Famine and Hunger

O. T. #2135  "Famine and Hunger"

Feb. 23, 2022

Amos 8-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

If we look for a new commandment, we won't find one. In 1 John 2:7-11, we find what John is speaking about-love one another. Jesus lived this truth and He expects us to live it, also. We are to let the True Light shine in us, showing His love.

What lesson are we to learn here?

• If we claim to live in the light, but hate a Christian brother or sister, then we are living in darkness. (verse 9)
• When a believer loves another believer, we are living in the light and does not cause another to stumble. (verse 10)
• But anyone who hates another brother or sister in the faith is still living and walking in darkness. They don't know the way to go, for they have been blinded by the darkness. (verse 11)

What it boils down to is we are told to love others. John told us in the gospel to love. Love is not only expressed by showing respect, it is also expressed through self-sacrifice and servanthood. (John15:13)

Love is the key to walking in the light, because we cannot grow spiritually while we hate others. (Life Application Study Bible)

Who do we need to show love to today? How about those in our church or business?

  

LET IT GROW

Amos wraps up chapter 8 in sharing what the Lord told him to say:

That I will send a famine to the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD.     (verse 11)

A famine is a hunger.

The Israelites had brought idols into their sanctuary and worshiped them along with God. After all the warnings of judgment coming, they still would not repent and remove the idols.

God granted Israel's desire. He no longer worried them with His Word. Even though they would search for the Word, it was not to be found. (They got rid of the prophets.) It was like He was saying, "You chose those gods over Me, let them save you."

There was no nourishment for the soul, no direction for decisions, no protection from enemy. (Wiersbe)

There was no light in the darkness. Assyria was coming to kill and to conquer, like the devil tries to do to us. Those who swore by false gods would fall, never to rise again. (verse 14)

Jesus said, Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. (Matthew 5:6)

They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of water: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. (Revelation 7:16-17)

What a day that shall be when we see Jesus and live with Him forever more! I think we will feast on the Word of God in heaven, but others think we will eat food. Whichever is fine with me.

LET IT GO

Fill us with Your love today, Jesus.

May we love other believers and unbelievers, enemies and friends because You love them, Jesus.

Prepare us for that day, when we step into eternity, Jesus.

Glory to You, Sweet Jesus, Savior and King.