Warnings

O. T. #2125  "Warnings"

Feb. 9, 2022

Amos 7

LET IT GLOW

If you have been surrounded by deep snow this week, how did you react? Did you praise the Lord for its beauty and ask Him to cleanse your heart so it is white as snow? Or did you grumble for the mess and inconvenience it caused? Maybe both. We can take a lesson from the psalmist today. 

Let every created thing give praise to the LORD, for He issued His command, and they came into being. He set them in place forever and ever. His decree will never be revoked.              (Psalm 148:5-6)

Consider all the things that God created-the heavenlies, weather, geographical features, animals, people, and positions. (verses 1-4; 7-12) The heavens and earth praise Him and so should we.

We should exult the Creator, Sustainer, and Ruler of all. He is faithful to the Israelites, people of Abraham (believers), and blesses them. Jesus is greater than anything and everything He created. In all things Jesus has preeminence. (Col. 1:18)

LET IT GROW

God gave His servant and prophet Amos 5 special visions of judgment concerning:

• the locusts (verses 1-3)
• the fire (verses 4-6)
• the plumb line (verses 7-9)
• the basket of fruit (8:1-14)
• the ruined temple (9:1-10).

Can we see the struggle Amos has as he loved God and loved his nation? It grieved him to have to tell Israel and Judah that judgment was coming. Probably he wished he was back with the sheep and trees taking care of them. Yet, Amos knew the Sovereign Lord (LORD God used 11 times in 3 chapters) was in control. God's will is best, so Amos surrendered to it.

You know, there are times that doing God's will is very difficult; standing up for His Word may bring rough consequences; and speaking against the wrong may result in pain and suffering.

Amos interceded for his people, and God changed His mind about sending those things. He asked God to call off the judgments and He did. Are we believers interceding for our nation and people? Are we admitting our sinful lifestyles and laws, yet beg God to send repentance among us? Do we love Americans and our neighbors and family so much that we pray for God to not send His judgment?

 

LET IT GO

Father, You answered the prayers of Abraham, Moses, Samuel, Elijah, and Paul. Please hear our prayers today. Without Your Spirit and Hand of Mercy, we will perish because of our own sins.

We have experienced fires and snow, drought and floods, and a deadly virus as warnings. We are like Israel and confess our sins of idolatry, as well as miss treating others.

Thank You for doing what You deem right and just. Oh, Jesus intercede for us to the Father our God for mercy, lest an army come and wipe us out.

Jesus, you are our Savior, Creator, Sustainer, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Glory to You, the Only True Living God!