Fat Cows

O. T. #2116    "Fat Cows"

Jan. 26, 2022

Amos 4

LET IT GLOW

Oh my, but do we ever need encouragement and prayers. My husband tested positive for Covid now, after our son went through it and all our daughter's  family survived. We caught it early and got some medicines, so hopefully it will not last long.

So with that said, look at Psalm 145. David says to:

• praise God's works to each generation; (verse 4)
• declare His mighty acts, power;
• speak of His glorious majesty, wondrous works, mighty acts; (verses 5-6)
• utter in memory of His great goodness as awe-inspiriting deeds; (verse 7)
• sing joyfully of His righteousness.

 Are we passing down through the generations how wonderful and awesome our God is? Are we teaching children about the Lord? Do we share our personal testimony with others?

 

LET IT GROW

If we thought Amos' messages were hard to swallow, hang onto your hat, for it gets worse before it gets better. Amos is trying to call the people back to God in repentance of their sins. His sarcasm is really cutting. Three tribes stayed east of the Jordan where the land was fertile and they had a fine breed of cows.

Amos speaks to the women, for kine are cows. What were those women doing wrong?

• They were living in luxury, well fed, well dressed, and well groomed.
• The poor were oppressed for this to happen.
• The women sunk into a low moral and degrading state.
• They would be led away with hooks and fishhooks, like fishermen do their catch, so the women will be led into captivity.

Like a fat cow, the women of Israel were pampered. They pushed their husbands to oppress the helpless to support their lavish lifestyles. Eventually, cows are led to slaughter.

Are we careful to not desire possessions so much that we do the same? Do we neglect the needy? Where is our compassion? Are we hooked on a certain sin that others suffer? do we live modestly so we can give to mission work?

LET IT GO

Jesus, forgive us of our sin of selfishness.

Help us help others.

May we be merciful to others as You are merciful to us.