Prophecy – Page 2 – Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

Stop when God says to.

October 15, 2020

We continue speaking of Israel returning to Jehovah in Jeremiah chapter four. The Lord asks them to destroy the idols they have been worshiping and be truthful, just, and righteous. What does breaking unplowed land have to do with repentance? Judah is to circumcise their hearts. This is a cutting away of flesh that is of no use to them. It is an act of obedience to God. Plowing the ground symbolizes the change that needs to be made in their lives. The weeds and thorns that are buried by the plow are the sins that they promise to move out of their lives.

If they believe that the disaster that is foretold will come, they will move to the cities for protection. Yahweh’s anger is against them. Do they believe this? They have told God lies in the past. Are they going to keep their word now? Punishment is for something that we have done. He does not apologize for giving us what we deserve. They will cry as a pregnant woman does because of the discomfort of childbirth.

The challenge in Jeremiah 5 is to find one person who is honest. The city will be forgiven for one person who speaks the truth. In this election year, this is something we all desire, people to be honest with us. Swearing by God is no indication of their lack of falsehood. Why should we be forgiven when we and our children deny that God exists. We make science, knowledge, lust, or money our object of worship.

If there is a God, why do people violate His laws without suffering the consequences? That time is coming according to Jeremiah. The Judeans asked that question and believed that He would never punish them. Slowness should not be misinterpreted as apathy. His love continues when we are disciplined. This is for our growth as His children. Do not be one of those that rejects Jehovah to your eternal doom.

The warning in Jeremiah 6 is to flee from Jerusalem before the Babylonian army attacks. Siege ramps will be built. The fighting will be fierce. Before the walls are breeched starvation will set in. Judah will not listen. They are offended by God’s call to recognize Him as their sovereign. Deceitfulness will bring the doom. “They do not know how to blush.” We refer to that as having no conscience.

Sacrifices and burnt offerings mean nothing to the Lord. Mourning for their disbelief is all they can do now. Yahweh’s attempt to refine the Israelites as they would gold, silver, or bronze has failed. They are being rejected.

Jeremiah begins

August 12, 2020

Jeremiah has a prophecy for Josiah, King of Judah, in chapter one of his book. This chapter contains verse five which is used to show that Jehovah knows each of us before we are in our mother’s wombs. The future prophet tells the Lord that he is too young. He is told that he will be told what to say. We have the first of his visions described to us. It is a boiling pot. It is north of Judah and will pour out destruction and death on Jerusalem.

A proclamation is given to Jerusalem in Jeremiah 2. Israel once loved Jehovah as a bride loves her groom. What was wrong with Him that made the Jews reject Him? They did not follow Him. They had no good reason for that. The Lord is prosecuting them for alienation of affection. The spring of living water is what Jesus told the woman at the well that He was.

The bride has become a prostitute. She was like a vine planted in the ground. That vine became wild. They do not want to be tamed. It is the same with each of us. We make our choice of whether to follow Christ or not. It does not matter what Yahweh does for some of us. There are those that will always run away from God.

Divorce is the first topic in Jeremiah chapter three. The Prophet draws a connection between a man returning to his divorced wife and the Israelites trying to return to Jehovah. Faithless is a description for God’s people. Adultery is again used to describe the idolatry the has been practiced throughout the promised land. The northern kingdom of Israel has been divorced and Judah is said to be less righteous than he sister.

All that He requires for forgiveness is for them to repent and return to Him. This means forsaking their foreign lovers and worshiping only the true God, Yahweh. The prediction of the loss of the Ark of the Covenant is given here. It will not be missed or remembered, and another will never be made. There goes the story line for “The Raiders of the Lost Ark.” Israel and Judah will someday return to their land.

Zephaniah condemns Judah

August 12, 2020

When Josiah was King of Judah the prophet Zephaniah began to mister to his people. In chapter one he spoke of the Day of the Lord. This is a day of calamity. Men and animals will be wiped out. This statement leads me to believe it goes beyond the day when Judah and Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians. Another period is predicted. In His jealousy the entire earth and everyone that lives on it will be consumed. But don’t fret. That is not the final word.

What about those Israelites that did not reject Yahweh but continued to be faithful to Him? Zephaniah 2 tells them to be humble and be righteous. Judgment of Judah and other nations is also spelled out. The cities in Philistia will suffer. Moab and Ammon will be destroyed for their abuse of Israel. Cush and Assyria will be put to the sword for their rebellion as well. The pride of all these lands will ultimately destroy them.

