Take Two: Amos 9, Proverbs 4

Amos 9 is the final chapter. As has been the case to this point, the prophet, speaking for God, states that God will destroy the sinful people among the Kingdom (Amos 9:10). God is Sovereign and is responsible for all that is coming their way. He will use every nation and every circumstance as an instrument of His will and His wrath…to root out the sinful independence and arrogance of His people.

Amos 9:1-4 gives a number of scenarios where the people might seem out of reach of God’s wrath. In each case, God deals with them where they are. He is to be feared because the people, to this point, have spurned Him and rejected His leadership in their lives. Amos 9:5-6 speaks to God’s ultimate power and the enormity of His sovereignty. Nothing is beyond Him or exceeds Him.

Amos 9:7-10 restates that the people, because of their actions, have estranged themselves from God…not the other way around. Their sin has caused/prompted God to treat them as a people that are not His own.

I find it interesting that even in the midst of the rebellion of the people, God does not forsake them. He judges them and punishes them…but He never loses track of them. He never forgets them or takes His eye off of them. Yes…it is a dangerous thing to sin under the watchful eye of God; however, it is a comforting thing to know that no circumstance occurs that is beyond the watchful eye of God. Nothing that happens in your life escapes His notice…for good or bad.

Amos 9:11-15 gives the prophesy of restoration. After the judgment…the people will be restored…not by their own efforts but by God. They will again possess honor, dignity, provision, and blessing. God is not opposed to blesing His people. God is opposed to His people trusting in the BLESSING rather than the One who BLESSES! When they are established again…this time by God…they will never be rooted out or lose their status. It seems that this is a reference to the Millenial Kingdom of Christ (Amos 9:15).

Proverbs 4:18 is the takeaway today. As I read this, I saw (for the first time now) that the path of righteousness does not always appear so in the beginning. In fact, it is only as one continues on the path of the righteous that it is illuminated to full day. When we choose God’s path and continue on it, it becomes very clear that it is a wise and good path. Even if we cannot fully appreciate this in the beginning…the full day reveals the wisdom of our choice.

Tomorrow we return to a NT study. See you in the book of James…..

Take Two: Amos 8, Proverbs 3

In the midst of the funeral arrangements this week, there was a pretty common thread among many of us who were caught off-guard by the cicumstances of Mom’s death. Many kept saying, “I can’t believe it. I hoped that when I woke up this morning, I would discover it wasn’t true.”

In many ways, some people look at God’s judgment and justice similarly. We know what God says…but in many ways, we hope we will wake up to discover it isn’t true. The remaining chapters of Amos continue the theme and drive home the point, God will not relent. He has pronounced judgment on the people and will carry it out…not because He is bad or vengeful, but because He is good and just.

The first vision of the chapter (Amos 8:1-3) serves to tie together chapter 7 and 8. The picture is one of harvest time. When farmers plant, they look forward to th harvest. It always comes. It may yield good or bad or plenteous or sparse fruit…but the time of harvest always comes.

Amos 8:4-14 is really a taunt (of sorts) to the people to keep going with their immoral and unethical…ungodly deeds. Judgment is coming because God never forgets anything. Every deed will be reconciled (Amos 8:7).

No one in Amos’ audience should look forward to the day because it is characteristically apocalyptic (Amos 8:9). This day of judgment will be more than the people can bear.

As a NT Christian, looking back on history from the completed side of the cross…I am fully aware and sensitive to the fact that all sin (just as listed here) is paid for individually and amazingly. Either each person will give account and bear the weight of his own sin (choosing to bear it alone as an independent and autonomous being), or it will be born by Christ at the Cross (Romans 5:8, 1 John 2:2, John 3:16, Romans 6:23). Nevertheless, all sin is judged.

Proverbs 3:27 is the takeaway. Sometimes, we are tempted to make rational decisions about resources. We may see needs around us and look into the pantry. We realize that we can meet the need, but the uncertainty of tomorrow prompts us to consider holding back. The proverb instructs us to step forward and meet the need. We are instruments of God’s provision for someone else…and God will always provide for us…just as He does for them through us.

