Jan 29, 2023
Scripture Reading: Amos 4,5
Much of the book of Amos is a catalog of the sins of the northern kingdom of Israel, as God reasons with the people to see their rebellion for what it is and turn to Him for mercy and life.
God reminds the Israelites of their great privileges of His grace. God had destroyed Israel's enemies so they could live in the promised land (Amos 2:9). He had brought the Israelites out of Egypt and sustained them for forty years in the wilderness (Amos 2:10). He raised up prophets to bring the word of God to them (Amos 2:11).
In spite of these wonderful privileges, the people of Israel obstinately and repeatedly rebelled against God and His law. "They do not know how to do right . . . those who store up violence and robbery in their strongholds" (Amos 3:10). Their rituals of worship were abominable to the Lord. "I hate, I despise your feasts, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies" (Amos 5:25).
Still, God pled with these wayward, wicked people to seek Him that they might live. "Seek me and live . . . seek the LORD and live . . . seek good and not evil" (Amos 5:4,6,14).
The message of Amos is highly applicable to our country. We have had unusual spiritual privileges for 400 years, but have increasingly spurned God's graces and ignored the gospel of Christ. The violence and sexual perversions and general lawlessness in our land reveals the rebellion against God that pervades our culture. Let us plead with the Almighty for the success of the gospel because of His grace and mercy.