August 10, 2023 - Amos 1-4

The prophet Amos spoke not only Israel but, also, to the nations surrounding her. He called all peoples and all nations to account before God. But he particularly called out Israel. He had delivered them from Egypt, and he had done so much for them. He had done for Israel things he had done for no other nation. And, yet, they continued to sin against him. So, God says to Israel, “You only have I known of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities” (3:2).

How God had disciplined Israel for her sins! He had sent famine (4:6). There was drought, and the people staggered from thirst (4:7). Blight and mildew withered their crops (4:8). Plagues, like those in Egypt, struck them (4:9). Like Sodom and Gomorrah, the Lord sent fire among them (4:10). Yet, in all this, the people did not return to the Lord. Amazing. I’m thinking, “I have often sinned. At times, I have been stubborn. But, Lord, please let me never become so hardened as was Israel.” And still, still, God shows grace to Israel and to us!

O for a closer walk with God,

a calm and heav’nly frame,

a light to shine upon the road

that leads me to the Lamb!

Return, O holy Dove, return,

sweet messenger of rest;

I hate the sins that made Thee mourn,

and drove Thee from my breast.

The dearest idol I have known,

Whate’er that idol be,

help me to tear it from Thy throne

and worship only Thee. -- William Cowper (1772)