Grace,

Take Two: Amos 7, Proverbs 2

I apologize for the sporadic nature of posting. Those who know what is going on…can understand. If you don’t know…then please forgive me for my inconsistency and pick up with me now.

Amos 7 begins the next section of the book. The first part dealt with the “words” of Amos and the balance of the book deals with the “visions” of Amos. In the first two visions, God reveals an instrument of destruction. The prophet intercedes for the people and God relents from His intended judgment (Amos 7:1-6). Both visions are similar…with the exception of the fact that the instrument of judgment shifts from locusts to fire.

Amos 7:7-9 gives a vision fo the plumb line. A plumb line is used in constructing walls to insure that the walls are straight and will continue to stand. If a wall was not built straight (plumb), it would be destroyed by the builder or it would fail under the test of time. God revealed the significance of the plumb line to Amos and told him that He would examine and judge Israel…but the means of judgment is not revealed. Two reasons for the judgment are implied.

First, there is the mention of the high places and sanctuaries (Amos 7:9). This is an indictment against the religious structures. Second is due to the government of the nation which is symbolized by the King’s mention.

Amos 7:10-17 details the resistance of the culture to Amos’ words. The high priest of Bethel accuses Amos of sedition and treason to the king (Amos 7:10). The priest’s loyalty was to the king and not to God. Amaziah discounts the vision of Amos and orders him gone…declaring that the worship center at Bethel was of the King (Amos 7:12-13). Amos declared that the visions and the impetus to prophesy were not his own…but were of God. He then prophesied against the high priest declaring that he and his children would die by the sword. Further, all of his holdings would be lost and his wife would become a prostitute to support herself. Also, Israel would still come under judgment.

Should you read this and think it harsh…remember that Israel had come to depend on their own prosperity rather than God. Therefore, the judgment was against that which took the place of God.

Proverbs 2:9 is the takeaway today. By acquiring wisdom, we gain the ability to discern in any given circumstance, that which is righteous, just, fair, and proper. It is not that God gives us some secret knowledge or some special dispensation necessarily; however, He does give us, through applying His Word, the ability to find the “God aspect” of a circumstance and act appropriately.

Grace,

Take Two: Amos 6, Proverbs 31

Amos 6 continues the picture of judgment of God that is coming against Israel. In chapter 5, the indictment came against the “cows of bashan.” the wives who demanded fine things which were secured by exacting interest and excessive charges against the poor. In chapter 6, we observe the addressee to be those who are living the life of luxury and security without God (Amos 6:1).

The addressee is told to “live it up.” By doing so, they do not negate the judgment that is coming (Amos 6:7).

The final section (Amos 6:8-14) pictures the certainty of the judgment. Some may have come to question whether God had changed. Perhaps, they thought, God was no longer offended at the arrogant and luxurious lifestyle and the means by which it was secured. The prophet’s response is simply that God has sworn by Himself (Amos 6:8)…so God has not changed.

A curious phrase occurs in Amos 6:10. To mention the Name of the Lord…or as one commentator put it…to call on God for help…would not bring relief but destruction…since God was responsible for the calamity that was upon them anyway.

Proverbs 31:31 is the takeaway. In speaking of the “excellent wife” or as some call her, the “P31″ woman, the proverb ends with give her the product of her hands and let her works praise her. She is not known for her philosophy or good intentions. She is known for how she lived. She gains credibility based on the fruits of her labor. There are many people who are quick to espouse good ideas and good intentions. The P31 woman…says look at the results. Let them, and them alone, be the standard for which my life is measured.

Take Two: Amos 5, Proverbs 29

The plot or theme becomes more clear in this chapter. Remember that Amos began by asserting God’s Sovereignty over His Creation…and His people. All of the calamity to come upon the nations and upon Israel was because God caused it. The people were religious in their actions; however, they had become dependent on their prosperity and addicted to pleasures.

