Amos 4
Today's Passage: Amos 4
Amos 4 is in the context of the judgement of God on Israel. One of the specific refrains repeated for intended affect in verses 6-11 is: “yet you did not return to me.” Each stanza in these verses list the judgement of God that was meant to lead the people of Israel to repentance.
This leads us to pray and reflect on the discipline of God in our own lives. I think it’s obvious to say that we should hope and pray to be less rebellious and hard-hearted than the Israelites. But we must also be sober minded enough to realize that one of the reasons God likely included this in the Bible is to warn us that we too can be this hard-hearted and rebellious!
So, the correct response to the discipline of God then, is to be thankful and repent. Look at some of the different ways the Bible writes of discipline in the Old Testament:
11 My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, 12 for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights. Proverbs 3:11-12
Embrace the discipline of God in your life! Just like a loving father is meant to discipline the children that he loves, so our heavenly Father disciplines those he loves.
12 Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O Lord, and whom you teach out of your law. Psalm 92:12
The discipline of God can feel like a curse in the moment, but with perspective, it is seen as a blessing. This does not mean that it is not without pain or sacrifice. But it is worth it.
What a great reminder this passage should be for us to grow in having a heart of repentance towards God! Turn from sin and turn towards the grace and mercy of Christ!
Written By: Graham Withers
Amos 4 is in the context of the judgement of God on Israel. One of the specific refrains repeated for intended affect in verses 6-11 is: “yet you did not return to me.” Each stanza in these verses list the judgement of God that was meant to lead the people of Israel to repentance.
This leads us to pray and reflect on the discipline of God in our own lives. I think it’s obvious to say that we should hope and pray to be less rebellious and hard-hearted than the Israelites. But we must also be sober minded enough to realize that one of the reasons God likely included this in the Bible is to warn us that we too can be this hard-hearted and rebellious!
So, the correct response to the discipline of God then, is to be thankful and repent. Look at some of the different ways the Bible writes of discipline in the Old Testament:
11 My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, 12 for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights. Proverbs 3:11-12
Embrace the discipline of God in your life! Just like a loving father is meant to discipline the children that he loves, so our heavenly Father disciplines those he loves.
12 Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O Lord, and whom you teach out of your law. Psalm 92:12
The discipline of God can feel like a curse in the moment, but with perspective, it is seen as a blessing. This does not mean that it is not without pain or sacrifice. But it is worth it.
What a great reminder this passage should be for us to grow in having a heart of repentance towards God! Turn from sin and turn towards the grace and mercy of Christ!
Written By: Graham Withers
1 Comment
"The discipline of God can feel like a curse in the moment, but with perspective, it is seen as a blessing.This does not mean that it is not without pain or sacrifice. But it is worth it." So well said, Graham. As hard as it is to be disciplined by God, it also reminds me of how much He loves me. Thank you!