Do You Have Life by the Horns?

O. T. #2124  "Do You Have Life by they Horns?"

Feb. 7, 2022

Amos 6-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Are you experiencing difficult trials today? They will not last forever, friend. There is something else that will last forever. Know what it is? It is God's kingdom that will last forever and the LORD will reign forever, too. Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!

Psalm 146 is one of the last five psalms which overflow with praise for God. They show us the where, why, and how to praise God:

• Sing praises to our God while we live. (verse 2)
• Trust Him for our help, not people. (verses 3-4)
• When God is our hope and help, then we are happy. (verse 5)
• He is Creator and keeps His promises forever. (verse 6)
• God gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry; frees prisoners. (verse 7)
• He opens blind eyes, lifts up those weighed down, and loves the godly. (verse 8)
• The LORD protects foreigners among us, cares for the orphans and widow, but frustrates the plans of the wicked. (verse 9)
• Praise the LORD! (verse 10)

I would say those are a lot of reasons to praise the Lord. He eventually melts snow, too. He provides heat for old, cold houses. Protects us on the icy roads. Keeps the well water from freezing. Gives us food on the shelf to buy that He has already provided for us. Keeps grace and mercy flowing to me. Forgives my sins. Yes, I have plenty of reasons to praise the Lord. How about you?

 

LET IT GROW

Now, continuing in chapter 6 of Amos, we find that God abhors the self-indulgence of Israel.

Abhor means to loathe (detest). 

They lived in luxurious palaces, but obtained them through ill-gotten gains. What was their outcome as the prophet predicted?

• Those houses would be burned and the people killed, while others taken away captive to Assyria. (verses 8-9)
• A fearful remnant would not dare to mention the name of the Lord so no more judgments would come upon them. (verse 10)
• God's judgment would fall upon the rich and poor alike. (verse 11)
• Just as violating the laws of nature brings consequences, so does violating God's law. (verse 12)
• They took life by the horns in their own strength, so to speak. Therefore, it would disappear. Assyria was coming. (verses 13-14)

Sometimes a cowboy can grab a calf by the horns and bring it down. Then they can do whatever needs to be done to it. Our son vaccinates them and checks out any problems the calf may have. since he doesn't have a horse, he must be careful.

Israel thought they were in charge of their life, but found out differently when God brought them down using the Assyrian army.

How about us? Are we living life by our own strength, will, desires? What does God have to do in order to get our attention and bring us down?

After repentance there is grace and mercy, beloved.

 

LET IT GO

Sweet Jesus, You do so much for us, provide for us, forgive us.

How can we help but praise You and thank You.

Bring us down off our high horse when pride reigns in our life.

Remind us that we are here to love and serve You.