Need a Lawyer?

O. T. #2131  "Need a Lawyer?"

Feb. 17, 2022

Amos 7-Part 7

LET IT GLOW

Continuing in 1 John, we read 2:1, My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

By the time John writes this letter, he is about 88 years old or older. So we can understand his love for those Christians that he has know for years or converted. Like a father speaking to his children or a pastor to his flock, John shares with them words of encouragement.

John told his readers that they were crazy if they denied their sin. The closer we get to God, the more His light reveals sin in us. John challenges us to not sin. We don't have a license to sin just because we were converted. Confessing our sins frees us from its burden. Included is for us to turn away from repeating that sin. Then we can have intimate and joy-filled fellowship with our God.

Advocate (parakletos/par-ak'lay-tos) refers to an intercessor, comforter, counselor.

When we sin, we have an Intercessor Jesus Christ, who stands between us and the Judge our God. He is like a defense attorney in a court of law. We are a bankrupt sinner who has Jesus appointed  to our defense. Jesus is righteous and paid our debt on the cross by shedding His blood on the cross.

Praise ye the LORD!

LET IT GROW

Crooked Israel was unwilling to straighten up and turn to God in repentance. Priest Amaziah lied to King Jeroboam, saying that the prophet conspired against him. (verse 10)

The priest commanded Amos to quit preaching and go to Judah to prophecy. Amos knew whose agenda he had been called to follow. He knew he had to "obey God rather than people."  (Acts 5:29)

I got it wrong as to whom Amos' message was given to-Amaziah. It was he that would die on pagan soil, and Israel taken into exile. His sons would be killed and his wife would become a prostitute.

Look at this contrast:

• Amaziah had position, wealth, authority, and reputation, but Amos had the Word of the Lord.
• Amaziah served the king of Israel, but Amos served the King of kings.
• Amaziah had fear of those prophecies, but Amos had confidence in the Truth.

 

What is most important to us-world position or a heavenly position? Are we serving our flesh or our Savior?

Are we fearing the future or looking forward to it?

LET IT GROW

For the believer in Jesus, there is a better world coming.

Are we looking to the Author and Finisher of our faith or fearing tomorrow?

Let Hope reign in our heart today.

Rejoice! There is a better day coming!