Amos 3
Today’s Passage: Amos 3
Amos is a minor prophet. This is not because his book is less important but because it is shorter. During this time “both Judah and Israel were enjoying prosperity and security. Luxury abounded, and “religion” was popular” (Warren Wiersbe) but the moral fiber of the people was eroding. “Making money was more important than worshiping God; the rich exploited the poor, the judicial system was corrupt, and injustice flourished.” (Warren Wiersbe)
This is quite a context for this book! Amos is calling the people out and calling them up! He wants them to repent and turn to Jesus.
A major theme of this book is the justice of God and how God will not let sin go unpunished. God is patient and yet judgment exists. We see this in the New Testament in Romans 1.
In Amos 3, God, through Amos, is warning them of this impending judgment. I believe one of the key verses in chapter 3 is verse 10…
“They do not know how to do right,” declares the LORD”
Their moral fiber was being eroded. Verse 11 starts with therefore…
Because they were worshiping things other than God…
Because they were not making God their #1 priority…
Because they were okay with “religion” instead of worship…
God sent judgment. He pronounces it here in verses 11-15.
I think the logical question is… why?
Because God is holy… 1 Samuel 12:2…
“There is none holy like the Lord; there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God.”
This means He is perfect. He is separate. He is righteous. This means He is also just. Romans 6:23 tells us what we earn for our sin… DEATH. But this verse also reminds us where hope is found. It is found in Jesus and Jesus alone.
We too live in a world where:
How can we keep our hearts' affections pure for God? How can we follow after Him?
He is HOLY, but our HOPE is in Jesus. Thank Jesus today that He has made a way for us to be made new in Him. Don’t forget 1 Peter 1:16…
“Since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
Written By: Nick Parsons
Amos is a minor prophet. This is not because his book is less important but because it is shorter. During this time “both Judah and Israel were enjoying prosperity and security. Luxury abounded, and “religion” was popular” (Warren Wiersbe) but the moral fiber of the people was eroding. “Making money was more important than worshiping God; the rich exploited the poor, the judicial system was corrupt, and injustice flourished.” (Warren Wiersbe)
This is quite a context for this book! Amos is calling the people out and calling them up! He wants them to repent and turn to Jesus.
A major theme of this book is the justice of God and how God will not let sin go unpunished. God is patient and yet judgment exists. We see this in the New Testament in Romans 1.
In Amos 3, God, through Amos, is warning them of this impending judgment. I believe one of the key verses in chapter 3 is verse 10…
“They do not know how to do right,” declares the LORD”
Their moral fiber was being eroded. Verse 11 starts with therefore…
Because they were worshiping things other than God…
Because they were not making God their #1 priority…
Because they were okay with “religion” instead of worship…
God sent judgment. He pronounces it here in verses 11-15.
I think the logical question is… why?
Because God is holy… 1 Samuel 12:2…
“There is none holy like the Lord; there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God.”
This means He is perfect. He is separate. He is righteous. This means He is also just. Romans 6:23 tells us what we earn for our sin… DEATH. But this verse also reminds us where hope is found. It is found in Jesus and Jesus alone.
We too live in a world where:
- Luxury abounds.
- Prosperity is present.
- “Security” is attainable.
- And religion can be popular - Cultural Christianity
How can we keep our hearts' affections pure for God? How can we follow after Him?
He is HOLY, but our HOPE is in Jesus. Thank Jesus today that He has made a way for us to be made new in Him. Don’t forget 1 Peter 1:16…
“Since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
Written By: Nick Parsons
1 Comment
It sure is reassuring to read again and again that our hope is in Jesus! That hope helps us to keep our eyes focused on the holy one! Thanks Nick!!