September 24 - Amos 7-9
In this last section of the book of Amos the prophet gives us some reasons for hope in the midst of judgment. I am convinced that God does not want anyone to live without hope. Hopelessness is Satan's tool to lead us to depression, and when depression comes, we can't function as God desires us to function.
In chapter 7 Amos gives us two specific instances where God answered his prayers and called off an act of judgment that He was going to pour out on His people. This shows how God does answer prayer, even when He has determined to send punishment. When we pray sometimes God will lessen the punishment or relent according to His mercy. It appears to me that is what happened with hurricane Rita. When God's people prayed for it to miss Houston and Galveston, the storm turned to the east, so it did not bring the full amount of destruction to the largest group of people. We will see if this is true as the news is reported later today.
Then, Amos tells of how God protected him from the false accusations of Amaziah, the priest of Bethel. This is another hope filled report. God's people can know that we are His hands, and anything that comes to us must be approved by our Father. Many times He protects us from harm. Sometimes, He permits the suffering, but He gives us grace to endure. In any case we can be assured of God's powerful presence to give us victory in life.
Even in chapters 8 and 9 as the Lord tells of the coming judgment because His people had been measured by His plumbline, and they were found to be "out of line" because of their sins, there is a measure of hope. Even though they would go through a famine for the word of God, there is hope. Even though many would run from God instead of facing Him, and they would find that they can't hide from God, there is hope. Why? God is a loving God, who believes in restoration. (9:13-15) God wants all to be saved and come to Him. Even a Gentile in the Old Testament could become one of His children, called by His name. (9:12) Yes, God does punish sin, but He is always looking for those who will turn to Him, and His arms are open wide.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Obadiah and Jonah 1-4.
In chapter 7 Amos gives us two specific instances where God answered his prayers and called off an act of judgment that He was going to pour out on His people. This shows how God does answer prayer, even when He has determined to send punishment. When we pray sometimes God will lessen the punishment or relent according to His mercy. It appears to me that is what happened with hurricane Rita. When God's people prayed for it to miss Houston and Galveston, the storm turned to the east, so it did not bring the full amount of destruction to the largest group of people. We will see if this is true as the news is reported later today.
Then, Amos tells of how God protected him from the false accusations of Amaziah, the priest of Bethel. This is another hope filled report. God's people can know that we are His hands, and anything that comes to us must be approved by our Father. Many times He protects us from harm. Sometimes, He permits the suffering, but He gives us grace to endure. In any case we can be assured of God's powerful presence to give us victory in life.
Even in chapters 8 and 9 as the Lord tells of the coming judgment because His people had been measured by His plumbline, and they were found to be "out of line" because of their sins, there is a measure of hope. Even though they would go through a famine for the word of God, there is hope. Even though many would run from God instead of facing Him, and they would find that they can't hide from God, there is hope. Why? God is a loving God, who believes in restoration. (9:13-15) God wants all to be saved and come to Him. Even a Gentile in the Old Testament could become one of His children, called by His name. (9:12) Yes, God does punish sin, but He is always looking for those who will turn to Him, and His arms are open wide.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Obadiah and Jonah 1-4.