and believe God but do not obey him . “It is the heart that is the key to understanding God and his word” (Deere, 265). May our hearts be humbled as we continue this journey of knowing and understanding our creator. The Bible is God’s authoritative word and is useful for teaching, rebuking, and training in righteousness . The Bible never fails. To Deere’s own admission so called ‘prophets’ today have made mistakes. I would rather rest upon what has been proved useful for equipping the Believer for every good work, not upon some other’s words which may or may not be true.




BIBLIOGRAPHY

Deere, Jack. Surprised By The Voice Of God. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing
House, 1996.

Macarthur, John. The Macarthur Study Bible: NASB. La Habra: The Lockman Foundation, 2006.

jonah.

Intro.
Jonah and the Whale. If you grew up in the church learning stories of the Old Testament, than the story of Jonah and the whale may evoke fond memories of felt boards, stale animal crackers, and crafts quickly pieced together to hand to mom as she grabs you from the Sunday school classroom. At least my mind wanders to these thoughts when I think of Jonah. But is there more to this story than Jonah and whale? When did Jonah live in history? Is this important? What was with the city of Ninevah? What was the spiritual climate at this time? There’s more to the story than Ninevah repenting at Jonah’s message? Why is this story so important to be included in our Bible’s today? What is the message for us today?

Historical.
“You trample on the poor and force him to give you grain. Therefore, though you have built stone mansions, you will not live in them; though you have planted lush vineyards, you will not drink their wine. For I know how many are your offenses and how great your sins. You oppress the righteous and take bribes and you deprive the poor of justice in the courts” (Amos 5:10-13).
“The people engaged in all the detestable practices of the nations the LORD had driven out before the Israelites” (1 Kings 14:24).
During the reign of Jereoboam II, Israel experienced a time of peace as Syria and Assyria were both in a weakened state. The northern borders were expanding nearly to the territory originally under King David and Solomon (2 Kings 14:23-27). But the passages above depict the spiritual atmosphere of the time of Jonah’s adventure to Ninevah. Although to an outsider it could have appeared Israel was flourishing under the reign of Jereboam II, on the inside extensive spiritual decay existed.


jonah: run_whale (pg 3)
overview
Jonah. dove.
The son of Amittai from Gath Hepher in a the territory of Zebulun (2 Kings 14:25). He prophesied during the reign of Jereboam II, the king of Israel from 793-753BC. He brought his message forth just prior to Amos.
Ninevah.
Capital of Assyria, Nineveh was a gentile city founded by the great grandson of Noah. It could possibly have been the largest city in the ancient world. It was a pagan city which repented at the news preached by a complete stranger, Jonah. God’s chosen people, Israel, did not repent even after many of their own prophets spoke God’s words to them. Nineveh exemplifies God’s mercy and compassion bestowed upon a people that is not Israel. God’s love and mercy can extend to any of his creation.

Challenges.
One challenge in understanding this text is deciding if the text should be read as historically true or as an allegory. Three days in the belly of a fish is the main argument for those pushing for the allegorical interpretation. However, the historical interpretation seems to have more support. The prophet is known to have lived during this time period. Also, Jesus referred to Jonah in Matthew 12:38-41; 16:4, and he treated this as an historical event and not a parable.




jonah: run_whale (pg 4)
Study One_running: 1:1-17
Overview.
From the beginning Jonah’s instructions are clear. “Arise, go to Nineveh the great city and cry against it” (Jonah 1:1). In direct disobedience to God’s command, Jonah flees on a ship to Tarshish. During the ships voyage the Lord sends a storm upon the sea. The sailors do all in their power to keep the ship from capsizing. The captain approaches Jonah as he sleeps through the rough waters and asks Jonah to plea to his god for safety. After continuing in this manner for quite some time, the sailors decide to cast lots to determine why this calamity had struck their ship. When the lot falls to Jonah he tells the sailors, “I am a Hebrew, and I fear the Lord God of heaven who made the sea and the dry land” (Jonah 1:9). When the sailors heard this they are scared and exclaim, “How could you do this?” (Jonah 1:10b). Jonah informs them the only way to stop the storm is to throw him into the sea, because Jonah knows the storm is from God. The men did everything in their power so they wouldn’t have to throw Jonah overboard. However, even their desperate rowing did not make matters better. So they prayed to God saying, “We earnestly pray, O Lord, do not let us perish on account of this man’s life and do not put innocent blood on us; for You o Lord, have done as you have pleased” (Jonah 1:14). After this prayer they threw Jonah into the sea. “Then the men feared the Lord greatly, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows” (Jonah 1:16). A great fish then swallowed Jonah where he remained three days and three nights.
Key Verses.
”He said the them, “I am a Hebrew, and I fear the Lord God of heaven who made the sea and the dry land.” Jonah 1:9.
“Then the men feared the Lord greatly, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows.” Jonah 1:16.



