SCRIPTURE: Amos 2
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Because they have rejected the law of the LORD and have not kept his decrees, because they have been led astray by false gods, the gods their ancestors followed…
They sell the innocent for silver, and the needy for a pair of sandals. They trample on the heads of the poor as on the dust of the ground and deny justice to the oppressed. Father and son use the same girl and so profane my holy name. They lie down beside every altar on garments taken in pledge. In the house of their god they drink wine taken as fines. [Amos 2:4,6-8]
At first Amos warns the neighbouring nations about God’s judgement for their sin, but now he challenges Judah and Israel for being no different.
Set apart as a holy nation, they have become just like their neighbours.
Acting as if they are a holy people, they refuse to live like a holy people.
As he taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.” [Mark 12:38-40]
Jesus speaks out against the religious people of His day too, wanting to be treated as holy and special, yet living just like everyone else – devouring widows’ houses!
What Amos says, Jesus says – these men will be punished most severely.
The message for us is that God saves us for more than eternity, He saves us for now.
We have been saved not only from the future judgment of sin, but also from the present power of sin – with His help we are to be different.
We are to model and demonstrate the God-kind-of-life, the way of Jesus.
While others are selfish, cruel, immoral, etc., we are to be different, like Jesus.
We are not just to appear religious, we need to strive to be righteous.
Instead of devouring the weak (like widows) like the world, we are to devote ourselves to their care and protection.
We are to be known as a people of compassion and mercy and generosity.
God saved us for a purpose, and gave us His Spirit to fulfill that purpose.
We have everything we need for life and godliness [2 Peter 1:3f], all that is needed is our own effort [… for this very reason make every effort, 2 Peter 1:5f]
But if we do not, if we live no differently than others – these men will be punished most severely. [Mark 12:40]
PRAYER:
Lord, You expect great things from us, but You also provide great things for us. I have no excuse for not living differently, like You. I am able (with Your help), make me willing!