Part of the religious “buzz” of the era was to speak of the “Day of the Lord.” For those speaking it, it was supposed to be a day of triumph and blessing and honor. They spoke of it as if they were excited and anticipating it. Amos gives them another perspective.

The Day of the Lord is coming…but you should hide because He is not pleased with your conduct! It is a day of victory and glory and honor…but He will display these things by punishing the wicked…you! (Amos 5:18).

The solution is to forsake their practices and seek the Lord! (Amos 5:4, Amos 5:6, Amos 5:14). They thought that they were seeking God…after all they had many altars and practiced religion all of the time. God’s response was that their worship was empty and He hated it (Amos 5:21-23). What God desired was justice and mercy…a lifestyle consistent with their religious confession…not a religious confession alone (Amos 5:24).

Because they were hypocritical…they had made a mockery of God; therefore, they would lose everything (Amos 5:11), and only a remnant would survive His judgment (Amos 5:3). Instead of making a “fuss” claiming to be looking forward to the Day of the Lord…they should have kept silent…since they were unprepared (Amos 5:12-13).

Some of them may have desired to argue with Amos…that he was a fundamentalist and had no basis for his claims. He closes the chapter by reminding them that their ancestors were punished for idolatry as well…a fate they could look forward to if they did not repent (Amos 5:25-27).

Sometimes it is difficult to think that we are idolatrous in our actions when we come together on Sunday to worship God. We sing songs of His faithfulness, His power, His justice…and then we rely upon other things…including our own wisdom as if they were powerful to provide and care for us. This is bad…but becomes worse when we think that no one else sees through our charade…including God. Either He is…and He is worthy of our lives…or He is not…and we should choose our alternatives. We cannot continue, though, to claim that He is our hope AND pursue other hopes as if God is not offended at our duplicity.

Proverbs 29:16 is the takeaway today. As wickedness increases, it seems as though there is no hope for righteousness…but the Day of the Lord is coming…and Righteousness will prevail.

Grace,

Take Two: Amos 4, Proverbs 28

Amos 4 is pretty harsh…but is a judgment oracle of God. In Amos 4:1 the prophet addresses the rich women of the court of Samaria (though some believe that both men and women are in view) as “cows of Bashan.” The reference is to their indulgent lifestyle which was unable to be satisfied. The attempt to satisfy this desire resulted in oppression of the poor. The prophesy against them is in Amos 4:2-3 where their utter destruction is pictured. They will all die and be carried away.

Amos 4:4-5 is a “parody” on the call to worship. Amos calls the people to go to their false altars at Bethel and Gilgal…to sin and sin again. Bring your offerings and carry on with your religious activity; however, God will not listen and will only charge you with the sin of idolatry. Regardless of whether they brought offerings every three days or every three years, they would oppress the poor for their own properity every other day. This not only invalidated their worship…but became a source of indictment against them.

Think of it as a flaunting one’s sin before God. It is like coming to church with unconfessed sin…or leaving a church having rejected an invitation to repent and respond to God. Ultimately…this is flaunting one’s rebellion before a Holy God.

Amos 4:6-13 is a succession of statements of how God had disciplined His people yet they would not return. Even when difficulties came, they turned inward for answers and refused to return to God. Therefore (Amos 4:12) God declared His righteous judgment against them.

It is a dangerous thing to ignore the call of a Holy God to repent and return. Sometimes, as with a man this week, the voice of God calling becomes muffled and quieted after prolonged rebellion. Meanwhile the weight of sin guilt builds up and weighs down. At other times, God more actively brings judgment. Either way…it is a dangerous thing.

I might encourage you to seek after God and seek to know if there is unconfessed sin or failure to respond with obedience that weighs on your life. While the weight of God’s judgment is heavy, the arms of God’s Son are strong. He seeks to pick you up, restore you, remove the weight, and re-send you into the harvest as God’s special children and Ambassadors of Grace. The decisions is yours alone.

Proverbs 28:13 is the takeaway today. Confess and forsake. They key to abundant life.

