As we already know, this Oracle from Amos (God breathed!) was written in two parts. The second part shows the many ways that God has appealed to the Israelites to return to Him, yet without response. Father, please show me my transgressions. Show me how you want to help me out of these recurring sins. Please show me how my sins hurt You. Help me to strive for perfection. For Your Holy Name!
The second part of this oracle is found in Amos 4:6-11. God lists the hardships He sent to the Israelite people. From lack of food (v.6) to drought (v.7-8) to various kinds of pestilence (v.10), God inflicts disasters on His people so that they might return to Him.
What is our response when bad things happen? I remember going through an awful time with circumstance at the end of 2009. From suicides, another friends death and a break up, everything came to a head and I remember the FU moment pretty well. I was crying in my room and venting my anger at the LORD. How I look back on that now with regret at insulting My Holy God like that. I wished that I had responded in coming closer to Him. In getting on my knees in prayer, or reading His Word or proclaiming His name and how great He is. But no, there was an FU moment instead.
How do you react when bad things happen?
How should we react? (Is that a stupid question!?) Is there a right way to react? The Bible doesn't give us a list of what to do in every situation. We can look at how David acted when he found out his daughter had been raped by his son (2 Samuel 13) or at Job, when he lost his possessions, his job and his FAMILY! They sort the LORD GOD. Father, please in this time of blessing let me seek after You. In times this semester when things are stressful, let me seek after You. In homesickness, in times of mourning, in times of persecution for my faith in You, let my first thought be You and how I should praise You and seek Your face!
Amos 5:18-20 hints that the people of Israel were hoping and waiting for 'the day of the LORD', a day where He would come to vindicate the people of Israel from their enemies. Amos, in 4:12, because of Israel's disobedience and idolatry, are told that they will meet their God, but not in the way that they expect. I can't help but think about the fear of the LORD right now. Father, show me what Your word means when it says to fear the LORD. Is it simply reverence, or is there more to it. Help me to fear You.
Amos uses incredible imagery in verse 13 to convey what Israel can expect. He says of our LORD that He 'treads on the heights of the earth' and 'declares to man what is His thought'. Father, please declare to me what is your thought regarding my time here in the States. Let my actions, although like 'filthy rags', show my heart towards You. Let it please you Jesus!
Amen!
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