Sunday, April 7, 2013

I am Jonah-- The Prequel: Questions for Discussion and Reflection

Before Jonah is called by God to prophecy to the nation of Nineveh he prophesied to the people of Israel during the reign of  Amaziah king of Judah and Jeroboam king of Israel. (2 Kings 14:25-26) Despite a king who “did evil in the sight of the Lord” and a rebellious people, God’s over-the-top mercy spares Israel from defeat and allowing its boundaries to be restored. Recorded in 2 Kings 14:23-29 is the convergence of ancient Israel’s three offices: king, prophet and priest.
 
It is the “Deuteronomistic” priests who are used by the Holy Spirit to record these events. The emphasis given by this record is proportional on faithfulness/unfaithfulness to God than to “actual accomplishments in political (or) military affairs” (August Konkel, The NIV Application Commentary, page 533). The prophet is Jonah (14:26) and king, Jeroboam II (14:23).  

What do the following Old Testament Scriptures reveal about the importance and role of the offices of prophet, priest and king?

Jeremiah 1:4-10, 17-18; Ezekiel 2:1-10--

Leviticus 10:8-10; Malachi 2:7--

Deuteronomy 17:18-20; 2 Samuel 23:3-4--

According to the following Scriptures, how is Jesus the ultimate fulfillment of the offices of Prophet, Priest and King?

Luke 24:19--

Hebrews 8:1-2--

Acts 17:7; Philippians 2:9-11--
 
What does 2 Kings 14:26-27 reveal about God's mercy? When in your life has God shown you mercy by giving you a second chance? Who do you know that needs to experience God's mercy? How is the Holy Spirit leading you to be a messenger of mercy? 

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