Bountiful Blessings

O. T. #2109  "Bountiful Blessings"

Jan. 17, 2021

Amos 3-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

David recalled his days hiding in a cave while King Saul sought his life. (1 Sam. 18-24)His situation seemed hopeless without God intervening. (But we know He did, for God's will was for David to become king of Israel.) David needed to learn some lessons of dependence upon God, growing in faith and obedience, and the faithfulness of God.

In Psalm 142, David's prison was a cave. His hopeless circumstances overwhelmed David. Men sought to kill him. However, with all of this going on, David sought the LORD for his refuge. (verse 5) He prayed for deliverance from his persecutors. (verse 6)

Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise Thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for Thou shalt deal bountifully with me. (verse 7)

The word bountifully means to treat a person (well or ill); do (good); reward.

Like David, how important it is to praise the Lord in our whatever. Glorify Him, our King. When we learn to do that well, they God will reward us.

I will sing unto the LORD, because He hath dealt bountifully with me. (Ps. 13:6)

Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee. (Ps. 116:7)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3)

No matter how life turns out for you and me, let us be found singing praises unto our God. Thank Him for salvation through Jesus Christ His only Son.

LET IT GROW

Verse 4 contains two questions: Will a lion roar in the forest, when he hath no prey? Will a young lion cry out of his den, if he hath taken nothing?

Again, we see a cause and effect. A lion moves about quietly and silently on his padded feet when he is stalking a prey. Until he pounces on the prey, he makes no noise. (cause) But when he captures it, then he roars out. (effect)

The young lion makes no sound because his mamma taught him to keep quiet while she is away getting food for him to eat.  (cause)Then when she returns with supper, he lets out a cry or growl. (effect)

So the Lion of Judah was about to roar. Israel would be wiped out by the Assyrians, some 60 years later, and Judah would go into captivity in Babylon, some 100 years after that.

What can we learn from this? God means what He says, and does what He says He will do. Judgment will follow man's iniquity.

Are we keeping quiet or roaring the Good News of salvation in Jesus? Will we share how merciful and loving our God is?

 

LET IT GO

How amazing is Your grace!

May we be faithful to sing Your praises, Jesus.

Give us strength and courage to share the bountiful blessings You have given us with others today.