How Are We Treating Others?

O. T. #2097 "How Are We Treating Others?"

Dec. 30, 2021

Amos 1-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Psalm 134:1-2 is the last of those songs of the ascents, worshipers sang as they made their way to Jerusalem to worship God. The Levites served as watchmen of the Temple, protecting it day and night. This was an act of praising God in service, which was done reverently and responsibly. (Life Application Study Bible)

Behold, bless ye the LORD, all ye servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD. The LORD that made heaven and earth bless thee out of Zion. (verses 1-3)

Is our job or responsibility in the church an act of praise? Do we do it with reverence to God? Are we honoring Him in our work and our attitude?

 

LET IT GROW

God was not going to relent from punishing 8 nations, 6 of which treated the people of Israel badly. Here we go, friend. Let's dive in and see what angered God against them. What had they done?

1. Judgment on Syria (verses 3-5)

Damascus was the capital city of Aram, modern Syria, which bordered Israel on the north. Their sin was the harsh treatment of Gilead, located east of the Jordan River. (Tribes of Reuben, Gad, and 1/2 of Manasseh lived there.)

It is believed that Syria used iron threshing instruments, sharp and used to beat out the grain, on the people of Gilead. The Israeli bodies were torn and mangled, threshed like grain stalks. Such barbarian and inhumane acts. Cruelty to the max, don't you think?

Fire represents the holiness and judgment of God. What happened to them?

• King Hazael and his son Benhadad were killed. (verse 4)
• Damascus lost its power, city gate where business was conducted, was destroyed. (verse 5)
• King Josiah defeated Ben-Hadad three times. (2 Kings 13:25)
• Assyrians finally subdued Syria and took them into captivity.

[Resources: The Wiersbe Bible Commentary, Liberty Bible Commentary]

There is no place to hide from God. He sees all. How well are we treating God's people? Are there secret sins we need to confess? Even though the sins of our neighbors may seem worse than ours, keep in mind that God is no respecter of persons. He judges all people fairly and impartially.

LET IT GO

May we be found praising our God, no matter what comes our way today.

Praise Him on our jobs, in our community, and in the worship service.

You are Good God Almighty!

Help us to love our neighbors, showing them kindness.