Compare 2 Chronicles 24:19 with Hebrews 1:1-2 on God's communication methods. God’s Persistent Pursuit in the Old Testament • 2 Chronicles 24:19: “Nevertheless, He sent prophets to bring them back to the LORD; they testified against them, but they would not listen.” • God’s covenant people drifted into idolatry, yet the LORD kept reaching out. – “Sent prophets” shows repeated, active initiative (Jeremiah 7:25; Amos 3:7). – Purpose: “to bring them back”—restoration, not mere reprimand (Isaiah 1:18). – Human response: “they would not listen” (cf. 2 Kings 17:13-14). • Communication method: multiple prophetic messengers, each echoing God’s very words (Deuteronomy 18:18). Prophets: Voices Sent Again and Again • Variety of mediums: – Spoken oracles (Isaiah 1:10). – Symbolic acts (Ezekiel 4:1-3). – Written scrolls (Jeremiah 36:2). • Frequency: “Again and again” (Jeremiah 25:4) highlights divine patience. • Limitation: though authoritative, the prophets were servants; their words were preparatory and often partial (1 Peter 1:10-11). The Ultimate Word: God Speaks in His Son – “On many past occasions and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets.” – “But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe.” • Key contrasts: – Then: “many past occasions… many ways.” Now: “in these last days… by His Son.” – Servants vs. Son (Matthew 21:33-37). – Fragmentary vs. full revelation (John 1:18; Colossians 1:15-19). • The Son’s qualifications: – Heir of all things. – Agent of creation. – Exact imprint of God’s nature (Hebrews 1:3). Continuity and Fulfillment • Same God, same redemptive purpose; method escalates from prophets to Person. • Prophets foretold the coming of the greater revelation (Deuteronomy 18:15-19; Isaiah 7:14; 9:6). • Jesus embodies and completes the prophetic word (Luke 24:25-27). Implications for Us Today • Scripture’s sufficiency: God’s final, decisive word centers on Christ (John 14:9). • Listening becomes urgent: refusal in the past brought judgment (2 Chron 24); neglecting the Son brings greater accountability (Hebrews 2:1-3). • Relationship over ritual: communication climaxing in Christ invites personal fellowship, not mere information (John 17:3). Takeaway Snapshot • Old Covenant: many prophets, many attempts—God’s relentless pursuit. • New Covenant: One Son, one supreme revelation—God’s climactic declaration. • Our call: Hear Him, trust Him, and respond in obedient faith (Matthew 17:5; James 1:22-25). |
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