Keeping Promises

Scripture – Amos 1:9-10: This is what the LORD says: “For three sins of Tyre, even for four, I will not turn back my wrath. Because she sold whole communities of captives to Edom, disregarding a treaty of brotherhood, I will send fire upon the walls of Tyre that will consume her fortresses.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) The word of God for Tyre (a city northwest of Israel) is similar to that given for Gaza. Both sold whole communities of people into slavery. However, in doing that, Tyre disregarded a promise – a “treaty of brotherhood.” I don’t know anything about that treaty. I can only assume promises were made that later were broken. It’s not unlike how the United States treated Native Americans, or how some corporations are treating their retirees.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Sometimes I make promises lightly. I don’t even think of them as promises. Yet I say I’ll do something, and I end up not doing it. One of the most common for me is to say something like, “I’ll call you next week.” Then the next week comes and goes before I know it, and no call has been made. I have one of those calls pending. I will make it today.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, you never fail to keep your promises. I’m sorry for not keeping so many of mine. Teach me to pay attention to what I say – to avoid promising things without thinking. Guide me today as I speak with different people. Help me keep the promise I made last week.