The Lord would be very concerned about the land and people and he would see to their needs, if they would repent. He would answer their prayers and protect them. Israel would know that the Lord stood by their side. Later God would give His Spirit to everyone and they would prophecy through dreams and visions, both men and women. He will work wonders in the sky and the Lord will save everyone who faithfully worships Him.
After the Lord restored Judah and Jerusalem, he would judge the nations who had sinned against Him. Joel warned those other nations to ready themselves for war; to make weapons out of farm implements. God would punish the guilty and defend the innocent.
Amos
During the reign of Uzziah, Amos raised sheep near the town of Tekoa and recieved several messages from the Lord. Judgements would be placed on Syria, Philistia, Phoenicia, Edom, Ammon, Moab, Judah and Israel for countless crimes and He would not change His mind.
Of all the nations of earth, Israel was the only one God had chosen, so they would be punished because of their sins. Whatever the Lord plans to do, He tells His servants, the prophets. Even ordinary people become prophets when God speaks. The Lord told Amos that Samaria was doomed - they didn't even know how to do right. The altars at Bethel were to be destroyed along with the richly adorned mansions of the people.
The Lord called the women of Samaria fat cows, they were only interested in themselves while the poor and needy people suffered all around them. They were warned that they would be carried off with sharp hooks. God condemned the meaningless acts of worship after the people were greedily seeking places and ways to sin. The Lord warned Israel bit by bit. He took away the food from towns and villages. He withheld the rain from the crops. Locusts ate the fruit in their orchards. He let their young men die in war. He let their horses be stolen and their camp stink with dead bodies. It was time for Israel to prepare to face God.
Tomorrow read Amos 5-9; Obadiah 1:1-9
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment