Kris Langham Introduces New Teacher for Habakkuk and Zephaniah
Hello Through the Word. Kris here with a quick announcement about two new plans in the Minor Prophets — and a new teacher!
But first, I want to express our heartfelt compassion and concern for the many people affected by both the earthquakes in Afghanistan and the heartbreaking conflict in Israel and Gaza. We pray for peace, for comfort for the grieving, and for hope.
Through the Word reaches people all over the world and in so many difficult circumstances. While it is certainly far beyond my ability to address or give answer to the many questions that arise in times of conflict or natural disaster, I do hope that God’s word brings solace. As His word has met me so often in the right time with the right word, I pray that he will do that for each of you.
Now, that said, I also have an announcement! And this one comes with a story. A couple years ago, my son was studying theology at university, and he kept telling me how much he loved his Minor Prophets class. Now if you know the minor prophets, you understand my surprise. So I had to meet the professor! Well, fast-forward to today, and I’m so excited to introduce you to Melanie Hurlbut as she shares her considerable teaching and storytelling talent with us — beginning with Habakkuk and Zephaniah.
And what a start! Habakkuk is a powerful lament from a prophet in despair.
And with all that’s going on in the world today, this one hits home. Listen to Habakkuk’s words:
“How long, O Lord, will I call out and you do not listen?
Why do you make me look at injustice? …
Destruction and violence are before me. ”
Habakkuk laments the violence he sees, and I can relate. And God’s response is stunning. In fact, it changed history — more than once. Phenomenal books. Outstanding guides.
And don’t forget! OUR BIGGEST APP ANNOUNCEMENT IN YEARS is almost here. I’ll give you a little hint… you might want to hear it…together.
Meet Melanie Hurlbut: New teacher on Through the Word
With an illustrious 25-year tenure at Youth With a Mission YWAM), Melanie Hurlbut served two decades in Penang, Malaysia while engaged in migrant ministries. Currently, she chairs the Intercultural Ministry Studies and Bible & Theology Program at Bethany Global University, bringing her extensive field experience to mentor the next generation of leaders. Melanie and her husband, Rick, are parents to four adult children.
“How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen?” Habakkuk is a prophet in distress, and the book that bears his name a deeply moving lament. Join Melanie Hurlbut for clear explanation and compelling storytelling through one of the Bible’s hidden gems. Follow Habakkuk’s story from lament to worship, and hear God’s stunning response—one that would change the course of history some two millennium later.
Nowhere else does God’s wrath come crashing together with his love more dramatically than in Zephaniah’s prophecy. “I will sweep away everything from the face of the earth” (Zeph 1:2). “He will quiet them with his love…and rejoice over them with singing” (Zeph 3:17). So how do we reconcile the two? Join Melanie Hurlbut for clear explanation and compelling storytelling as we journey together through Zephaniah.