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Reflections Podcast
Reflections Podcast
Reflections • Episode 26
The Deep Anguish of God
15m • June 16, 2021

Why is there so much anger and violence in the Old Testament books of the prophets?

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The prophetic books are intense, so it's easy to skip ahead to more comfortable portions of the Bible. But Jesus often used the prophets' words to describe what he was all about. So if we want to know Jesus, we need to read the prophets. And as we do, we can learn that when God's people reject him, they are rejecting life itself. The disorder, chaos, and suffering that results is painful and it grieves God. But there is hope that God's people can return to the life that he offers.

Bible Reading Jeremiah 4:16-28

Reflection Questions

  1. Imagine the power of the moment when God spoke, “let there be light” and said it was good. What is one way you've experienced God's goodness as you've followed his life-giving words?
  2. When we reject God's life-giving words, sooner or later we are left with darkness, chaos, and void. This causes deep anguish. What is one way you have experienced anguish when you or others have rejected God's words?
  3. Take a moment to reflect in prayer. Ask God for one specific way you can respond to his words today. Listen for what he brings to mind.

Show Credits Host: Cheree Hayes Message: Dr. Tim Mackie Bible Reading: Michelle Jones Production: Dan Gummel Theme music: Grant William Harold Background Music: "Tides" by Some Were at Sea

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2 Chronicles 36:22-23  –  13m
Looking Back to Look Forward
13m
Malachi 3:16-4:6  –  13m
Treasured by God
13m
Daniel 7:9-14  –  13m
There’s Hope in the Nightmare
13m
Esther 4:1-17  –  16m
Who Does God Choose to Work Through?
16m
Ezra 4:1-3, Isaiah 56:3-8  –  15m
Is God Inclusive?
15m
Ezekiel 36:22-36  –  14m
Promise for New Hearts
14m
Lamentations 3:19-33  –  14m
Learning How to Grieve from Lamentations
14m
Jeremiah 4:16-28, 1 Thessalonians 5  –  15m
The Deep Anguish of God
15m
Song of Songs 8:6-7  –  15m
Wisdom from Sensual Love Poetry?
15m
Ecclesiastes 4:4-12  –  15m
One Handful of Rest
15m
Isaiah 42:1-16  –  14m
Power of Metaphor
14m
Proverbs 1:1-7  –  13m
How to Live Wisely
13m
Job 38:1-18, Job 42:1-6  –  15m
How God Replies to Job’s Suffering
15m
Jonah 4:1-11, Exodus 34:5-9, 1 Kings 19:3-5  –  14m
God’s Mercy on Our Enemy
14m
Hosea 14:1-9  –  14m
What God Wants From Us
14m
Isaiah 61  –  12m
What Good News Looks Like
12m
1 John 1  –  12m
Message of the Prophets
12m
2 Kings 25  –  14m
What God Does About Suffering
14m
1 Kings 6  –  14m
Redeeming Disappointment
14m
2 Samuel 7  –  14m
Faithful Through Failure
14m
1 Samuel 2  –  13m
When You Feel Powerless
13m
Ruth 2  –  12m
How God Treats His Enemies
12m
Judges‬ 2  –  12m
When We Walk Out on God
12m
14m
Deuteronomy 30  –  11m
Understanding Ancient Law
11m
Deuteronomy 4  –  12m
God's Wisdom on Display
12m
Numbers 13  –  11m
Trusting God in the Wilderness
11m
Leviticus 25  –  13m
Gift of Rest
13m
Hebrews 10  –  12m
Meaning of Sacrifice
12m
Exodus 19  –  12m
Rescued for a Purpose
12m
Exodus 3  –  15m
When We Cry Out
15m
Genesis 32  –  13m
Wrestling God
13m
Genesis 1-3  –  15m
Why God Gave Choice
15m

Reflect

Once you've listened to the podcast, take time to reflect on these questions.

  1. Imagine the power of the moment when God spoke, “Let there be light” and said it was good. What is one way you’ve experienced God’s goodness as you’ve followed his life-giving words?
  2. When we reject God’s life-giving words, sooner or later we are left with darkness, chaos, and void. This causes deep anguish. What is one way you have experienced anguish when you or others have rejected God’s words?
  3. Take a moment to reflect in prayer. Ask God for one specific way you can respond to his words today. Listen for what he brings to mind.

Go Deeper

If you would like to dive deeper, use these Scriptures and questions for personal study or small group discussion.

Message Question:
How did Tim’s message challenge or encourage you today?

Read: Jeremiah 4:16-28, 1 Thessalonians 5

The prophetic books are intense, so it’s easy to skip ahead to more comfortable portions of the Bible. But Jesus often used the prophets’ words to describe what he was all about. So if we want to know Jesus, we need to read the prophets. And as we do, we can learn that when God’s people reject him, they are rejecting life itself. The disorder, chaos, and suffering that results is painful and it grieves God. But there is hope that God’s people can return to the life that he offers. We see this hope fulfilled in the life of Jesus. Instead of God’s people suffering the exile they deserve, Jesus took it upon himself through his death and overwhelmed it through his resurrection. Now all who trust in him can experience a new creation life. Let’s reflect on this.

  1. God expressed anguish over his people as they suffered a violent exile (see Jeremiah 4:19-21). What comes to mind as you imagine God in anguish? Review Jeremiah 4:23-28 as you consider how creation itself mourned with God. What do you notice?
  2. Each generation faces the same stakes that Israel did in Jeremiah’s day. For another example, read 1 Thessalonians 5. With this in mind, what is one practical way you can encourage others to respond to Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:9-11)?
  3. Take note of three specific words of warning, instruction, and encouragement that Paul lists in 1 Thessalonians 5. Which one stands out to you and why?
  4. Let your readings and reflections prompt a prayer. Talk to God about what inspired awe, be honest about any of the ways you might relate to Israel’s covenant unfaithfulness, and ask for his help to honor him as the creator and sustainer of your life.
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