Amos 1:1-6:14
The Lord delivered some terrible news through His servant Amos. It was
an announcement of His impending judgment for the sins of His people and their
neighbors. All that Moses had warned would happen (if the people rejected the
Lord) was about to come true.
Two centuries have passed since the split of Israel. Kings for both
Israel and Judah had forsaken God to worship the deities of other nations.
Every immorality that accompanies idolatry had invaded their borders. While
both nations were guilty of apostasy, Judah had a few notable leaders who tried
to please the Lord. Israel, on the other hand, had no one who did right in the
sight of God. In fact, they consistently invited, even initiated, evil; consequently,
God began to hasten Israel’s destruction.
Israel was on the run from God and on the run to ruin. The people’s
sin snowballed with each king. They ignored God; and since they did not repent,
the Lord did not relent, rather He slowly began to dismantle the nation. Bit by
bit, God tore Israel apart. The end was near.
Though these events are in the distant past, I believe there are some
applicable truths for us today. First, while God is slow to anger, He still
gets angry.
His holy nature demands that He punish sin; His patience gives way to justice.
Second, did you notice that Amos prophesied judgment against other
countries? Every nation is accountable to God; He is the Judge of
them all.
Even our country cannot do whatever it pleases without experiencing the consequences
of our actions. Our choice to reject Him and despise His Word will not go
unpunished.
Third, before God judges, He warns by sending prophets (3:3) and allowing
disasters (4:6-13). It is a common misconception that God is heartless, that He is quick
to judge; yet, Scripture tells us that He is quick to show mercy.
Fourth, when people repent of sin, God relents of His wrath. God hates sin,
but He loves to forgive. He told His people, “Come back to Me and live! Do what
is good and run from evil, that you may live!” (5:6, 14).
Daily Reflection
God was most offended by the people whom He had loved and protected
and provided for. While they gave Him lip-service, they did not love Him with
their hearts. “I hate all your show,” He said, “and your pretense, the hypocrisy of
your festivals and assemblies... Away with your hymns of praise! They are only
noise to My ears! Instead, I want to see a mighty flood of justice, a river of
righteous living” (5:21-24).
Is their hypocrisy in your life? Are you pretending to love Him with
your words and actions while your heart is far from Him? Are you putting on a
show for others? Examine your attitude, your motives, your religious routines.
What do they reveal about your true love?
“Prepare to meet
your God as He comes in judgment” (4:12). These might be the most frightening words in
the Bible. God is not out to get you. He desires a relationship with you, but He cannot ignore
continual defiance and sin. Are you on the run to God or away from Him?
Make sure that when you meet the Lord, He says to you, “Well done,” instead of
“What have you done?”
BiAY.org | Day 172 — 193 Days to Go
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