Jerusalem is condemned in Zephaniah chapter three and judgment of the city is discussed. The Lord’s righteousness is contrasted with the vileness of the “Holy” city. The numerous warnings by the prophets, the conquest of Samaria and Israel, and the example of Judah’s good Kings has no effect on most of the inhabitants.

There will be a remnant that will survive and return to the Promised Land. Israel must survive this exile to have the Messiah be born as the prophecy reminds us. These people will include those who are righteous. Fortunes will be restored but the established festivals will be lost.

Jonah’s wish comes true

August 10, 2020

Yesterday we read of the destruction of Samaria and the northern kingdom of Israel by Assyria. In Nahum 1 we read of the revenge of Jehovah on the city of Nineveh. The Lord is good and is there when we need Him. He is the one that should seek to punish those who harm His followers. This prophecy against Judah’s enemy will take time to be fulfilled. This freedom from distress is guaranteed. Remember why Jonah did not want to preach to the Ninevites. He did not want them forgiven. Now they will be punished.

Nahum warns the residents of Assyria in chapter two. What happens when the shoe is on the other foot? Nineveh will be destroyed just as Samaria was. People today do not believe that Jehovah will punish them because of their sin. The prophet shows us that the Ninevites thought they would never be punished.

Nineveh is described as a city of blood with many bodies in the streets in Nahum 3. Defeat of Assyria is predicted and described in detail. They are described as a prostitute just as Israel was in other books of prophecy. Who will mourn this great nation that conquered many others? What happened to their enemies will catch up with the Assyrians. They will lose their homeland in the future.

The fall of Israel and Judah

July 18, 2020

The covenant has been broken is reported again in Hosea 8. Kings were chosen without God’s input. Idols are manufactured and worshiped. Assyria will conquer the northern kingdom. They will be gathered again back to the promised land. The law has been disregarded. They have forgotten their maker. Even Judah will eventually fall.

Punishment for Israel is necessary per Hosea 9. Their lack of faithfulness to Yahweh must be paid for. Israel will be carried away in captivity to Assyria and Egypt. Offerings will not be presented. Prophets and priests contribute to the wickedness. Children will be denied the Israelites. When you reject Jehovah, He will not bless you.

Hosea 10 begins a metaphor that is continued by Jesus. Israel is the vine here and the Lord calls himself the vine and us the branches from that plant. Samaria and it’s King will be destroyed. We reap what we sow.

We know that Jesus and His family went to Egypt after the Chaldeans visited the family in their home in Bethlehem. Hosea 11 mentions that Jehovah called His Son from Egypt. His efforts on behalf of Israel is noted. Verse twelve enumerates the sins of God’s people as lies, deceit, and being unruly against God.

We read in Hosea 12 all the errors that the Israelites made in their years of being led by Yahweh. The story begins with Esau and Jacob. The prophets continue to remind Israel of all the ways they have missed the mark or sinned.

Baal worship is mentioned in Hosea 13. Human sacrifice is part of this worship. Israel’s leadership does not help them follow the Lord. They are a hindrance. The punishment He brings will affect the rich and the poor.

Hosea ends his prophecy in chapter 14 with instructions for following the Lord. Asking for His forgiveness is a beginning step. Admitting that they have sinned will lead to their submission to Jehovah. Gods are no longer taking His place. Many metaphors are used to describe the change in Israel due to their rebellion.

The unfaithful wife

July 17, 2020

Hosea is a book of prophecy that seems odd. In chapter one we are introduced to him. He was around during the reigns of Uzziah through Hezekiah in Judah. His ministry was in marrying a woman who would be unfaithful to him. His family situation would point out the adultery that Israel and Judah committed against Jehovah. The children born in this family were given significant names. Jezreel indicates the punishment coming through the city’s destruction. Lo-Ruhamah is their second born and her name means not loved. Lo-Ammi is the third and that name means not my people.

Adultery is the subject of Hosea 2. Humans can cheat on their spouses and Yahweh looks at our failure to be true to Him to be spiritual adultery. The English words idolatry and adultery seem similar in structure. They are identical from God’s point of view. The language that is used here describes the similarity between these two terms. Isn’t it amazing that God loves us despite of sin?