jonah: run_whale (pg 5)
Study One_running: 1:1-17
Questions.
1. Why do you think Jonah flees to Tarshish? (v.10). If he doesn’t want to go to Nineveh, why doesn’t he just stay where he is at? Why do you think he makes the effort to actually leave? Can you flee the presence of the Lord? (Psalm 139:7-12).
2. Why didn’t God stop Jonah before he boarded the ship? What occurred because he was aboard the ship? How did the sailors react? (1:16).
3. . Why did the men not want to throw Jonah into the sea when Jonah first mentioned this as a solution? (use the text to back up answer).
4. Why didn’t God calm the storm at Jonah’s first acknowledgement that the storm was his fault? Would Jonah have been obedient at this point? Why do you think? (Use scripture if you can).
5. How do you think Jonah felt at the outbreak of the storm? Do you think he regretted his decision to flee?

Application:
1. The sailors feared God because they witnessed Jonah’s life. Once they heard Jonah was fleeing from God the sailors were quite alarmed. What implications does this have on the life you live in regard to others?
2. Was Jonah’s solitude within the great fish needed? Why didn’t God just save him through having him wash up on shore? (what do you think and why? No wrong answers).
3. Have you ever blatantly disobeyed God? What was the result? How did you know you had disobeyed?
4. God’s word came directly to Jonah to preach to the city of Nineveh. Is God’s word this clear in our lives today? Why or why not? Support your answer with scripture.

jonah: run_whale (pg 6)
Study Two_Submitting: 2:1-10
Overview
Chapter two records Jonah’s prayer within the whale. After the prayer, the whale regurgitates Jonah upon the land. Within the prayer Jonah acknowledges God’s power over all creation and Jonah’s ultimate submission to the Lord’s sovereignty. The first few verses describes Jonah’s experience being thrown into the ocean and engulfed by a whale. “I cried for help from the depth of Sheol; you heard my voice” (Jonah 2:1). In verse 2 Jonah attributes God as the reason he is tossed into the sea. “For You had cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas.” Jonah continues to describe his peril God allowed him to experience, but the end of verse six is the turning point of the psalm: “But you have brough up my life from the pit, O Lord my God.” Jonah acknowledges God saved him from death. “While I was fainting away, I remembered the Lord, and my prayer came to You, into Your holy temple” (Jonah 2:7). From the acknowledgement of God’s sovereignity over the situation Jonah denounces those who worship worthless idols as he offers sacrifice to the Lord who offers salvation. At Jonah’s proclamation: “Salvation is from the Lord” (2:9), the whale deposits Jonah upon dry land.

Key Verses:
“Those who regard vain idosl forsake their faithfulness, but I will sacrifice to You with the voice of thanksgiving. That which I have vowed I will pay. Salvation is from the Lord.” Jonah 2:8-9.







jonah: run_whale (pg 7)
Study Two_Submitting: 2:1-10
Questions
1. What is Jonah’s response once thrown into the sea?
2. What was the basic plea of the prayer?
3. What was Jonah’s fear in verse four? Why did he fear this?
4. How did Jonah know that God heard his prayer? Do you wonder if God hears your prayers? Use scripture to back up your answer if you can.
5. What vow did Jonah commit to paying in verse nine? When did he make this vow?

