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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise Amos reminded Israel of your greatness: “For behold, he who forms the mountains and creates the wind, and declares to man what is his thought, who makes the morning darkness, and treads on the heights of the earth—the Lord, the God of hosts, is his name!” (Amos 4:13). You are worthy of my praise today, and I bow in worship before the majesty of your power! Today in Your Word Today you told me more about Amos’ prophecy to the northern kingdom of Israel. Amos condemned Samaria’s sinful women: “You cows of Bashan…who crush the needy” (Amos 4:1). These women selfishly urged their husbands to oppress the poor in order to support their lavish lifestyles. Amos condemned Israel’s false worship: “Come to Bethel, and transgress; to Gilgal, and multiply transgression” (Amos 4:4). The people exceeded the requirements of the law (they tithed every three days instead of every three years; cf. Deut 14:28), but that only increased their sin because their hearts were not right with you. This teaches me that people will often substitute good works and religious service for genuine love and obedience. Amos condemned Israel’s stubbornness: “I also withheld the rain from you…yet you did not return to me” (Amos 4:7–8). You sent disaster after disaster on the people, but they would not repent. This teaches me that you often use calamity and misfortune to get the attention of sinners. How tragic when people ignore the very discipline that is designed to bring them to repentance! Amos warned the people that their rejection of you had sealed their fate. He even sang a funeral song for Israel and proclaimed a woe oracle against them. Yet as he pictured Israel’s coming demise, Amos urged the people: “Hate evil, and love good, and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the Lord, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph” (Amos 5:15). This teaches me that even in judgment, you are reaching out to sinners, longing for them to repent and turn to you. How wonderful is love like this! Reflection You told the people: “Prepare to meet your God, O Israel!” (Amos 4:12). This warning reminds me that I too will someday stand before you. Am I ready to face the judge of all the earth? Request Father, help me to avoid the sin of Israel in Amos’ day. Keep me from an empty form of godliness that denies your true power and clings stubbornly to self and sin (2 Tim 3:5). Thanksgiving Thank you for sending prophets like Amos to speak the truth to wicked and rebellious sinners. You want nothing more than to be able to bless rather than destroy (Amos 5:14–15). In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Prepare to Meet Thy God” — J. H. Stanley. Meditation Verse: Amos 5:24. |