2 Peter 3. We live in the last days. God’s promise is not slack. There is coming a Day of the Lord, so be steadfast.
Amos 3. The Prophet declared why the inescapable logic of God’s judgement on Israel is inevitable.
Amos 4. God proclaimed punishment of Israel’s sins, and yet Israel refused to take correction.
Amos 5. The prophet gave a lament for Israel and issued another call to repentance, but in vain. The Day of the LORD would still come.
2 Peter 2. Even in the first century there arose destructive doctrines from a multitude of false teachers. They were all doomed because of their depravity and attempts to deceive.
Amos 1. The prophet proclaimed judgment on Tyre and Sidon.
Amos 2. The prophet proclaimed judgment on Moab, Judah and Israel.
2 Peter 1:12-21. The Apostle Peter reminded the faithful of his approaching death and kept emphasizing the trustworthiness of the prophetic word.
Proverbs 21, Proverbs of Solomon. Yes, there is a difference between a wise and righteous man, and an evil, foolish and lazy man, thinking only about himself and his pleasures, and “It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.”
Psalm 123, a Song of Ascents. This is a short but fervent prayer for mercy.
Psalm 124, a Song of Ascents. This one is of David. Thank God! Only He can do the impossible.
Psalm 125 is a song of Ascents, sung by pilgrims on the way to Jerusalem to one of the three yearly prescribed feasts.
Psalm 126 likewise is a Song of Ascents. One verse: “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.”
2 Peter 1:1-11. The Apostle was greeting the faithful, urging them to be fruitful in the faith as they apply the eight godly virtues. Peter reminded them of his approaching death and kept emphasizing the trustworthiness of the prophetic word.
Joel 3. In this final chapter of the prophet Joel God judges the nations, bringing war to the valley of Jehoshaphat: “Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong.” And afterwards God will bless His people.
Psalm 120 is a song of ascents, that means it was sung as the people went up to Jerusalem on their way to celebrate one of the Jewish festivals.
Psalm 121, a Song of Ascents. Psalms 120 to 134 were sung on the way to Jerusalem during the festivals.
Psalm 122, a Song of Ascents. This one is of David.
1 Peter 5. Elders, shepherd the flock, not for filthy lucre, but being examples of service and submission to God, in due time receiving a crown. Resist the devil, look to God “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” The letter ends with farewell greetings.
Joel 2 tells of the Day of the Lord. God gave a stern call to repentance. After that warning God gave this promise: “28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: 29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. 30 And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. 31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord come. 32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call.“
1 Peter 4:12-19. The apostle reminded the believers to not be surprised when they suffer,; remember, it will be much worse for those who do not believe.
Joel 1. The Word of the LORD told Joel of the great locust attack, the drought and the land laid waste. Lament for the land, for the day of the LORD is near.
Psalm 119 is a meditation on the excellence of the Word of God. It it anonymous, but is most probably a collection made by David and put in its final form during the time of Ezra. The Psalm is in the form of a true acrostic with eight verses for every letter of the Hebrew alphabet, totaling 176 verses. The acrostic form makes it possible to memorize, and this the students learning the Law did; even during Jesus’ time.
1 Peter 4:1-11. The apostle urged the believers to serve God as the end of all things is near. He told them to practice hospitality to the glory of Jesus Christ.
Proverbs 20, more proverbs of Solomon. Don’t be lead astray by alcohol! Who can find a faithful man? Dishonest weights are an abomination to the Lord. Do not love sleep, or you will become poor. These are timeless proverbs, some quoted even today.
Psalm 117. The shortest Psalm of them all with only two verses, but they are full of praise.
Psalm 118. This is one of the best example of Hebrew poetry with verses repeated with only small variations. It is quoted in the New Testament in many places, even by Jesus directly.
1 Peter 3. The apostle speaks of submission, and it is mutual, both for husbands and wives, joint heirs with Christ. We are called to be a blessing, even during suffering for doing right, “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” Remember Christ’s suffering and our redemption through his death and resurrection. Remember also Noah; 8 in all were saved to new life.
Hosea 13. The LORD showed His anger and there was to be be judgment on Israel.
Hosea 14. God promised that when Israel repented it would be restored.
1 Peter 2:11-25. For the Lord’s sake submit to all government (even the Romans) and to your masters (employers).
Hosea 10. Because of Israel’s sin it will be taken into captivity.
Hosea 11. Yet, God will show His love for Israel.
Hosea 12. God gave His charge against Ephraim.
1 Peter 2:1-10. Keep on growing in the word as you draw near to Jesus Christ, the chosen stone, You are His true chosen people, “ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people“, having received mercy.
Hosea 7. God continues to bemoan the iniquity of Ephraim and Judah.
Hosea 8. Because of Israel’s apostasy this prophesy was fulfilled: “For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind:“
Hosea 9. The prophesy said Israel will be judged because of its sin.
Len Bilén's blog, a blog about faith, politics and the environment. 