Application
1. Jonah’s response is to pray after being thrown into the sea and consumed by the fish. Think of a challenge or struggle you face. What is your initial response?
2. Should we fear being expelled from the Lord’s sight as Jonah did in verse four? Use scripture to back up your claim.
3. Describe a time when you felt completely and utterly alone. Did this change how you approached God?
4. Have you made a vow to God in a time of desperation? What were the outcomes of this vow?
5. How have unique experiences of dependence upon God impacted your life?
6. Do you think people cry out to God more fervently in dire circumstances than normal? Why? Do you want this to be true of your life?


jonah: run_whale (pg 8)
Study Three_Fulfilling: 3:1-10
Overview
The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time with the same message: “Arise go to Nineveh the great city and proclaim to it the proclamation which I am going to tell you” (Jonah 3:1). Jonah arrived at the big city and proclaimed the message from God: “Yet forty days and Nineveh will be destroyed.” Nineveh was a gentile city. It is the only record of a prophet going to a foreign city with a proclamation from God. At the words of Jonah the pagan city dwellers repented. They fasted and put on sackcloth as a sign of humility before God. When the King heard of Jonah’s preaching he himself put on sackcloth and ashes and ordered all in the city to fast and clothe themselves in sackcloth in hopes of deferring the wrath of God proclaimed by Jonah. When God saw the Ninevites repentance and their turn from wicked ways, the eminent calamity was halted and God’s wrath was deferred for the moment. Jonah had fulfilled God’s desire for the proclamation to be heard in Nineveh.

Key Verses
“When God saw their deeds, that they turned from their wicked way, then God relented concerning the calamity which he had declared He would bring upon them. And he did not do it.” Jonah 3:10

jonah: run_whale (pg 9)
Study Three_Fulfilling: 3:1-10

Questions
1. How did Jonah handle the word of the Lord coming to him the second time? How do you think he received this differently? Do you think his attitude was different? Why or why not?
2. Why do you think God repeated the command a second time? Do you think Jonah would have gone without the second order?
3. What was the message of Jonah’s proclamation? What do you think Jonah expected to happen when he preached this message?
4. What signs of genuine repentance are offered within this chapter or the rest of Scriptures?
5. Why do you think the King of Nineveh thought God would relent and not judge the city? (v. 9).
6. God changed his mind and did not destroy the city as Jonah proclaimed. Why do you think God changed his mind? (Did he change his mind?)
Application
1. Putting on a sackcloth was a sign of mourning. Often times in the Old Testament when one wears a sackcloth it is an indicator of humility and contrition before God. How do we outwardly portray a broken spirit before God? How is one humble and contrite before God? What does this look like?
2. The entire city of Nineveh repented. Could you foresee something like this occurring in your town? Why or why not? What would it take for a revival like this to occur?
3. God had the right to judge the people of this city, but he shows mercy on them. How does God’s mercy impact your life? Why would God extend his mercy to a people not his own (the Israelites)?
jonah: run_whale (pg 10)
Study Four_Questioning: 4:1-11
Overview
Chapter four is the culmination of the previous three chapters. Jonah becomes angry because the city of Nineveh is spared. Jonah claims that he knew God would have compassion and would not destroy the city. Jonah made himself a shelter outside of the city. As he sat and watched the city a plant grew, which God sovereignty appointed, over the head of Jonah. The coolness this shade offered pleased Jonah. But the next day a worm came and ate the plant. This left Jonah quite upset and again Jonah he begged to die. God asks Jonah if he has reason to be angry over the withering of the plant to which Jonah adamantly responds, ‘yes!’ “You had compassion on the plant for which you did not work and which you did not cause to grow, which came up overnight and perished overnight. Should I not have compassion on Nineveh, the great city in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know the difference between their right and left hand, as well as many animals?” (Jonah 4:10-11). God’s love and compassion for his people is exemplified in this passage.

Key Verses:
“Then the Lord said, “You ha d compassion on the plant for which you did not work and which you did not cause to grow, which came up overnight and perished overnight. Should I not have compassion on Nineveh, the great city in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know the difference between their right and left hands as well as many animals?” Jonah 4:10-11.

