His Word is a Lamp: Amos

Blessed is the one you discipline, Lord, the one you teach from your law. Ps. 94:12a (NIV)

Reading the prophets can be difficult because we see God calling His people into account for their sin and disobedience. I think what makes it difficult is that we see ourselves in Israel. But God’s intention was not to be mean. He actually was wanting His people to come back to Him and back to the covenant they had made with Him. He was desiring their best, not delighting in their destruction, as God’s lament shows us beginning in Amos 5:1.  

So, He disciplined Israel to put them in their place, humbling their conceit (2:13).

As found in Amos, here are some methods God used with Israel that He uses to put us in our place too.
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• He brings to nothing the things we depend on, 2:13-16
• He holds His family accountable, 3:1
• He reveals His secrets and speaks to His prophets, 3:7 (He speaks to us)
• He breaks down our defenses (He used an adversary in Amos), 3:11
• He calls out love of religious activity, 4:4-5 
• He shows there are grave consequences of disobedience (Israel’s captivity; the coming Day of the Lord, 5:18,20) 

The big question is not just about how He puts us in our proper place, but how we respond to His work. The Psalm I quoted above speaks of the Lord teaching someone from His law. Let’s make sure we’re having the mindset and heart attitude to learn from Jesus and follow the directions of the Holy Spirit!

Anyone else craving Famous Amos cookies?

Pastor Andy

Questions for Reflection:

1. What is something from the book of Amos that is standing out to you? What/why do you think the Lord is highlighting this for you?
2. What is a way the Lord has put you in your place with Him? How did you respond initially? How did you respond in an on-going manner?
3. What lies are you prone to believe (Amos 2:4)? What truth in God’s Word do you need to meditate on and memorize to battle that lie?