June – Calls to Return

See A Plan for Bible Reading for the year-long schedule of reading with downloadables.

The reading this month reveals that God continually calls His people to return to Him. Through kings, prophets, and even judgment itself, He exposes sin and invites repentance. Yet again and again, the deeper issue remains: a heart unwilling to fully trust and obey. Even so, God’s justice is never separated from His mercy, and His purposes continue to move His people and all creation toward restoration.

Week 1 — Hezekiah, Josiah, Judah’s fall

Reading: 2 Kings 18-25; 2 Chron. 29-36; Jonah (and Psalms 95-100; Songs 1-4)

The stories of Hezekiah and Josiah, who receive significant attention compared to many of Judah’s kings, give us deeper insight into the particular types of attitudes and actions that could lead to restoration. But there is still something missing in their leadership, revealing that outward reform cannot replace inward transformation. Jesus fulfills what these kings could not: perfect obedience, lasting restoration, and a kingdom that will never fall.

Guiding questions:

1. How does Hezikiah’s command to the Levites set a good foundation for his leadership?
2. Why does the messenger of Sennacherib focus on a spiritual message to the inhabitants of Jerusalem during the Assyrian attack?
3. How does Josiah restore proper worship of God in Jerusalem and why does this restoration ultimately fail?
4. How does the story of Jonah, a contemporary of these kings, give further insight to God’s judgement and mercy?

Week 2 — Calls to Repentance and Covenant Love

Reading: Joel; Amos; Hosea (and Songs 5-8)

The prophets act as God’s messengers, calling His people back to covenant faithfulness, exposing sin, and warning of judgment while holding out the hope of restoration. In Christ, we see the fullest expression of God’s covenant love, pursuing His people not only with words, but by entering into their brokenness to redeem them.

Guiding questions:

1. What are the common themes that we see in the words of these prophets?
2. How does the Song of Solomon give us deeper insight into God’s faithfulness and covenant love?
3. How does the story of Hosea illustrate the lengths to which God has gone and will go for those who have rejected His love and grace?

Week 3 — Prophecies of Judgement and Hope

Reading: Isaiah 1-23 (and Psalms 101-105)

The prophecies of Isaiah are for both Israel and Judah and focus more than any other on the coming of the Messiah. However, Isaiah has much to say also about God’s character and His judgement on the nations, including Israel and Judah. These chapters emphasize God’s holiness, the sin of the nations, and His righteous judgment, while also pointing toward future hope and redemption in Christ.

Guiding questions:

1. What do you find about the progression of events in the historical narratives of Isaiah?
2. How does Isaiah respond to the death of King Uzziah and how does this contrast God’s response?
3. What rhetorical tools does Isaiah use to communicate God’s message?
4. How should we respond to a deeper understanding of God’s holiness?

Week 4 — God’s Sovereignty and Judgement

Reading: Isaiah 24-39 (and Psalms 106-115)

These chapters expand the focus from Israel and Judah to all nations. God is revealed not only as the covenant Lord of His people, but as the sovereign ruler over all the earth. His judgment is universal, yet always purposeful, calling people back to Himself. Even in the midst of judgment, there are glimpses of hope, restoration, and the promise of a future King who will reign in righteousness.

Guiding questions:

1. How does Isaiah describe God’s authority over all nations, not just Israel and Judah?
2. What is the purpose of God’s judgment? Is it only punishment, or something more?
3. How do the historical events (such as Hezekiah’s story) illustrate trust in God or misplaced trust?
4. Where do you see hints of future hope and restoration in the midst of judgment?

Finishing Up — God’s Justice and Mercy

Reading: Micah (and Psalms 116-118)

Micah brings together the central message of the prophets: God’s judgment against sin and His deep commitment to mercy. He exposes injustice, false worship, and empty religion, while calling God’s people back to a life shaped by humility, justice, and faithful love. At the same time, Micah points forward to a coming ruler who will bring true peace and full restoration.

Guiding questions:

1. What does Micah identify as the core failures of God’s people?
2. How does Micah 6:8 summarize what God requires and how does this relate to covenant faithfulness?
3. How are justice and mercy held together in God’s character?
4. What hope does Micah offer for the future, and how does it point beyond Israel’s immediate situation?