Grace,

Take Two: Amos 3, Proverbs 27

Having concluded the opening discourse of God’s judgment, the prophet moves to explain the “why” of God’s judgment against His people. When I was a child and my dad would punish me, the “talk” before the spanking was the worst! He would say to me, “I am doing this because I love you.” In other words, because we have this special relationship (father/son) I am going to punish you. I used to think, “love me less!”

Amos 3:1-2 gives the basis for what is coming. Listen to the prophesy against God’s people…those whom He rescued/chose for His own and delivered from the Egyptians. Amos 3:2, I chose you and no one else, therefore I will visit your sins upon you…or better: since I have chosen you above all others, I will punish your sins and bring the effects of your sin upon you.

God asserts His sovereignty here. He reminds the people that He alone chose them for His own purpose. He chose them alone as His people. He took them from out of Egypt (which did not fit into the Egyptians long range plan) because He alone chose to. He alone chose the covenant for their relationship…so He alone would punish their sin. It is key to remember that God is not claiming for Himself some new authority here. He was and always will be Sovereign. This is not news to us or to Israel. God is…period. He is now announcing that He will act within His sovereign bounds to right that which is wrong and punish the transgressions of His people who have “presumed” upon God’s grace and forsaken His covenant.

Amos 3:3-6 contains 7 questions which are a rhetorical (speech) device. The answers are implied in the questions. The common thread with all of the questions is the CAUSE-EFFECT relationship. The questions are sufficient if taken only proverbially…but there is cause to see God and Israel in each of the questions as well. The purpose of the first six questions is to gain the agreement of the audience and then connect the dots to the prophet’s assertion: “If we (the city) are under a calamity…did not God cause it?” Whatever judgment coming against Israel will be the direct and explicit outworking of God’s will. He would use actions to accomplish it (as He did in Egypt) but He is the One responsible.

That may be a hard word for you to grasp…it is to me. At the same time though…it is hard for me to punish my children. I do not enjoy it…but if I do not address their shortcomings/sin/ failures…how will they know how to view them? No one but me (as their father) can address them…because like God with Israel…I have the special relationship.

Like me with my father, and my children with me…it is difficult to appreciate (in the midst of punishment) the heart behind the action. I never sought out my dad’s punishment. I did not appreciate receiving the punishment. I only look back and am thankful for his actions (without consensus with me at the time), through which he sought my best interest.

Amos 3:7 connects the Cause-Effect relationship idea with the pronouncement to come. It simply notes that God wants the people to know what is coming and why…so He is pre-disclosing His intentions through the prophet. The prophet’s message should be heeded, because it is a message from the Sovereign God who acts.

Amos 3:8, as the lion’s roar struck fear in the animal, so the Word of the Lord should strike fear in His people. The Lion has roared…and God has spoken.

Amos 3:9-10 is the imagery of a legal proceeding. Bring witnesses from among the pagan nations. They do not know how to even do “right.” They hoard up possessions in their citadels and treasuries. Amos 3:11 states that the enemy surrounding Israel will be used (by the Sovereign God) to tear down Israel’s citadels and loot them. Remember from Chapter 1 that Israel was experiencing prosperity and a corresponding decline in authentic worship/morality.

Amos 3:12-15 uses the imagery, not of a legal proceeding, but of a shepherd. If a predator came in and killed a sheep, the shepherd had to produce evidence (pieces) or reimburse the owner for the missing animal. So, the imagery used indicates the total destruction of Israel…with only an evidence of their former existence. (Think REMNANT). God’s judgment will begin with the altars of Bethel (due to the false worship taking place there) and would continue in affecting every area of Israel’s lives and possessions…including summer and winter houses. No aspect of their lives shall escape God’s judgment.

More imagery to come…tomorrow.

Proverbs 27:20 is the takeaway today. Neither death, nor hell are ever satisfied. They continually seek more. They do not reach capacity. Such is also the longing for man. I have never met a man who was “by nature” satisfied with what he possessed. I have met a few who are content and had disciplined themselves to restrain from continual pursuit of possessions…but it required discipline. We never come to the place where we are satisfied with what we have…so do not fall for the lie, “If I get this…then I will be content.” It is not true. Contentment does not come with accumulation, only with choosing to be satisfied with what one already possesses. This usually corresponds with a thankful heart.

