The ‘If-Then’s’ of the Prophets

[396 words] Working your way through the major or minor prophets, where God is rebuking His people, it can become tedious to read. However, as one reads along, a reader will invariably come across an “if-then” statement. A good Bible student will note and highlight these if-then statements because they indicate application of God’s word to the people to whom they are being spoken. These if-then statements are landmarks NOT to be ignored. They can and will remind us of:  God’s infinite goodness. Like a parent not wanting their child to make a choice that would lead to difficulty, God offers, in His goodness, an understanding of good choices and bad choices—of positive ends and negative ends. If we appreciate His goodness, then we will choose what’s right (Is. 1:18-20).  God’s limited patience. God is always good, but God’s patience with people who continually choose what is wrong will not…