The Worst Kind of Famine

Yesterday’s reading – Amos 7-9; Psalm 104; Titus 2

Scripture –
Amos 8:11-12 – “Behold the days are coming,” declares the Lord God, “when I will send a famine on the land– not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord.  They shall wander from sea to sea, and from north to east; they shall run to and fro, to seek the word of the Lord, but they shall not find it.”

Observation –
As a prophet, Amos has the responsibility to call attention to the sins of the nation.  He’s talking about a day of judgment that is coming.  The worst kind of judgment is that God was about to be silent.  They were about to wander aimlessly without a word from God.

Application –
God talks about punishing them with a famine. But, this famine is worse than a lack of food or drink.  This would be a famine of God’s words.  They had repeatedly ignored the words of God, so He was going to make it where they would be unable to find God’s words at all.  Can you imagine this kind of consequence?  We can learn a lot from this account.  If we want to have a connection with God, then we’ve got to continue to listen to Him at all times.

Prayer –
God, Help me to stay in close contact with You at all times.  Thank You for desiring a relationship with me.  Help me to live in that truth.  I don’t ever want to be without communication with You.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Faithful Remnant

Today’s reading comes from Amos 6-9.  Here’s what I journaled –

Scripture –
Amos 9:8 –  “I, the Sovereign Lord, am watching this sinful nation of Israel.  I will destroy it from the face of the earth.  But I will never completely destroy the family of Israel,” says the Lord.

Observation –
The book of Amos is all about God’s impending judgment on Israel for their sin.  In the last chapter, God begins to paint a picture of hope.  This verse makes it clear that God would use a very firm judgment against Israel.  This is pointing towards the capture and exile of Israel in a few short years.  In this verse God says, “I will destroy it from the face of the earth.”  As we can see, this is quite severe.  However, in this verse we also find a ray of hope.  God goes on to say, “But I will never completely destroy the family of Israel.”  The reason for this is because of the faithful remnant.  Throughout Scripture we read of the faithful remnant who do/will serve God.  While so many others are going their own path, there will always be those who remain faithful.  God would ensure there would be some faithful in Israel because they were His chosen people.  He would one day preserve the nation of Israel.

Application –
The challenge for us is that we should be a part of the remnant.  (Not necessarily of the nation of Israel, but of people in general.)  While others stray away from God, we should not.  We should stay committed to Him.  A huge part of this is keeping clear of sin.  After all, this is why God was getting ready to judge/punish Israel.  What sins are standing in my way of wholeheartedly following God?  This is what I need to work on.  Am I loving others like I should?  Am I serving the community as I should?  Am I loving my wife as Christ loves the church?  Am I self-centered?  There’s lots that I must work on.  It’s my desire to follow God completely.  I want to be a part of the faithful remnant.

Prayer –
God, Help me to be a part of the faithful remnant.  I want to truly serve You all the days of my life.  Teach me how to do that.  May I honor You with my life.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Come Back to God and Live!

Today’s reading is from Amos 1-5.  Here’s what I journaled –

Scipture –
Amos 5:4-5 – Now this is what the Lord says to the family of Israel: “Come back to me and live!  Don’t worship at the pagan altars at Bethel; don’t go to the shrines at Gilgal or Beersheba…”

Observation –
Amos is a prophet.  He began to preach to Israel, Judah, and their neighbors.  His message is that judgment is coming.  They have “sinned again and again,” so God’s punishment is coming.  God must judge sin.  The sins of Israel and Judah involved ignoring the helpless and oppressed.  In fact, in many ways, they were trampling on these people.  They weren’t taking seriously vows they made to God.  They were being dishonest.  They were involved in lifestyles of sin.   They weren’t doing right.  They were worshiping other gods.  In the midst of all this, we see hope in our verses.  If they would repent of their sin – they would find life in God.

Application –
God MUST judge sin.  He takes our sin seriously.  But, at the same time – His grace and mercy is available to us if we’ll turn to Him.  He is a forgiving God.  In these verses, we see that God is offering forgiveness.  He is telling Israel that there is hope found in Him.  I need to remember that life is found only in God.  If I search for life anywhere else I will come away empty-handed, experiencing the discipline of the Lord.  I take great joy in knowing that if I’ll come back to God, I will live.

Prayer –
God, Help me to always seek life in You. Don’t let me gravitate towards other things.  I want to worship You and You alone.   Teach me what true life is all about.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.