We will read and finish four books this week: Daniel, Hosea, Joel and Amos. A word about each:

While it is helpful to have some understanding of the complexities of the historical context of Daniel, it is very possible to read the book and hear its message by simply being aware of a few details:

• Daniel was composed during a time of oppression, suffering, and persecution.

• The book can be divided into two parts:

• Daniel was being groomed for service in Babylon, resulting in the tension between obedience to God and obedience to an earthly power, which is at the heart of this book.

It is amazing how clearly Daniel speaks a word of hope into our world today.

Chronologically, in Hosea, we go backwards in time from the book of Daniel. Hosea prophesied during the final chaotic years of the Northern Kingdom. During the last 25 years of the Northern Kingdom, there were six kings: four were assassinated by their successors, one was captured, and just one was succeeded by his son. The message Hosea speaks to the Israelites is a call to repentance, most particularly for their failure to acknowledge God. Read especially Hosea 13:6.

Joel was a contemporary of both Hosea and Amos. Like Amos, he was from the Southern Kingdom. He prophesied during and after a terrible locust plague and used that catastrophe as a way to speak about the abiding presence of God. Joel's claim to fame might be that his words were quoted by Peter on the Day of Pentecost when in the first sermon delivered to the Christian Church. (Starting at Acts 2:17)

Amos' primary concern is for the downtrodden. His message is a judgement against God's people for benefiting at the expense of others. Amos points to a God who rules the whole universe and makes it clear that God's purposes and concerns reach far beyond their borders. (Amos 5:24)

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In recent months we have spent many days, even weeks reading through a single book. This week may feel like a bit of a whirlwind as we read through four prophets in just seven days! There is no doubt: it is challenging to keep of them and keep their messages straight. You might become frustrated just trying to remember what century we are in.

Remember, this is not a Bible Study. We are reading, not to remember everything, but rather to listen for the still small voice of God speaking out of the story to us today.

Begin your reading with an invocation (which means a summoning, or an invitation). These are the words we use in worship: "In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen." Invite God into your quiet time. And then listen.