Essential 100

Week Ten: The Prophets

[To listen to an audio recording,  click here]

46.    The Suffering Servant (Isaiah 51:1—53:12)

In what ways does this passage seem to describe what happened to Jesus Christ hundreds of years later?

Why did the servant of God described in this passage have to suffer?

47.    Jeremiah’s Call and Message (Jeremiah 1:1—3:5)

Why did Jeremiah resist God’s plan for him?

Do you ever feel like Jeremiah, that you are resisting something God wants you to do? Explain.   

48.    Daniel in the Lion’s Den (Daniel 6:1-28)

Have you ever had to stand up for what you believe, in spite of significant consequences?

What happened?

Do you think people today should be more “up front” about their religious beliefs? Why?

49.    The Story of Jonah (Jonah 1:1—4:11)

Have you ever “run away from God”? When and why?

Have you ever been disappointed with God? When and why?

What did you learn as a result?

50.    The Day of Judgment (Malachi 1:1—4:6)

What do you believe about judgment? Do we really need it?

Do you think there will be a “day of judgment” at some point in the future?

How does that affect your actions today?

Pastor's Meditation for the Week:

A Puppet Bible Story?

I remember hearing the story of Daniel in the Lion’s Den as a child. I also remember seeing illustrations of the story and also seeing puppets acting out the parts. There was catchy music and singing. This was great for children to get the message of the Lord’s protection of Daniel. But the true story is really R-rated for violence.  To tell this story as it really happened is definitely for adults.

This story is part of the history of a people who have been persecuted with torture and death for centuries. The history of the Jewish people is full of martyrs. Jews killed simply because they are Jews. Jews killed because of their success. Jews killed because of their faith. In this case Daniel was a successful Jew. His fellow administrators were jealous and plotted against him. It is interesting that they tried to use his open honest vulnerable faith as a weapon against him. It was the only thing they thought would destroy him. But the truth is, it was his faith that rescued him. It was Daniel’s reliance on the justice and mercy of God that saved him.

This is the truth for us. I recently heard someone say that the E100 Scripture from the Exodus account spoke deeply to him and provided guidance and direction for him in dealing with some very vindictive vicious people. This same  Scripture could have well been recited by Daniel in his situation:

                “The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still.” Exodus 14:14

Salvation and vindication came to Daniel by the Lord’s hands. He just remained faithful, open obedient, and honest in his commitment to the Lord. This is a great story for us to remember when we face some lions in our lives. And I don’t mean the puppet variety.

Blessings in Christ, Pastor Jim