Inscribe the Word - July Scripture Writing Plan
This July, I am so excited to be inscribing two of the major Old Testament prophets: Isaiah and Jeremiah. When categorizing the books of the Bible, you will find two divisions in the prophetic books of the Old Testament; major and minor prophets. Please note - this way of separating the books does not mean that certain prophets are better or more relevant than others. Isaiah’s message (major prophet) is no greater than Amos’ (minor prophet). Nahum’s prophecies (minor prophet) are no less important than Daniel’s (major prophet) This division of major and minor prophets has to do with the size and volume of their books and not the relevance of their message. All of these prophets are “major” prophets in the book of the Lord.
WHY WRITE THROUGH THE BIBLE ?
This year we began a new series here at A Symphony of Praise called “READ THE BIBLE IN A YEAR.” This plan is a minimalistic, simple, and efficient way to read the Bible in a year. As I was praying about the direction for Inscribe the Word in 2019, I felt in my heart to go along with the reading plan as we WRITE THE BIBLE in a year. Now before you get nervous - no, we aren’t writing the entire Bible (although that is a dream of mine to accomplish!). We are taking gleanings out of the Scriptures and writing parts of the chapters.
The word glean means to collect bit by bit gradually. We are going to collect some of the key treasures out of the entire collection of sixty-six books of the Bible. It is going to be thrilling and exciting, and I cannot wait to start writing (and reading) the Word with you this year.
GLEANINGS FROM The Poetic Books of the O.T.
In January, we started with the first two books of the Bible; Genesis and Exodus.
In February, we finished the Pentateuch, the Law, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
In March, we inscribed part one of the Historical books of the Old Testament.
In April, we inscribed part two of the Historical books of the Old Testament.
In May, we inscribed The Psalms.
In June, we finished the poetic books with Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon.
This month, we turn our attention to Isaiah and Jeremiah which will begin our study on the Old Testament Prophets.
An Important note
When reading the Bible, it is imperative that you read in context. You cannot pick and point out a verse and apply it to your life. You must understand the context surrounding the verse. Isaiah and Jeremiah contain prophecies for Israel and Judah. These prophecies do not apply to us. HOWEVER, there are amazing spiritual truths to be found throughout these books that DO APPLY to us today. There are lessons that we can learn from the mistakes of Judah and Israel and the kings that ruled them. We see the attributes of God and His character throughout these books and as we know; our God does not change.
ISAIAH.
WHO: The author of the book of Isaiah is the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah most likely came from an aristocratic home and was married to a prophet. (Is. 8:3)
WHEN: As you study the books of the Old Testament prophets, it is necessary to place them in historical context. The prophets wrote during the time of 1 Samuel to 2 Chronicles. Except for Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi who prophesied during the exile. You can find their historical account in Ezra and Nehemiah.
Isaiah, therefore, prophesied during the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah; all kings of Judah. (Is. 1:1)
WHERE: The majority of the book of Isaiah is written and takes place near and around Jerusalem. Isaiah is writing for Israel and Judah.
PURPOSE: The purpose of vision and prophecies given to Isaiah was to urge the nation of Judah to return to the Lord. But Isaiah has another incredible purpose. He foretells of the Messiah and the salvation and deliverance that can only come through Jesus.
THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH.
WHO: The book of Jeremiah was written by the prophet Jeremiah. This prophetic book is unique in that Jeremiah gives us much of his personal story; something the other prophets do not give.
WHEN: As you study the books of the Old Testament prophets, it is necessary to place them in historical context. The prophets wrote during the time of 1 Samuel to 2 Chronicles. Except for Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi who prophesied during the exile. You can find this historical account in Ezra and Nehemiah.
Jeremiah prophesied during the reigns of Josiah, Jehoiakim, and Zedekiah; all king of Judah. He prophesied until the beginning of the carrying away of Jerusalem into Babylonian captivity. (Jeremiah 1:1-3)
WHERE: The original audience for the book of Jeremiah was the people of Judah and its capital Jerusalem.
PURPOSE: The purpose of the message given by God to Jeremiah is to urge God’s people to repent and turn from their sins. Unfortunately, not one person listened to Jeremiah’s warnings. He never made a convert. His message didn’t turn any hearts back to God. What a picture of the apostate nature of Judah and Israel.
My prayer is that through these first of the Prophetic Books, you see Jesus.
In ISAIAH, He is the PRINCE OF PEACE.
In JEREMIAH, He is THE RIGHTEOUS BRANCH.
I pray through this study, you are blessed!
With All My Heart,
E R I K A M I C H E L L E
