Amos 2 - Has God Found What He is Looking For?

Amos - Chapter 2

I chose this book because of our current political situation. Some still don't believe that the election results are legit, and hold that the truth will yet come out. They believe that God is working to expose the corruption, and when it is revealed, things will be set right and those guilty will be held accountable. I wonder if that includes us?

God sends forth judgement in chapter 2. Moab gets it pretty good, an they deserved it too. But there is also judgement on Judah. The chosen ones? The tribe through which the Messiah would come? Say it isn't so. But it is. They are guilty not of the corruption of Moab, but of rejecting the law and not keeping the statutes of God. They have believed and perpetuated lies. So are we much different? Perhaps we are not corrupt politicians, but what about faithfulness? Do we know God's word, or do we trust some local or television preacher? Do we listen to those who prophesy about God's desire for our health and wealth, or do we read about God's holiness and justice. A justice that is for all. So Moab gets judgement, and so does Judah. Maybe in the process of all that is going on, we too are seeing God's wrath for sin.

Israel does not avoid punishment either. Grievous sins. Abuse of the poor, of women. God's name profaned because of it. This after God has taken them and led them to a place where they could worship and live in peace, by defeating some powerful enemies. Enemies more powerful than they could have slain on their own. 

It seems that now that they have some strength and power, they are prideful and have forgotten about their need for God. But God will remind them. Their power and might will not save them. Nor will their wealth. 

I think about the Israelites fleeing from the Egyptians. Yay! God saves the day and rescues them. The corruption of Egypt is exposed and Israel is free. Free to leave. Free to wander aimlessly in the desert for 40 years. Not the freedom they were hoping for. But God had to teach them too. Teach them perhaps the value of freedom. Teach them that freedom from the Egyptians is not freedom from God. Teach them to trust God, even when things look bleak. That sea must have looked awful foreboding before God parted it for them. 

I do not know what the future holds. Will corruption be exposed? Will we see glory days? Will darkness take over? I don't know. What I do know is that God is looking for faithfulness. Faithfulness in captivity. Faithfulness in wandering. Faithfulness in times of blessing. For those in corruption, unfaithfulness, or any other sin, know that there is always accountability. For no matter the circumstances of this life, judgement awaits us all. And only those in Christ will be to bear it.

Amos 1 - Why Not Save Them?

Amos - Chapter 1

God is reigning down judgement. The people have wandered away. Again.

The people that God is calling out have some grievous sins. And in their sin, they lost all sensitivity to others. (Vs 7: and cast off all pity) Things like ripping open pregnant women. Their evil seems to know no boundaries. Sound familiar? The hatred and anger seem to be all that drives them. 

I cannot see much difference between their behavior and the behavior of many who rule today. Greed, and the pursuit of more never satisfies. Doing whatever it takes, harming whoever stands in their way. Lying, throwing around their might, crushing those who would object. 

Some would ask, "Where is God? Why doesn't he wipe them out?" This is a question that the oppressed could have asked for centuries.

A few thoughts:

God has provided a way. Jesus. He is giving them and us a chance to repent. Even the oppressed do not stand by as innocents. The oppressed just want more too. Today, we follow the likes of Osteen and Furtick, because they preach a gospel that is not really a gospel at all, it is merely a ruse to follow a God who wants you to have "your best life NOW." If that is true, why do the oppressors exist? 

I have heard so many prophesies leading up to yesterday's inauguration that Trump would be victorious. I believe it was stated by those who follow such a philosophy that God does not want us to suffer. But Biden was sworn in. Isn't this how God responded in the past? When people wandered away, He did not EVER say, "Perhaps what they need is more prosperity." No, oppression, captivity, calamity came to drive people from their possessions into their only assurance, which is found in the arms of God. 

The difference here is in knowing the true character of God verses knowing a God who fits our desires. That is the God that most preach today. We only hear of the God who saves those in the loin's den, as we feel we all are, and not the God who led John the Baptist into a place where he would demonstrate his faith by being beheaded. God said that there was none greater than John in the kingdom (Mt 11:11), yet this is how the greatest dies? That does not preach well. That does not bring in customers.

It seems that is what has happened to Christianity. We are customers flocking to the church that best meets our needs through its programming, flocking to a God who loves us so much that He only wants what is good (in our own eyes) for us. 

And we think we deserve salvation from oppression? 

Amos - Introduction

 Amos was a farmer and a shepherd who was called into being a prophet during the reigns of Jeroboam (Northern Kingdom) and Uzziah (Southern Kingdom). These were prosperous times. But with prosperity came idolatry and corruption. Amos called the people of Israel out for their behavior, for breaking their covenant with God. 

