Amos points out that God has done special things for Israel. He delivered his people from bondage (2:10). He destroyed their enemies (2:9). He raised up their sons for prophets (2:11), thus reminding Israel that she, above all peoples, has been known and loved by God: “You only have I known of all the families of the earth” (3:2). Chosen by God as his people, Israel has the responsibility to live according to his revealed will. But from the other side, election in a sense also obligates Israel’s God. Because he has chosen Israel, he cannot completely destroy her. Judgment, harsh and unmentionable, will come; but there will be a surviving remnant (9:13-15).
To put the matter another way, Israel’s God shows perfect faithfulness to his promises to Abraham and his descendants. He will not cast them all away. The apostle Paul’s words reflect the sort of care and concern that God himself had for Israel. He would discipline her but, with Paul, he might declare, “Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved” (Romans 10:1). Oh, how certain is God’s love for his people so that we can sing:
Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home. –John Newton
When I fear my faith will fail,
Christ will hold me fast;
When the tempter would prevail,
He will hold me fast.
I could never keep my hold
Through life’s fearful path;
For my love is often cold;
He must hold me fast. --Ada Habershon and Matt Merker
When we all get to heaven
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory. --Eliza E. Hewitt