12/17/17 Just and Forgiving

READING: Amos 7-9, Revelation 8

“The Lord relented concerning this. ‘It will not happen,’ He said.”

Amos 7:3

God is an incredibly patient God. He loves us in our sin and in spite of our sin. He puts up with us much longer than we typically put up with each other. He does, though, have a “line in the sand” when it comes to His judgment. 

The prophet Amos, via a series of visions, learned this truth about Israel. The first vision was judgment like a swarm of locust consuming the crops. In response, Amos pleaded with God to stay the judgment—“O Lord GOD, please forgive! How can Jacob stand? He is so small!” (Amos 7:2)—and God relented in grace. God did the same in response to Amos’ prayer after He announced a judgment by fire.

There was no such release, though, after the third vision. In that vision, Amos saw that the nation was hardly “plumb” (that is, in line with) God’s Word. God’s response this time was not relenting; it was bringing judgment: “I will no longer spare them” (Amos 7:8). The time for judgment had come, and the prophet had no reason to pray again. The temple songs of the people would instead “become wailing” (Amos 8:3).

When God judges His people, however, He does it precisely because He keeps His covenant to them. He judges because He loves, not because He doesn’t love. He judges to bring His people back so they might glorify His name. Indeed, He spoke to Amos of a day when He would “restore the fortunes” of His people Israel (Amos 9:14). His love is both just and forgiving.

ACTION STEPS: 

  • Thank God that His love both calls us to righteousness and forgives us.
  • Be aware today that God does have a line in the sand.

PRAYER: “God, thank You for Your patience. Remind me, though, that You also draw lines.” 

TOMORROW’S READING:  Obadiah 1, Revelation 9

 
 

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