God Speaks
The LORD Has Lost Patience with Israel and Other Nations; He Will Destroy, and He will Restore.
Verse of the Day: The Sovereign LORD has sworn by Himself–the LORD God Almighty declares: “I abhor the pride of Jacob and detest his fortresses; I will deliver up the city and everything in it.” [plus] I will plant Israel in their own land, never again to be uprooted from the land I have given, says the LORD your God. [presence or absence of quotes according to original] (Amos 6:8 and 9:15 NIV 2011)
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We Respond
Reflection
Consider the following questions regarding Amos 6-9:
> 1. What does this chapter tell me about God?
> 2. What does this chapter tell me about the human beings He created?
Here is one possible answer to each of these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit if there are any others for you personally to ponder.
Amos 6
1. God holds prominent, wealthy people responsible for their actions and attitudes toward Him and other people especially the poor.
2. People tend to rely on and even flaunt their wealth instead depending on the LORD.
Amos 7
1. God allows people like Amos to persuade Him to relent.
2. People like Amos who speak the truth may face persecution.
Amos 8
1. God will deal with those who oppress the poor or are impatient to get on with business instead of worshiping God.
2. People tend to want to do their own thing instead of following God and His word and ways.
Amos 9
1. God is willing to destroy His own temple and people in order to draw them back to Himself in repentance and faith.
2. People tend to try to hide or get away from the LORD God and His judgment for their sin and arrogance.
Prayer: Dear Father God and Judge of all the earth, You are sovereign over everything. You never discipline Your children without reason or warning. You shared Your plans with Amos multiple times and allowed him to persuade You to relent at least twice. There does come a point, however, where it is better for children to learn the negative consequences of their behavior and take responsibility to change that behavior. As I look at my own life, I see that principle played out. Thank You for being such a loving and wise father. I see the need for such firm discipline in my family, my community, my region, my nation, and the world. Sin is rampant and recently more blatant and obvious. You have warned us repeatedly in Your Word, by Your prophets, and though various circumstances. You have every right to take forceful action; instead, please in Your grace, apply the efficacy of the blood of Jesus Christ over every sin that Your people bring to You. Then individual people, communities, and nations will be restored and saved. Once again, Your people will faithfully trust and obey You. You will receive the glory and thanks You so deserve. AMEN
Action: (Ask God, the Holy Spirit, if He wants you to work on one of the suggestions below or something else more personal that He points out.)
- I will study the history of my nation’s interaction with God (both good and bad) so that I can pass the truth on to future generations.
- I will pray for and participate in opportunities to guide the people of my family, community, and nation such as voting or running for office.
- I will speak up the next time someone seeks to defame God, His people, or His work in the world.
- I will check my own heart and life to see if I am truly trusting and obeying God.
Share: I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________.