Needs of the Needy

O. T. #2133  "Needs of the Needy"

Feb. 21, 2022

Amos 8-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

John uses the word "know" some 30 times in this little book of 1, 2, 3, John. Just in chapter 2, John uses it 9 times.

Know means perceive, be sure, understand.

How can we be sure that we have true fellowship with God? John MacArthur tells us:

1. We have joy in knowing that we have eternal life. (1John 1:4)
2. We affirm sin's reality (confess). (1John 1:8-9)
3. We obey God's commands.(verse 3)

But whoso keepeth His Word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him. (verse 5)

Do we have joy in our life, knowing that we have heaven awaiting us? Do we confess our sins throughout the day? Are we obeying God's commands? Are we striving to please our God?

LET IT GROW

What do we do with an extra basket of fruit? Do we share with others or keep it to ourselves?

The vision of the summer fruit in a basket, referred to Israel being ripe for God's judgment. In verses 4-6, we read about how they oppressed the poor:

• They did not observe the feasts and Sabbaths, nor religious observances which God established for them.
• They engaged in merchandising, selling corn and wheat, not helping the helpless and poor. (verse 5)
• Their scales were imbalanced, shrinking the amounts and inflating the prices. (Sound familiar today?)
• They sold the refuse of the wheat, which was supposed to be left for the poor to gather.
• So they made slaves of the poor, who could not buy food at high prices.

Yep, Israel was guilty of taking advantage of the poor brethren. They were breaking God's laws and not living up to His covenant. They did not love God, nor their neighbors. (Matt. 22:36-40) They did not conduct their businesses with this kind of heart.

Are we needy people? Do we know that we sin and need forgiveness? Do we need love?

For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. (1 Tim. 6:10)

Are we loving God and others more than money?

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus, You keep on giving, so may we do the same.

Open our eyes to see the needs of the needy.

May we know that we know that we know You Jesus as Savior and we have eternal life with You, the Alpha and Omega.