The twelve books of the Old Testament’s minor prophets may nothave the poetic cadence of one of King David’s psalms or the thrillingdrama of the Bible’s more historical books, but within their pages arefound some of Scripture’s most revealing glimpses into the very heart ofGod. Within each book one encounters unique and insightful aspects ofGod’s love, however sinful and rebellious His people may have been atthe time. In these pages we find a God of tenderness and compassion; aGod who bears hurt beyond measure at the hands of those He loves; aheartbroken God who knows that drastic measures must be taken beforeHis wayward people will return to Him.It is the purpose of this little devotional to highlight our HeavenlyFather’s love during a time in history when the people of Israel and Judahwere at their lowest spiritual point.This devotional has been divided into three sections:1. Prophets ministering primarily to the northern country of Israel.These include Jonah, Amos and Hosea which were written in the8th Century B.C. before Israel’s Assyrian exile in 722 B.C.2. Prophets ministering primarily to the southern kingdom of Judah.Joel, Micah, Nahum, Zephaniah, Habakkuk and Obadiah wereall written before Judah was taken into captivity by the Babyloniansin 586 B.C.3. The Post-Exilic Prophets.Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi were written to the people ofJudah after returning from their exile.Harsh and even difficult to digest at times, these twelve long-neglectedbooks tell us so much of what we need to know of the loving heart ofour Heavenly Father.As much as possible, these devotions have been arranged inchronological order.
