Unwelcome Words

Scripture – Amos 5:1-3: ¹Hear this word, O house of Israel, this lament I take up concerning you: ²“Fallen is Virgin Israel, never to rise again, deserted in her own land, with no one to lift her up.” ³This is what the Sovereign LORD says: “The city that marches out a thousand strong for Israel will have only a hundred left; the town that marches out a hundred strong will have only ten left.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) What a sad image. God’s people are fallen and deserted. There is no one to lift her up. What did the people think when they heard these words? They certainly didn’t see any problems. Life was going very well for them. It’s no wonder prophets are not well received. Who wants to hear that the party will soon be shut down?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I still take so much for granted. I know there are homeless and hungry people. At the same time, I choose to not think about them most of the time. I hide behind the idea there’s nothing I can really do. I will come out of hiding. I will find a practical thing I can do, and I will do it.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, give me eyes to see and ears to hear. In this day, in this place, show me how to act in a righteous way.

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.