Take Two: Amos 2, Proverbs 26

The prophetic oracle continues in Chapter 2. In fact, there is no break between the two. God has pronounced judgment agains the neighboring nations to the northeast, southwest, northwest, and southeast. He then moves on, in this chapter to Judah in the South and to Israel (Northern Kingdom) itself.

The sins of Moab relate to the desecration of an Edomite (enemy) king’s body (Amos 2:1-3). This is an example of vengence and devaluing of the dignity of man.

Now moving on to God’s “Covenant” people…Judah’s sin relates to the breaking of God’s Covenant with them (Amos 2:4-5). They rejected God’s Law. It is interesting that the sins of breaking God’s Law/Covenant are equivalent to and warrant the same judgment as the sins of the nations. Defying an instruction of God is no different than killing a pregnant woman for material prosperity (Amos 1:13) or exacting revenge against an enemy king (Amos 2:1-3).

CONSEQUENTLY…I wonder in Christians living in the New Covenant era (us) see the rejection of God’s instruction (to forgive, to tithe, to worship together, to care for the oppressed, etc.) as required or optional? Do we recognize that God has not changed? If God required certain activities from His people as a basis of Covenant relationship…should we expect that God expects LESS from people under His New Covenant which He instituted through the sacrificial death of His own Son? Do Christians today see a diminished responsibility to obedience since we live under Grace? Are we then being presumptive and assuming that God will treat us differently and requires a diminished level of commitment since we live in the NT era?

Now the focus moves to the sins of the audience to whom Amos speaks. Israel had become immersed with material prosperity. To gain financially, they would act as shrewd business people…and would act mercilessly (Amos 2:6). They (figuratively) trampled upon the poor..driving their heads into the dirt of the ground (Amos 2:7). Both a father and son would have sexual relations with a female slave, in violation of God’s covenant (Amos 2:7). They would worship at altars they constructed (without God’s direction…consequently) in a manner that was outward rather than inward (Amos 2:8). In fact, they would prostrate on garments taken from the poor (in violation of the covenant) and drink the wine that was taken through altar fines and tax…for their own benefit (equivalent to setting up a “no cussing” jar in your office…and using the proceeds to go buy a bottle of liquor to drink.) In other words, they had turned religious worship into a profit center as well…

The more prosperous they were financially, the further they strayed from God positionally. And God saw all of it! In Amos 2:9-12, God (through the prophet) points out that the basis for Israel’s existence was God’s grace toward them and God’s victory over their enemies. Yet…in the face of Grace, they had turned toward profiteering over faithfulness.

The pronouncement of judgment is different against Israel (Amos 2:13-16). Literary critics believe it is for rhetorical purposes. It certainly does serve to build the suspense…even though the anticipation and outcome are the same. God will judge Israel and they will be powerless to resist.

We, as God’s people, are required to approach God on His terms and not our own. This relates not only to our worship hours…but to every part of our lives.

Proverbs 26:24-25 is the takeaway today. A man’s heart is often masked by the words that he says. We are not called to evaluate a man by what he says…but by what is in his heart…which ultimately bears itself out in his actions.

Take Two: Amos 1, Proverbs 25

As we begin the Book of Amos, a little background will help us keep the message in context. Amos is the first of 4 eighth Century prophets. He prophesied around 765-760 BC. His audience was the Northern Kingdom (Israel). In the context of Scripture, he precedes Hosea (in the North) and Isaiah and Micah in the South (Judah).

Assyria is the world power at the time and is somewhat preoccupied with other enemies, so there is little attention paid to Israel and Judah. Both Israel and Judah were on friendly terms of cooperation at this time leading to expansion of both kingdoms, economic prosperity, and an increase in “religious activity.” (i.e. animal sacrifices were up. A modern way of saying this is that there was an increased “awareness of and adherence to “forms” of spirituality.)

