Amos 4 - This AND That...

 Amos - Chapter 4

I want to focus on Israel, in verses 6 through 13.

Basically, God has made life difficult in many ways for the people of Israel, all in an attempt to turn their dependence back to Him and away from the blessings they receive from Him. I believe this flies south in comparison to the messages being shared by many of today's prophets, as well as by those who preach any form of a prosperity gospel. 

Verse 12 - "...prepare to meet your God, O Israel." Wow! Could not these same words be spoken today? We cling to a God who blesses us financially, and in our leadership, and in our health. But is that the God of the Bible? Yes, God blessed many godly people in the Bible. He also allowed many to suffer. The rain fell on the just and the unjust! (Matt 5:43-45)

Why do we believe those who prophesied that Trump would win? Is it because we serve a Republican God? Is it because we serve a God who always allows the righteous to win? Is it because we serve a God who would not allow us to suffer under unjust leadership? Have you read your Bible? What about the Israelites serving under Pharaoh? The Babylonian Captivity? The stoning of Stephen or the beheading of John the Baptist? The persecution of Paul, as well as the early Christians? 

Perhaps there is more truth in 2 Chronicles 7:13,14 than we want to see. When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. When will God hear? When His people hear AND seek His face. I fear that many of the prayers that are being offered are more about relief from evil and persecution than they are about seeking His face. They are more about getting blessings than serving the giver of those blessings. 

God help us.