Reading
SAA Notes
Ashdod and Egypt (the Philistines and the Egyptians) were the two witnesses to God’s dealing with His people. Judgment is not a light matter for God. Nature itself is here the agent of His judgment. Nature rebels against man as man rebels against God. This is one terrible consequence of Adam’s sin – we cast off God’s authority over our lives, we cast off His providential care. We must live in a very broken world!
SJA Notes
* Gracious Lord, please show us today what You want us to know from Your word.
“… Yet you did not return to me,”
A damning phrase repeated in this passage.
In reading through Joel we saw the ravaging of Israel’s economy (and more) that was an opportunity for Israel to repent.
And here in Amos the Lord gives a number of examples of further opportunities (hard examples).
The Lord God Almighty worked with His mighty hand, terrible acts, to draw His people to Him.
Blight. Mildew. Pestilence. Sword. Overthrown.
This bears much truth for us today, for God’s people and for all of humanity.
PREPARE TO MEET YOUR GOD, O ISRAEL!
You cannot get away from God’s sovereign will. We cannot goose-step or skip fast away. He is the hound of heaven that chases us down with relentless love.
Because it is His LOVE that drives this chastisement. It is His GRACE that we see write large in turning us to repentance.
We can be reminded that we serve the God who formed the mountains, who created the wind, who declares to us what are our thoughts!
The LORD, the God of hosts, is His name!
* Father God,
Thank You that You rescue us from our rebellious state.
Thank You that though our hearts are hardened You called us, hounded us, brought us to the foot of the cross – You saved us!
Hallelujah, what a Saviour You are!
Amen.