What does it mean in Hosea 3 where Hosea is told by Jehovah to love his wife? In this situation he buys her away from prostitution. He made sure she knew what was expected of this relationship. This is like the life of the Hebrews and God.

Hosea 4 gives us the punishment that will come on Israel and Judah for their failure to honor the agreement they had made with Yahweh. The land will be destroyed, and thousands will die from pestilence, violence, and war. Even the priests will face the wrath of the Lord. Both men and women are being unfaithful to their spouses. They have committed themselves to their shameful ways.

Hosea warns the priests and the Israelites in chapter five. They are involved in prostitution on a spiritual level. He knows adultery on a personal level. They are unfaithful to Jehovah just as his wife was unfaithful to him. They went to Assyria for aid rather than asking their God. This condemnation is for Judah as well as the northern kingdom.

Returning to Yahweh is encouraged in Hosea 6. Mercy not sacrifice is required. He wishes to be acknowledged for who he is. Sacrifices are no longer offered as they were in Israel. The final sacrifice was Jesus on the cross. God promises to restore Judah despite their sin.

Yahweh makes it known in Hosea 7 that He remembers their sin. The sin is a failure to call on God for help He said He would provide.

The end of the Earth

July 16, 2020

The maritime city of Tyre is foretold to be destroyed in Isaiah 23. The fortunes made in this port will be sacrificed to the conquerors. Sidon will also fall. The fame and fortune of those who do not follow Jehovah will not rescue them. The Lord’s promise of destruction is certain.

Will this planet one day be destroyed? According to Isaiah 24 the violation of Jehovah’s laws will cause the destruction of the Earth. Everything will be desolate. The evil people of the lands are treacherous and betray everyone. The foundations of the earth are shaken, and it is broken up, but it will be renewed.

Yahweh will punish the powers of Heaven and the nations from everywhere. The moon and the sun will also survive. One day Jesus will establish a new Heaven and Earth.

Yahweh’s plans were made years ago as stated in Isaiah 25. The destruction of those who violated His laws and the salvation of the righteous were established before the universe was created. He is a refuge for the poor and a shelter from the storm. Prophecy of a feast of rich foods is made. He will also destroy death. Our trust in Him has brought our salvation.

More prophecy of that future time is given in Isaiah 26. The city will be strong, and salvation, righteousness, and peace will be abundant. Jehovah is described as the rock eternal. Do you have a desire for God? His judgment will bring about a right attitude for the world. People alone cannot change the lives of others. The Earth will give birth to those buried in her.

Have you ever thought about the reference to Leviathan in Isaiah chapter 27? What is the fruitful vineyard that we should sing about? Jacob and Israel have filled the Earth with the fruit of the gospel of Christ. The destruction of Jerusalem and removal of Israel from the promised land have brought about their salvation. Israelites are different from those of the nations that Jehovah will annihilate.

Isaiah predicts the captivity in Babylon

July 14, 2020

Upper Egypt along the Nile river is cursed in Isaiah 18. The symbolic language continues to flow in this book of prophecy. Egypt’s failure to follow Jehovah is the cause of their punishment.

The rest of Egypt does not avoid the displeasure of Yahweh in Isaiah 19. Egypt and her Pharaohs have previously encountered His power and anger. Civil war and outside enemies will bring the worldwide rule of the Nile community to an end. The power of the river to create wealth in the nation will cease. Even the king and his counselors and wise men will be made foolish. A treaty between Egypt, Assyria, and Israel is also predicted.

Cush and Egypt are again mentioned in Isaiah 20 as being captured and crushed. Isaiah’s prophecy covers another three years before these things happen. Those who followed these nations will be brought to shame.

Once again, we are looking at the prophecy against Babylon in Isaiah 21. The vision that comes to the prophet is intense. He suffers personal discomfort because of what he sees and hears. Being the lookout currently is very stressful. The chapter ends with more of what will happen to Edom and Arabia.

The prophecies of Isaiah 22 also are directed at Jerusalem. The leaders of the city will not die there. They will be captured outside the walls that had been built to protect them. Despite this the walls will be breached and torn apart. “Let us eat drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die.” comes from this chapter. The captivity of Judah in Babylonia is called for here. The death of the generations in this foreign land is also prophesied. Isaiah also tells us that Eliakim will occupy the throne in Jerusalem. His destruction is also foretold.

