READING: Amos 1-5
The words seem almost strange. The Lord spoke these words against His people when they were guilty of turning against Him: “You only have I chosen of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your sins” (Amos 2:2). When our culture thinks of “chosenness,” I doubt they think of punishment and judgment. To be chosen means to be blessed, to be honored above all others. It surely cannot mean coming punishment.
And yet, today’s text clearly ties together God’s choice of Israel as His own and His decision to punish them for their wrong. God judged the people of Israel precisely because they were chosen, not in spite of it. Their chosenness led to their judgment.
You see, the Bible reminds us that the privilege of chosenness carries with it the responsibility of obedience. We, too, live in that same tension. We believers are privileged to be the body of Christ (1 Cor 12), but we also have the responsibility of finding our place of service in that body. We’re the bride of Christ (Eph 5), but that privilege requires us to be fully submitted and faithful to the Bridegroom. We are His sheep (John 10) — protected and loved — but He demands that we follow Him faithfully. Our privileges are great, but so are our responsibilities.
We’re chosen, but we’re also responsible and accountable. And, we risk God’s punishment on us if we do not follow Him fully. That’s because God has first chosen us as His own and expects us to live differently.
ACTION STEPS:
- Consider what God-required responsibilities you are currently not fulfilling. Choose one, and be faithful because you are one of God’s own.
- If God must discipline you today, receive His teaching with humility and teachability.
PRAYER: “Lord, forgive me for not always serving You well as one of Your chosen ones. Thank You again for never letting go of me.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Amos 6-9