jonah: run_whale (pg 11)
Study Four_Questioning: 4:1-11
Questions
1. Jonah mentions he fled to Tarshish because he knew God would have compassion upon this city. Do you think Jonah is being honest with his reasons for running? Think back to lesson one when this question was asked. Do you think Jonah is justifying his actions? Support your answer.
2. Why do you think Jonah asks for his life to be taken? Does he really desire this to happen? (He recently had a near death experience).
3. What is the significance of Jonah building himself a shelter in verse 5?
4. Why is Jonah so upset at the plant’s death? What was God’s response?
5. If Jonah knew God was going to have mercy on Nineveh, why did he flee? What was his reasoning?
Application
1. God shows his ability to grow a plant, but then his power to take it away. He had made the plant grow and thus had the authority to take it away as well. How does this concept of God’s authority work within the story of Jonah?
2. What is your response to people that experience God’s compassion and blessing? What is your response when someone becomes a believer who perhaps has not always been the kindest person to you?
3. Nineveh’s fate was as Jonah predicted. Why do you think Jonah did not want to be a part of God’s work within the city of Nineveh? What keeps you from being a part of what God is doing in the world?
4. What are some things you get frustrated which are out of your control? What should the correct response be in these situations?

jonah: run_whale (pg 12)
Conclusion

Often when the book of Jonah is recounted to children the last chapter is not included. Let’s be honest, the story seems to flow better without the confusion of a desert plant dying and causing the bitter Jonah to be angry. But this circumstance is foundational for the book. God’s personal dealing with Jonah reveals God’s interest in the individual. Could God not have left Jonah alone in the dessert? But he chose to use a plant to teach him a lesson. This lesson exemplifies God’s compassion which he bestows upon his people. Jonah preaches to a foreign nation; not Israel. God saves them from destruction. This reveals God’s compassion on those not in the direct line of Abraham. The Ninevites repent at the word of the Lord Jonah brings to them. This contrasts the Israelites lack of response to earlier prophecies. The people of Nineveh repent and humble themselves before God not knowing if he would change his mind. They were dependent upon God’s mercy. Jonah seems to have assumed God’s mercy because he assumed Nineveh would be saved so he fled. Even when it is saved from the coming wrath he is upset.

Questions.
1. What have you learned from this study of Jonah that you did not know before?
2. Name three things which you have been challenged by through this study, and ways you hope to see your life change.
3. What is a good response to God’s mercy and compassion?








jonah: run_whale (pg 13)
Bibliography

Bibliography

Dillard, Raymond. & Temper Longman. An Introduction to the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, Mich. Zondervan, 1994.

Hill, Andrew & John Walton. A Survey of the Old Testament 2nd Edition. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2000.

Macarthur, John. The Macarthur Study Bible: NASB. La Habra: The Lockman Foundation, 2006.

obadiah

God’s prophetic word against Edom was revealed to Obadiah and recorded within this Old Testament book. Several oracles against Edom are recorded within the Old Testament; Obadiah is one of these prophecies. God chose certain people to speak through who are referred to as a ‘prophet.’ A prophet communicates a message with divine authority. “Thus says the Lord” (v. 1) expresses the divine inspiration of the message to follow. Obadiah’s message can be broken down into three parts: God’s judgment of Edom (1-14), God’s judgment on the nations (15-16), and the restoration of Israel (17-21). The judgment of Edom can be further broken down into Edom’s punishment (v.1-9), and then Edom’s crime (v.10-14).

Before unwrapping the prophecy against the Edomites (the house of Esau) and the Israelites (the house of Jacob) it is important to remember the story of Jacob and Esau. Esau and Jacob were twins of Isaac and Rebekah. Esau was born first and thus held the birthright. However, Jacob stole Isaac’s blessing from Esau who was subsequently destined to wander the land. Esau finally settled in a land referred to as Edom. The descendents of Jacob and Esau were continual enemies as foretold before their birth (Gen 25:23). After the Israelites were miraculous delivered from slavery in Egypt they inquired permission to pass through the land of the Edomites, which was refused by the Edomites. The animosity between the two houses continued throughout the generations. Israel was commanded to be kind to Edom (Dt 23:7-8). The intriguing history of Edom continues. Edom sat back and applauded the Babylonians as they conquered Jerusalem in 586BC. The most likely time this book was written is around the reign of Jehoram of Judah between 848-841BC.