The destruction of Babylon

July 13, 2020

As we read Isaiah 13 which was written before Assyria destroyed Israel, we see that Babylon will also suffer destruction because of her involvement in the captivity of the Jews from Judah. The time will come when all the nations that taken to Babylon will be allowed to return to their homelands. The Medes will be part of this as they conquer the Babylonians.

We continue in Isaiah 14 with more assurance that Israel will return to the promised land in Palestine. They are still living in their homes when Isaiah is prophesying. Many do not believe that. They think that these scriptures must have been written years after Judah and the Northern Kingdom have been destroyed.

When King Ahaz died, we have the prophecy of the Philistines. They will also suffer as their enemies the Jews will. No country that had a problem with God’s people will escape His vengeance.

Moab is prophesied about in Isaiah 15. The distress of the country as the cities are laid waste is reported. Moab is just one more of the nations that have caused problems for Israel throughout the years. It is time now for them to pay for it as the others have.

Isaiah 16 continues the prophecy against the Moabites. Remember Ruth and the book of the Bible named for her? She was from Moab. She became David’s Great Grandmother. Moab remained an enemy of Israel for many years.

This Moabite woman is an ancestor of the house of David that verse five says it will have a man on the throne who will judge with justice. No one will be in Moab because of their pride and arrogance. A time frame of three years is given for the humiliation of these enemies of Israel.

Another prophecy against Damascus is included in Isaiah 17. The lands around Israel and Judah will eventually suffer their fate. Jehovah does not promise a remnant for all of them. When the destruction comes to Judah, the people will reject the false gods of Canaan. While desolation surrounds them, they will seek His face and protection.

Theft from the Lord?

July 11, 2020

Micah 1 tells us that he prophesied in the time of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. The first words from Jehovah are against both Samaria and Jerusalem. The sins of both nations are their downfall, just as our transgressions will result in our end.

Micah will mourn the people of Israel and Judah. Weeping, wailing, moaning, and shaving the head are methods that the Jews still use to show sadness. The sin is attributed to Samaria and spreading to Jerusalem. We often want to blame others for our faults. We have a choice to follow those that work evil or the ones that treat people fairly. We need to accept the punishment of our own decisions.

Do you know of someone who spends their time planning how to cheat, swindle, and steal? Micah 2 pronounces a curse on these people. This was what the well to do in Israel were doing.

False prophets are another problem. They say things that have not been told to them by Jehovah. This is still a problem. Many in our day speak messages they claim come from the Lord. As ministers, we must be very careful to only communicate what comes from God through the Bible. When we step out and add to the Word, claiming that we have been given special insight, we may fall into the role of false prophet.

Justice is a recurring theme in Micah and the third chapter is no exception. This prophet, like most of the others, reminds his listeners that their actions will determine their own fate. Micah reminds his hearers that while others have not followed Jehovah, he has felt the spirit’s impact on his life.

Christians, Muslims, and Jews view the Temple mount mentioned in Micah 4 as a holy site. The Word of Jehovah continues to be preached from the city of Jerusalem. Weapons have not become farming implements yet, but they will be. We will ultimately be led by our Lord. That prophecy is still to be fulfilled.

Continuing messianic prophecy in Micah 5 we read that Yahweh’s ruler will be beaten. Bethlehem is given as the place where He will be born. He will be a type of shepherd. He will be our peace. The Jews are predicted to be scattered throughout the world. The final predictions of destruction of the places of idol worship have already been completed.

Yahweh has a case against Israel in Micah 6. He asks what He has done to them. He then recounts the events of the exodus from Egypt and the travel to the promised land. What does He really want us to do as sacrifices? The question is, should the first born be sacrifice? This was a rhetorical question. We know that Jehovah in fact did that. Jesus was His son. For us our sacrifice should be to act justly and walk humbly with God. Violence, theft, and falsehood are the antithesis of what the Lord wants.

The misery of Israel as mentioned in Micah 7 is like our own. We bring it upon ourselves as they brought their own downfall. The strife and discord that is evident today and was at the time of the Kingdom of Israel.

They were waiting for the Savior whom we know as Jesus Christ. This chapter prophecies that He will come one day when Israel has regained their land. Jehovah is no other entity.

Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

Walk With a Servant

Tag: Prophecy