Amos 1-3
Thursday, April 13
In a couple of days, we’ll dig in to just who Amos was and why he was writing. But as we start reading his book, I’m wondering if the same thing that stood out to me also stands out to you.
The book begins with God giving Amos a list of places He’s about to bring judgement on. My Bible labels this section “Judgement on Israel’s Neighbors”. He goes through Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, Moab..and so on.
This scene reminds me of being in a class where the teacher is scolding some students for misbehavior. The goody-two-shoes in the class is sitting there watching it unfold with a smug look on her face, watching her classmates get taken down a notch. That’s Israel.
But then the teacher turns and points at her. Miss Perfect herself.
Midway through chapter 2 we see God turn to Israel. And through the end of chapter 3 He is telling her what for.
Interestingly, He says this:
“You only have I chosen
of all the families of the earth;
therefore I will punish you
for all your sins.”
That sounds contradictory, doesn’t it? I’ve chosen you therefore I will punish you?
It reminds me of Hebrews 12 where we’re told that God disciplines those He loves. Proverbs 3:12 speaks the same wisdom.
Come back tomorrow to see what else God has to say as he disciplines His chosen Israel.
-Susan Landry
Seek Grow Love 