Empting My Can

O. T. #2096  "Empting My Can"

Dec. 29, 2021

Amos 1-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Before we begin the doom and gloom for 8 nations, prophesied by Amos, let's look into Psalm 133:1, Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

The word unity means alike, together, a unit.

This was true for the tribes of Israel back then and is true for God's people and churches today. How beautiful it is when believers in Christ gather for worship of the One True God and Savior!

How does David compare this unity?

• It is like precious ointment upon the head. When sheep get a sore upon their head, the shepherd would put oil/ointment upon it.
• It is like when oil was used to anoint Aaron as the high priest of Israel; it was abundantly and extravagantly ran down his beard and robe. He was consecrated for his God-appointed task. Unity among God's people brings divine consecration to them. (verse 2)
• It is like the dew that covered the mountains from north to south in Israel. So the brethren is blanketed with unity as they serve the Savior Jesus Christ. (verse 3)
• When unity and harmony is amidst God's church, He blesses them with peace, showing He is pleased. Do we desire blessings overflowing, showered upon us, refreshing us, even giving us life everlasting? (verse 3)

How pleasant and wonderful harmony and unity is in our church, family, and job. What do we need to do for this to happen? Are we all surrendered to do God's will God's way?

[Resource: The Tony Evans Bible Commentary, Liberty Bible Commentary] 

LET IT GROW

What do you do when you have had enough? I say that when my can is full, it is time to empty it. When I put up with something or someone over and over and over again, my patience runs out and I tell them why or what is wrong or unacceptable and it must stop. Don't get me wrong, I consider myself a fairly patient person, but there comes a point in which one must stand up for their self. In our lessons to come, God had had enough and was about to empty His can.

Amos jumps right in with both feet and warns 6 neighboring nations of Israel, saving Judah and Israel for last. (1:3-2:16) Each judgment of God begins with this phrase: For three transgressions of_____, and for four...

Transgressions refers to rebellion, sin, to break away, quarrel, revolt.

These nations were guilty of an incalculable number of offenses. God's cup was full of their sins and overflowing, so judgment must fall. Mathematically, 3 transgressions fill the cup and 4 can cause it to overflow. Judgment was inevitable and once announced, irrevocable. (Falwell)

These nations had maxed out on their sins. wickedness had reached its full measure, and they were ripe for judgment. It was time. We will get into each one of those nations individually.

LET IT GO

Jesus, pour love on us so it will overflow onto others.

May it be like jelly on a biscuit. May we share it with others, telling them about what Jesus did for you and me. If they reject the witness, it is on their head, not ours.

Give us patience, Lord to endure whatever so You are honored.

Give us strength to stand when it is time.