The prophet brings word of God’s divine judgment: “Behold, I will make you small among the nations; You are greatly despised” (v. 2). Why is this nation despised? Obadiah makes mention of one reason at the beginning of the proclamation: “The arrogance of your heart has deceived you” (v. 3). Edom was known for their sages and books of wisdom. Even the capital of Edom, Petra, exemplified their arrogance. The city was situated in a mountainous region (v. 3-4) and was difficult to penetrate. It encouraged a feeling of self-sufficiency within the Edomites because they felt they could defend themselves and didn’t have to rely upon God for protection. But this would not stop God. “Though you build high like the eagle, Though you set your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down,” declares the Lord” (v. 4). And even though Edom was home to many wise men, the wisdom of these men could not discern a plot of dissention amongst their allies. God used their feeling of security to reveal his ultimate superiority and sufficiency. The Edomites felt safe and secure both physically and intellectually. But their wisdom couldn’t detect the men who would deceive and overpower them. The pride of the Edomites was to be demolished as God wiped away all sources of false arrogance.

Edom faces judgment, not only for pride, but also because of the way they treated Israel. “Because of violence to your brother, Jacob, You will be covered with shame, and you will be cut off forever” (v. 10). Edom served as an ally with Babylon when Jerusalem was destroyed. Edom didn’t help their relative and rejoiced in their downfall as described in verses ten to fourteen. The Edomites also captured fugitives from Jerusalem and handed them over to the Babylonians. “Remember, O Lord, what the Edomites did on the day Jerusalem fell. They said, “Tear it down, tear it down, right to its very foundation!” (Ps. 137:7). The role of each nation is reversed during this prophecy. In the day of the Lord the mountain of Esau will be destroyed while Israel is restored. What Edom did to Israel in pride and arrogance will be returned unto them.

Just as Edom will be judged for what they did to the house of Jacob, so will other nations be judged on the day of the Lord. “For the day of the Lord draws near on all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you. Your dealings will return on your own head” (v. 15). For all nations who trust in their own intellect and power rather than obeying and trusting in God will face God’s judgment. Edom is an example to other nations of God’s judgment.

The rest of the book describes how the house of Jacob, the people whom Edom rejoices over their capture, will be restored. The “House of Esau will be as stubble,” but the house of Jacob will “posses their possessions” and a remnant will remain upon Mount Zion’s holy hill (v. 17, 18). The house of Esau’s land is divided up amongst other nations in verses 19 and 20. What is important to note from these specific depictions is how the land promised to Jacob in Genesis 28:14 is restored to the descendents of Jacob reaffirming the Abrahamic covenant. The last line in this verse establishes God’s authority throughout the land: “And the kingdom will be the Lord’s” (v. 21b). In the day of the Lord, God’s kingdom will reign forever.

corollaries of inspiration.

INTRODUCTION




Corollaries of inspiration are those doctrines which flow naturally from an understanding and belief of the Bible’s divine inspiration. The ultimate source of the Bible is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The fact God wrote the Bible necessitates the inerrancy of the message within. This belief was further developed in a previous paper. Within the next few paragraphs definitions of authority, sufficiency and canonicity will be presented. Each definition will ultimate find it’s foundation upon the adherence to divine inspiration.


Authority


The words within the Bible are from our creator, the God of heaven and earth. If we fully grasp this concept than the authority of scripture is obvious. If the president of the United States came and asked us for a drink of water we wouldn’t sit around and wonder if we should obey his request. We would scramble and get the water as fast as possible. Even if we do not agree with our president, we respect his authority. God is the ultimate authority, and thus what he reveals to his creation should be received and respected. The entire Bible is authoritative, although it should be noted that not all passages will apply to our lives in the same manner.


Sufficiency

God is infinite and we, his creation, are finite. God reveals himself to us. One of the ways he has chosen to reveal himself is through the Bible. The Bible holds truths to be applied to our lives today, and holds all the information pertinent for God’s creation to know and fear him. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Through the divinely inspired Word, God’s people will be equipped for every good work. All truth is not contained within the Bible, but what is sufficient for God’s people to know his will for their lives.


Canonicity

The books contained within the Bible are inspired by God and because of this they have been collected and passed on from generation to generation. The qualification for canonization is inspiration. Through tradition of people adhering to certain works and through recognizing the hand of God behind texts, writings have been collected and preserved for the Church today.



CONCLUSION

The Bible is divinely inspired and thus these books are worthy to be collected and preserved, contain the information we need to respond to God, and demand ultimate authority in our life. As we open up the Word may we have a new found appreciation for the sufficiency and authority of God’s words to his people.