However, at the same time,

” the period was characterized by moral and spiritual decline and by social
upheaval. Israel’s frequent attendance at the shrines to make sacrifices did not
result in moral, spiritual, and social uprightness. The rich oppressed the poor,
indulged in extravagant lifestyles, denied justice to the oppressed, and engaged
in immoral sexual activities (2:6–8; 4:1; 5:11–13). Israel’s moral and spiritual
decline, plus the social upheaval brought on by greed, contradicted their
accelerated religious activities. Such were the times of Amos’s arrival in
Israel with a strong message of judgment from God. Israel’s outward show of
devotion to God, contradicted by their moral, spiritual, and social problems,
called for a discerning and courageous prophet.” (Billy K. Smith and Franklin S.
Page, vol. 19B, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, electronic ed., Logos Library System; The
New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001,
c1995), 26.).

So, as we recap the overview…Amos is a layperson, raised up by God to pronounce God’s Message to the people. Remember, interpreting the Message of Scripture cannot be done without consideration of the “Covenant.” Amos is not running to each nation mentioned here (as Jonah did to Nenveh), but is preaching to God’s Covenant people. So, the judgments pronounced in this first section need to be understood in this manner: “What does God’s judgment against these people have to do with me?”

Amos 1:1 introduces the prophet and gives the particulars of when he wrote. Amos 1:2 expresses the nature of the message: The Judgment of a Sovereign and Holy God is being unleashed.

Damascus is the first to be mentioned. This is the Capital of Aram (the Arameans) which is a lonstanding enemy of Israel. It is located to the Northeast of Israel. Amos 1:3-5 states that due to their mistreatment of Gilead (which seems to be the sin that “broke the camel’s back), God is going to judge them.

Philistia and its capitol Gaza are next to be noted. They were located to the Southwest of Israel. Amos 1:6-8 notes God’s judgment against them as well.

Amos 1:9-10 notes the judgment against Tyre (to the Northwest of Israel) which was a center of wealth and influence of the Phoenecians. One of their commodities was slavery. Their sin was a violation of the covenant of brotherhood…likely a reference to breaking a treaty…WHICH IS A VERY SERIOUS OFFENSE WITH GOD.

Amos 1:11-15 give two other peoples who will feel the judgment of God. Edom (the descendents of Esau) and Ammon. They, along with Moab (Amos 2:1-3) are located to the Southeast of Israel. The Edomites acted treacherously against their neighbors and lacked compassion (Amos 1:11). The Ammonites actually killed pregnant women to reduce populations (the focus being on the taking of innocent life) for the purpose of geographical expansion and increasing economic holdings. (i.e. they killed children and women for convenience and personal gain.) (Amos 1:13).

This opening scene of judgements will be continued tomorrow… but a pattern has emerged and is helpful to understand. If Amos is addressing Israel based on God’s covenant relationship with them, then all of the focus of judgment against the nations must be for their benefit. Notice that the judgments were against their neighbors to the northeast, southwest, northwest and southeast. Tomorrow we will notice that the judgment continues to their south and ultimately addresses them. This is a unique feature among prophetic literature. Most interpreters believe that this is like a great sermon. They believe that Amos was gaining the approval of the people and drawing them in by announcing “their God’s judgment” against their enemies. As they are drawn in and give approval to the message, God will focus judgment on them for their actions…since judgment alwasy begins with God’s people.

Sometimes it is easy for us to see the sins of others and not our own. We will deal more with it later, but Israel assumed that since they were involved in religious activity and experiencing economic prosperity…they were blessed of God. However, they too were transgressing God’s plan and purpose…a sin demanding a righteous response from a Holy God.

Proverbs 25:26 is the takeaway today. We are called to stand for those things that are of utmost importance…things of righteousness. To not do so is the be like a polluted or dirty source of water. We move from being a welcomed and needed source of refreshment to being an empty promise and an object to be marked and avoided.