"X" Marks the Spot

Scripture – Amos 1:11-12: This is what the LORD says: “For three sins of Edom, even for four, I will not turn back my wrath. Because he pursued his brother with a sword, stifling all compassion, because his anger raged continually and his fury flamed unchecked, I will send fire upon Teman that will consume the fortresses of Bozrah.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) The focus of Amos’ prophecy turns now to Edom – an area southeast of Israel. Edom was another name for Jacob’s brother, Esau. Many generations before Amos, these brothers were at odds with one another. I suspect that’s behind the reference to pursing “his brother with a sword.” The people of Edom may have held an on-going grudge or resentment toward Israel. I also see that Amos has now completed a box of sorts – sending God’s judgments in four different directions to places fairly far away from Israel. Another way to think of it is that Amos has drawn a big “X” and Israel is in the center of it. Still, at this point, people hearing these words would certainly be nodding in agreement as he spoke.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) It’s easy to point fingers at people far away and proclaim God’s judgment on them. I will be very careful about making such statements. For often, what I think is God’s judgment is nothing more than mine.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, please keep me honest. If I have an opinion, I will share it as my opinion. If I have your word for the church, I will share that. Give me a discerning spirit to know the difference.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.