November 30-December 6: Micah; Nahum; Habakkuk; Zephaniah
"He Delighteth in Mercy"
Joshua Baird (American, born 1979)
By Design (2004)
Oil on board, 19 x 24 inches
Private collection
Used with permission of the artist
The book of Micah, confronts Israel and Judah for their corruption and false leadership, but it promises future restoration and the coming of a ruler from Bethlehem. Nahum focuses on the downfall of Nineveh, declaring that God will bring justice against its cruelty and oppression. Habakkuk records a dialogue between the prophet Habakkuk and God, where he questions why injustice is allowed, and God responds that justice will come in time. Zephaniah warns of the coming “day of the Lord,” a time of judgment for sin but also future renewal for those who seek God. Together, these books move between warnings of judgment and promises of hope and restoration.
While pondering the theme of justice within these chapters, consider Joshua Baird's painting By Design, which contains symbols that invite thoughts of the universal in a contemporary landscape. In your reading, investigate the theme of humility. Found especially in Micah’s call to live justly, love mercy, and walk humbly. These books wrestle with the question of why injustice and suffering exist. Showing that faith is often trusting in God through uncertainty. They highlight hope, pointing toward restoration and renewal after judgment.
These books feel especially relevant in a world where questions about fairness, justice, and suffering are still very real. They challenge people to not just talk about values like kindness and justice, but to find ways to live them. Habakkuk’s honest questioning reminds us that it’s okay to wrestle with difficult questions rather than ignoring them. We are encourage to balance humility, action, and hope. Ultimately trusting in the Lord to be with us always.
Gospel Questions
1. Love is given life through action. How do you like to be loved? Keeping that in mind, How then should you love mercy?
2. Suffering often brings with it difficult questions. What are some unexpected answers you've recieved through difficult times?
3. Walk Humbly. Does your idea of humility change when you consider doing it on the move?
For Children and Youth
Hi. God promises his people that even when bad things happen, He can make them right again.
1. How can you help God to make wrong things right again?
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