Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Amos Chapter 8
This chapter is filled with promises of the destruction God will visit upon Israel for their transgressions. We see how powerful and mighty he is and what he is capable of. If I were Israel during this time period, I would be scared out of my mind. It's strange to think that we are as misled as Israel was during Amos's time, but I feel that if anything we have strayed farther from the path than Israel did. This brings up the question of what we truly deserve to receive from God. Instead of the widespread destruction that He promises to Israel, we are extended the hand of reconciliation through Jesus. Facing these facts again places the action that occurred on the cross as one of vast importance, paramount among all of mankind's history, for on that day, God reconciled us to Him. He did not promise that it would be easy to follow this new path laid forth by Jesus, but He has promised to always stand ready to support us and carry us, to welcome us back when we have wandered. I see in these verses the anguish that God has towards seeing Israel sin and it reminds me again how lucky I am that a lowly carpenter was nailed to a cross.
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I agree Drew, the destruction we see here is very scary, and God mentions a few reasons in verse 4-5. Basically that they were too caught up on themselves and how to better themselves, even at the cost of the community around them. One the you comment made me think about was how much easier we have it. I had the question that is it actually easier to follow Christ, than to have to do all of these things, and then still face the destruction that we see here in Amos. I just cant help but wonder if it is easier, or if we make it easier out of our laziness - i know i do this alot, but I just hope that this is not the way i live my whole life. Using the sacrifice Christ made as an excuse to not live out my life according to his will and laws. Anyway, a good depressing thought to leave me with for the rest of my workday.
ReplyDeleteThanks Drew!