I think of my lifetime. I grew up during the Reagan years of prosperity. But I also see the seeds of corruption that we sown during that time. Not just politically, but also in the church. Prosperity theology is not just for TV preachers, but has worked its way into the local congregations as well. Just look at the books in their libraries, the promises made from their pulpits, the general lack of Scripture by the average church goer. Is it any wonder that Jesus wonders if He will find faith when He returns. Faith in a God who is concerned with righteousness. With trust even when things do not go as we desire. Faith in God rather than faith in the things God provides.

Perhaps as I read through this book of the Old Testament, I will see a relevance that is just as strong today as it was when Amos was around... 

How do we do it? (Ephesians 6:10-20)

SCRIPTURE

Ephesians 6:10-20

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

COMMENT

How do we do it? (See yesterday) How do we graciously accept our place in life, which may even include such things as being slave to a less than compassionate master? And the answer is found here. Be strong in the Lord, out on the armor of God. Satan has his schemes, his limited control of the kingdom of earth. For it is not these unjust rulers or masters that we stand against, but the spiritual forces of evil. Hold to the truth. Act righteously, even when others don't. Walk in the way of the gospel, which is to live in peace and not fear. Hold on to your faith, which will protect you from the weapons of evil. The helmet of salvation protects you, even in death. Yet do not be afraid to take the offensive using the sword of the Spirit. In other words, do not fear explaining the how and why of your actions. And pray. Pray for yourself, and for those of the faith who fight with you. Pray that they will be strong and faithful, as they proclaim the Gospel.

I think these words may become very timely soon. Time will tell. 

When It Is Easy, and When It Is Hard (Ephesians 6:1-9)

SCRIPTURE

Ephesians 6:1-9

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free. Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.

COMMENT

I put these section together not because I think children are servants, or servants are children, but because I think they have a principle in common. You don't choose your parents, nor do slaves choose their masters. Whatever your lot, and this includes work, where you live, etc., there are things that you have to deal with that maybe you did not have a partial or even any choice in. But deal with them you must, and dealing with them righteously is how a Christian should react.

Children, obey your parents, honor them. Do we even know what it means to honor someone anymore? Now parents are not without responsibility in this, but not all parents, even Christian parents, do a good job at this. That does not relieve the children from honoring and obeying. Servants also are to obey. Masters are told how to treat servants, but again, not all will follow this, and that does not seem to release the servant from his obligation.

What I take away from this is that you are given a code of how to respond. Not a code of telling others how to respond, or a release from that obligation if things do not go you way. Obey, honor...those can be difficult things to do even under good circumstances, let alone when you feel it is not deserved or appreciated. I think the next section gives some ideas as to the "how" of accomplishing this, so I will stop here for today.

Marriage (Ephesians 5:22-33)

SCRIPTURE

Ephesians 5:22-33

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

COMMENT

Just some observations about this passage...

• I believe these 2 paragraphs should be treated together, as they are interlocking and dependent on one another
• I come to this passage knowing that I am not a perfect person or husband. I imagine that for this reason, this passage is very intimidating to many preachers to take on.
• Gender issues aside, I have to believe that if the average were taken, males are stronger than females. Sure there are women stronger than some men, and men weaker than most women. But if the average of each were to be compared, in strength, size, and height, it would not be a fair contest. That is why we have an NBA and a WNBA. You don't see women playing quarterback for the Bears or Packers. Etc. It is why there is outrage when a man who identifies as a women wants to complete against women. So when this passage states that husbands are the head of the wife, it is a statement of placement, and not superiority. God decided this, and both in physical ability and God's plan, then man is the head. Wives should understand this and honor it.
• Headship in God's plan is not the same as headship as the world sees it. Consider Jesus, who as the head of the church sacrificed Himself for the church. 
• Therefore, while the head of the wife, it is in the realm of having the desire for the best possible world for the wife that the husband exists. As Christ is the protector of the church, so that the church might appear before God as whole and blameless, the husband should have to same desire. 
• A break down in one side or the other is very damaging to the relationship. If the wife does not submit to the husband, if she does not trust or honor him, it makes is very difficult for the husband to effectively function in his role as protector and provider. Think of it as the church not trusting in Jesus. No matter what He might do, the relationship suffers harm and is not what it could and should be. The same is true for the husband. If the husband abuses his role as head, it also damages the relationship, and it is not what it could or should be.

So I am off, seems I have some work to do...

Focus on YOU! (Ephesians 5:15-21)

SCRIPTURE

Ephesians 5:15-21

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

COMMENT

The first thing that really sticks out here is the idea that you should look carefully how YOU walk, and not how others walk. I believe Jesus covered this with the log and speck idea in Matthew 7, but it bears repeating (as many of the concepts of Scripture do, because we are so slow to listen.) The days are evil, and that is out of our hands. Yet we must focus on our behavior, for that is what we can control. Simple concept, but so hard to accept and practice sometimes!