December 16, 2006 - Amos 4-6 and Revelation 7
There are several very significant truths in our reading today. I want to focus on them, because I believe they are keys to our happiness as Christians. They show us what God is looking for as we relate to Him in an intimate love relationship.
In Amos 4 we read how God had sent various punishments to Israel, but they would not return to Him. Like a good earthly parent, God uses punishment to eliminate wrong behavior and to show the child he needs to listen to the parent. Israel did not repent and return, so God had to step up the punishment. (v.12) The result was that in some cases only 10% of the people were left alive. (5:3) I pray that we will realize that hardships should point us to God, and we should ask ourselves if we are doing anything that is bringing God's punishment upon us, so we can repent of that behavior or belief.
Then, God makes it very plain what He wanted them to do. He was expecting them to hate evil and love good. (5:15) Many people want to try to love good and to love evil, too. They think that because they love good, God will not care if they love evil at the same time. It does not work that way. God hates evil, and He calls on us to hate evil, too. It is the foundation for a relationship with God that we hate what He hates and love what He loves. Also, we are to practice this righteousness consistently, not just in spurts. (5:24) There were many rivers in the desert that only had water when it rained. The rest of the year, they were dry. God was calling Israel to be a constantly flowing river of righteousness. That is what He expects us to do, too. He knows it takes growth to achieve this, but that must be our goal.
In Revelation 7 we are told that the saints who die in the Tribulation time will be taken to heaven, and Jesus will shepherd them. (v.17) Then, He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, too. This is a wonderful truth! Jesus will personally shepherd us when we make it to be with Him in heaven. However, we need to realize that He is already our Shepherd now. He wants to lead us, feed us, and protect us now. We must not seek to go our own way. We must submit to the Great Shepherd. He alone can guide us to the abundant life.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Amos 7-9 and Revelation 8.
In Amos 4 we read how God had sent various punishments to Israel, but they would not return to Him. Like a good earthly parent, God uses punishment to eliminate wrong behavior and to show the child he needs to listen to the parent. Israel did not repent and return, so God had to step up the punishment. (v.12) The result was that in some cases only 10% of the people were left alive. (5:3) I pray that we will realize that hardships should point us to God, and we should ask ourselves if we are doing anything that is bringing God's punishment upon us, so we can repent of that behavior or belief.
Then, God makes it very plain what He wanted them to do. He was expecting them to hate evil and love good. (5:15) Many people want to try to love good and to love evil, too. They think that because they love good, God will not care if they love evil at the same time. It does not work that way. God hates evil, and He calls on us to hate evil, too. It is the foundation for a relationship with God that we hate what He hates and love what He loves. Also, we are to practice this righteousness consistently, not just in spurts. (5:24) There were many rivers in the desert that only had water when it rained. The rest of the year, they were dry. God was calling Israel to be a constantly flowing river of righteousness. That is what He expects us to do, too. He knows it takes growth to achieve this, but that must be our goal.
In Revelation 7 we are told that the saints who die in the Tribulation time will be taken to heaven, and Jesus will shepherd them. (v.17) Then, He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, too. This is a wonderful truth! Jesus will personally shepherd us when we make it to be with Him in heaven. However, we need to realize that He is already our Shepherd now. He wants to lead us, feed us, and protect us now. We must not seek to go our own way. We must submit to the Great Shepherd. He alone can guide us to the abundant life.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Amos 7-9 and Revelation 8.