Are You a Peculiar Person?

O. T. #2107 "Are You a Peculiar Person?"

Jan. 13, 2022

Amos 3-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Before we get into the messages of condemnation for Israel, look with me at David's prayer in Psalm 14:

LORD, I cry unto Thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto Thee. Let my prayer be set forth before Thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. (verses 1-2)

David may have written this psalm after his cave experience with Saul (1Sam. 24) or when he was away from the sanctuary during Absalom's rebellion. 

Each evening the Jewish priest would offer a burnt offering on the brazen altar and also burn incense on the golden altar, but God accepted David's prayer and uplifted hands. Incense is a picture of prayer going up to the Lord (Rev. 5:8, 8:4)

David's hands were empty, but his heart was full of love for the Lord and faith in His promises. This psalm was read by Ezra (chapter 9) and Daniel (chapter 9) as they prayed at the time of the evening offering. Also, it was read after the second Temple was built.

[Resource: The Wiersbe Bible Commentary]

How often do we pray? Do we lift up our hands unto the Lord in worship?

LET IT GROW

Amos is speaking to both the northern and southern kingdoms, since they were united when the Jews were delivered from slavery in Egypt. (verse 1)

Verse 2a tells us You only have I known of all the families of the earth...

Both kingdoms were God's chosen people. What a privilege to be known by God.

Known means to know; perceive; have respect; understand; discern in the Hebrew language. Even though God was acquainted with all the families of the earth, Israel was His chosen one. They were set apart and brought into a covenant-relationship with Him. Such a unique relationship with the God of the universe.

Israel had a special calling. It was a gracious calling, an effective calling, and an exclusive calling with responsibilities. The Jews were  to be a holy people, chosen for God Himself, because He loves them. (Exodus 19)

This principle of gracious election applies to the church, also. In John 15:16 NIV, Jesus said, You did not choose Me, but I chose you.

Folks, we Christians are to be a peculiar people. Paul said in Titus 2:14, Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. The word peculiar means being beyond usual; special (one's own).

Peter wrote in his first letter, found in 2:9, But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

In that verse, peculiar refers to purchased, possession, saving.

the question is this-Are we acting like a peculiar people of God? Are we loving others like Jesus? Are we serving others with the light of Jesus in us? Are we shining differently in the world or are we not a noticed difference?

LET IT GO

May we be faithful to You today, Jesus.

Make us peculiar, unusual people among the world.

Fill us with Your love so we stand out.

Keep us faithfully following You with trust.

Help us take Your marvelous light into a dark, hopeless, and sinful world.