Using God's Plumb Line

Scripture – Amos 7:7-9: ⁷This is what he showed me: The Lord was standing by a wall that had been built true to plumb, with a plumb line in his hand. ⁸And the LORD asked me, “What do you see, Amos?” “A plumb line,” I replied. Then the Lord said, “Look, I am setting a plumb line among my people Israel; I will spare them no longer. ⁹“The high places of Isaac will be destroyed and the sanctuaries of Israel will be ruined; with my sword I will rise against the house of Jeroboam.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) This image of a plumb line is pretty straightforward. It simply shows that Israel does not measure up to God’s standards. Since that’s of no concern to them, God will spare them no longer. It would be another thirty years or so before this prophecy would be fulfilled. But the message of Amos is unmistakably clear.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) By the grace of God, we are not measured by any plumb line to determine our eternal future. The New Testament makes it clear in various places that God’s law is there to show us our imperfection. In light of that, the cross of Christ has effected salvation for us. I will remember my imperfection today. At the same time, I will thank God for His mercy and grace.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, I know I would have no chance without you. Yesterday, I made a couple of stupid decisions. Today, in your good grace, I have a new beginning. Remind that even though I don’t have to measure up to your plumb line, it’s still a good guideline for me to follow.