Minding Our Own Business

Scripture – Amos 2:4-5: ⁴This is what the LORD says: “For three sins of Judah, even for four, I will not turn back my wrath. Because they have rejected the law of the LORD and have not kept his decrees, because they have been led astray by false gods, the gods their ancestors followed, I will send fire upon Judah that will consume the fortresses of Jerusalem.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Finally, Amos hits close to home. Judah and Israel together were really one kingdom. Together they were God’s chosen people. For various reasons, a split had occurred several generations before Amos. There was a great divide between the two. The people of the northern kingdom, Israel, would have been delighted to hear God’s judgment on their neighbors to the south. As Amos pointed out, Judah had rejected the law of the Lord and had chased after false gods. That was true. And I can almost hear a chorus of “Amen’s” coming from the people of Israel as they hear this word.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) II find it exceptionally easy to point fingers at other churches – other Christians – and point out their flaws. That’s part of my human nature. I will keep my focus on Bethel. How is God calling us to serve? How are we doing in our response to that call? What He has in mind for other churches (and their pastors) is His business. I will avoid comparing us to them.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, you have called us to continue your ministry in this world as a community of Christian love. Give us all we need to do that – to respond to your call in all aspects of our collective life. Forgive me for looking at others for comparison and, sometimes, even direction. Keep my vision clearly on you.