Amos 8 – I have to admit that when last week when this chapter was chosen to study, my immediate thought was “Uugh . . . the minor prophets, more judgement from God – yuck!” But, Amos has truly inspired me. This man was a simple, tough and rugged farmer, rancher, shepherd, “cowboy preacher”, that simply went where God told him to go and did what God told him to do. WHEN GOD CALLS, HE EQUIPS. His name means “burden” and he was called to deliver the burden of the Lord boldly to the northern Kingdom of Israel and the surrounding nations.
The message of the book of Amos is that God is relentless in His pursuit of our ABSOLUTE BEST. He will not compromise with our sin, our excuses, or our hypocrisy. The word of Amos to us is that we are dealing with a God of righteousness and justice, yet He is a God of patience, mercy and love. He is totally impartial. He does not play favorites. It doesn’t matter your race, your political affiliation, your financial status, your level of worldly success. JESUS LEVELS THE PLAYING FIELD. If we will seek Him, we will live – truly live! We will enjoy the blessings of peace and goodness that He truly desires to pour into our lives. If we ignore and reject Him, if we seek lesser things, if we choose our own way, then His message to us is clear – “Prepare to meet your God” (Amos 4:12) Whether we seek Him or avoid Him, we cannot escape Him. One day, one way or another, we will ALL meet our God. If we heed the call of Amos, we will be able to meet Him confidently and with full assurance because we have sought Him wholeheartedly and believed in Him. . . .PERIOD! Choose Jesus today!!! (based on an excerpt from Ray Stedman’s, Adventuring Through The Bible with some of my own commentary)
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