The Old Testament ends with the Minor Prophets. These prophets provided insight on many issues the Jews were facing. All of the prophets had the same ideas of a warning of impending judgment because of the nations’ sinfulness, the coming judgment, a call for repentance, and a promise of future deliverance of God’s grace. Idolatry, social injustice and religious ritualism are three issues that the prophets emphasized on in their teachings and can be inspired in the minds and hearts of believers today. The prophets’ teachings are just as important today as they were in the past. The teachings about God, the way man lived, social issues, and religious rituals are all relevant in the today’s society.
Idolatry is the worship of anything else
This can be described as people focusing on their self interests instead of others. The Israelites selfishness can be reflected onto our society today. Our society today is blinded by their personal needs and wealthy to help the needy. Humans must stay focused on God’s command and care for one another to be blessed. Our society’s selfish drive to succeed for one’s self has caused many to be left homeless, starving, and lead to great poverty in the nations around the world. The rich become wealthier and the poor become poorer.
Like the other prophets, Micah fought social injustice and idolatry. Nevertheless, Micah revealed insight on religious ritualism. Religious ritualism refers to structured worship rituals usually centered on a routine ritual or sacrifice instead of a genuine relationship with God. Jeremiah 7:9-10 shows the lives that the Israelites were living, “Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal and follow other gods you have not known, and then come and stand before me in this house, which bears my Name, and say, “We are safe”—safe to do all these detestable things?” God is not interested in the offerings and sacrifices that the Israelites brought Him but instead He is interested in man’s obedience to Him. God wants to see our obedience to Him reflected through our lifestyle. Jeremiah 7:23 states “Obey me and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in obedience