Assignment 6: Remembering the Prophets of the 8th Century

I think that the 8^th century prophets had a great influence on the social justice of that time. These prophets (the ones chosen by God) are the speakers of God. These prophets seem to be the last chance for the Israelites each time they turn away from God. It looks though that the prophets had little effect on the Israelites though because their lessons never really stick for a long period of time before they start to turn their backs on God again. I don’t really get why Israel is so stubborn to get away from God though. He even showed his power through some of these prophets and the Israelites act like these acts never even happened. I think that by sending the prophets shows that God has given up talking directly to the rulers of Israel. This shows that God is starting to give up (or at least getting severely frustrated) on His chosen people. I think all of these stories of the prophets show that God really cares about not getting ignored. The prophets also show brutal determination to try to spread the word of God. I think God really cares that the prophets (and people today for that matter) do what He tells them to even if there is a chance of punishment and torment. I think this implies that the proper worship of God requires determination and continuing faith. One thing that I think we can learn from the Israelites is that God cares about a lasting relationship instead of a being fickle and switching back and forth for personal gain. I think that if a prophet showed up today, I think that he would be disappointed with our lack of social justice. I think that he or she would say to the majority of America that they need to repent and stop being fickle like the Israelites. I also think that this prophet would say that our dedication needs a good stoking or reminder. I think that the prophet would also point out that many Americans have erected (even non-intentional) false gods like television and the people seen on them that we sometimes “worship.” Another thing that is wrong with our society that he or she would point out is that we sometimes take worship in vain and turn it into a social get-together instead of treating it as a time to be with God. I think that I need to remember these lessons that these prophets taught. It is hard for me to remember lessons like these in my everyday life let alone practice them. I do need to take these lessons and make them second nature in my life so that I will never forget them in spirit. Aside just remembering their lessons, I think that I can practice their lessons by letting go of some of my “gods” and “idols” like television, the internet, and even my friends sometimes. I always need to remember God is first in my life so that I don’t fall into the same problems the Israelites had with forgetting what and who is really important.