Episode 3: March 11th.
Chapters 13 – 23
The Last Judgment (1536-1541)
By Michaelangelo, Sistine Chapel, Vatican City, Rome.
These ten chapters are full of judgments against the various nations surrounding Israel and Judah, from Assyria to Egypt. Israel has a choice (as we all do) regarding where it places its trust: in human alliances or God. The theological underpinning of the book is that God is sovereign and in control of not only Israel but all nations. Their downfall, due to arrogance and profane behavior, serves as a warning to Israel to amend her current ways. Yet God has only redemption and peace for Israel, providing a needed note of hope.
Episode 4: April 8th.
Chapters 24 - 27
The Resurrection, by Piero delia Francesca, 1480,
Museo Civico, Sansepoloro, Italy.
These chapters are also referred to as the “Little Apocalypse” of the book, complete with a vision of judgment and hope. Providing dramatic contrasts, the prophet tells of both the desolation of judgment and the joy of the righteous, including their triumph over death. A planned feast reminds one of the banqueting tables of the parables and later Revelation. A sense of divine justice is explained by the wicked being punished and the righteous being victorious, illustrating God’s final destruction of evil.