Which is your favorite "major" prophet? (at least right now)
We have heard it a zillion times, “There is nothing minor about the minor prophets. Minor refers to the size of their books, not their message, ministry, or impact.” But one thing is not stated that needs to be: It is a lot easier to preach through a minor prophetic book than it is a major one!
Many of us who do so, do so in sections or summaries, often with omissions. I am completing a series in Isaiah 40-66 that I have broken into three sections, spreading out the series over the years. I did a number of sermons in Jeremiah, and I once did 25 sermons from Ezekiel. There is so much good preaching in the major prophets!
But of the major prophetic books: Isaiah, Jeremiah (we can include Lamentations as part of Jeremiah), Ezekiel, and Daniel, which is your favorite? And you migh share why this is the case, and any experiences you had either sitting under a series on one of these books or preaching such a series (or teaching/being taught).
You might also comment if, in your experience, the major prophets are given enough “air time.” They take up a large chunk of the Bible — are they preached in proportion to their size?
Personally, I am pumped up about them all. For those of you who choose “other,” please explain. I have tried to make “other” impossible for you “other” addicts!
Poll Results
Which is your favorite “major” prophet? (at least right now)
Isaiah Votes: 4
Jeremiah Votes: 3
Ezekiel Votes: 3
Daniel Votes: 8
Two of the above about equally Votes: 0
Three of the above equally Votes: 1
All four of the above equally Votes: 3
I don’t get into the major prophets Votes: 0
Other Votes: 0
- 3 views
A few reasons:
- The clarity of the revelation about Israel’s future restoration
- The complete, innate apostasy of mankind, as revealed in the passage where God’s glory leaves the temple (Eze 8-10). Israel demonstrated that people, no matter what the incentive is, will always choose sin and Satan over the Lord. Israel’s failure to keep the Mosaic Covenant, which had a mechanism for forgiveness and atonement built into it (!), proves our need for a new and better covenant that’s not dependent on us at all.
- The information on the New Covenant, what it means, what it accomplishes.
Tyler is a pastor in Olympia, WA and works in State government.
I voted Daniel for the following reasons:
1. Familiarity-I have studied it to a much greater degree than the other books.
2. Much more “bite sized” (probably explains 1.).
3. I love the personal devotion of Daniel in the midst of seemingly impossible circumstances.
4. Historical- so much interesting and confirming historical detail.
5. Eschatological- I enjoy the eschatological emphasis.
As far as the “air time” of the majors, in general I would say at my church they may be preached slightly less than they could be but they are not ignored.
I love all the prophets, but Isaiah stands out for me. So much of the New Testament is an exposition of Isaiah — like a lot of Romans, for example. And Isaiah 53— no chapter does a better job of describing the theology of the atonement. His vision of God in chapter 6, and all the amazing Millennial prophecies, allusions to the Holy Spirit, and great verses of comfort.
Maybe, of course, it is just because I have finished preaching through 40-66?
But I love ‘em all. Good to hear why you like your favorite.
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