No Turning Back

Scripture – Amos 6:8-10: ⁸The Sovereign LORD has sworn by himself—the LORD God Almighty declares: “I abhor the pride of Jacob and detest his fortresses; I will deliver up the city and everything in it.” ⁹If ten men are left in one house, they too will die. ¹⁰And if a relative who is to burn the bodies comes to carry them out of the house and asks anyone still hiding there, “Is anyone with you?” and he says, “No,” then he will say, “Hush! We must not mention the name of the LORD.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) This is a hard picture. Israel has passed the point of no return. As Amos continues with God’s message, it’s like His anger grows deeper and His resolve even stronger. By the time things start happening to Israel, the people will truly recognize God’s wrath. The Lord is being clear, this will be His intentional act to punish Israel.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I don’t like reading passages like this. I don’t like seeing this hard edge to God’s love. Yet the fact remains, He never stops loving His people, just as He never stops loving me. I will live in a way that brings honor to Christ today. I will live a life of which God can be proud.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Thank you, Lord, for sparing me from the punishment of Israel. I’m sorry for the times I disappoint you. Teach me and guide me as I move on through this day. Help me make good choices.