August: Prophets & Messages
Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel — 4 Weekly Lessons
Week 1: Isaiah's Vision and Call
In the year King Uzziah died, Isaiah saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne with the train of his robe filling the temple. Seraphim flew around crying 'Holy, holy, holy.' Isaiah's immediate response was despair over his own sinfulness. But a seraph touched his lips with a burning coal, declaring his guilt removed. Then God asked 'Whom shall I send?' and Isaiah responded with one of Scripture's most famous answers: 'Here am I. Send me.' This encounter shows the pattern: vision of God's holiness, awareness of our sin, cleansing, and then commission.
Discussion Questions
- Why did seeing God's holiness make Isaiah immediately aware of his own sin?
- What does 'Here am I, send me' look like in practical daily life?
- How does God's cleansing prepare us for service?
Activity
Write a 'Here am I' commitment card with one specific area where you sense God calling you to serve.
The willing response to God's call
Week 2: Jeremiah: The Weeping Prophet
God called Jeremiah before he was born and appointed him as a prophet to the nations. When Jeremiah protested that he was too young, God assured him of divine protection and put his words in Jeremiah's mouth. Jeremiah's ministry was largely one of suffering — he was persecuted, imprisoned, and ignored by the very people he tried to save. Yet he faithfully delivered God's message for over forty years. His letter to the exiles included the beloved promise that God has plans to prosper and not to harm, plans to give hope and a future.
Discussion Questions
- How does God's response to Jeremiah's 'I'm too young' excuse encourage you?
- Why is Jeremiah called the weeping prophet? Is weeping a sign of weakness or strength?
- How does Jeremiah 29:11 comfort you during difficult times?
Activity
Write a letter of encouragement to someone going through a hard time, incorporating themes from Jeremiah's message.
Plans for hope and a future — God's promise to the exiled
Week 3: Ezekiel: Valley of Dry Bones
God brought Ezekiel to a valley full of dry, scattered bones and asked a strange question: Can these bones live? Ezekiel answered wisely — only God knew. God told him to prophesy to the bones, and as he did, a rattling sound filled the valley as bones came together, covered with tendons, flesh, and skin. Then God commanded Ezekiel to call the breath into them, and they stood up as a vast army. God explained that the bones represented Israel, seemingly dead in exile, but God would open their graves and restore them to their land.
Discussion Questions
- What 'dry bones' situation in your life or community needs God's breath?
- Why did God ask Ezekiel whether the bones could live?
- How does this vision give hope when situations seem completely dead?
Activity
Identify a 'dead' situation in your community (a closed business, broken relationship, declining neighborhood) and pray for God's restoration.
Can these bones live? Sovereign Lord, you alone know
Week 4: The Prophets' Consistent Message
Despite their different eras and audiences, the prophets shared a remarkably consistent message: God desires justice, mercy, and genuine relationship more than religious ritual. Micah summarized it perfectly — what does the Lord require? To act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. Amos delivered God's shocking declaration that he hated Israel's religious festivals because they were divorced from ethical living. The prophets teach that worship without justice is hypocrisy, and that God's primary concern is how we treat the vulnerable and oppressed.
Discussion Questions
- How do you balance religious practice with active justice and mercy?
- What would Amos say about our churches today?
- How can you practice Micah 6:8 this week?
Activity
Evaluate your church or group: on a scale of 1-10, how well do you practice justice, mercy, and humility? Create an improvement plan.
The prophets' three-word summary of what God requires