READING:
One-year plan: Amos 1-5, Revelation 8-9
Two-year plan: 2 Chronicles 1-3, Acts 2:37-3:10
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Today’s reading begins the book of Amos, the prophetic word from a God-called shepherd set apart to announce judgment on the northern kingdom of Israel. Consider the sins that would bring on God’s judgment: mistreating the poor (Amos 2:6), committing sexual sin (Amos 2:7-8), rejecting God’s spokespersons (Amos 2:11-12), living in luxury at the expense of others (Amos 4:1). In particular, the Israelites assumed that their religious activities were sufficient to please God, even while they lived in sin (Amos 5:4-10).
What they failed to see is that God’s calling them as His special people made them more accountable to Him — not less accountable. They assumed they would be immune from judgment, but just the opposite was the case: “Listen to this message that the Lord has spoken against you, Israelites, against the entire clan that I brought from the land of Egypt: I have known only you out of all the clans of the earth; therefore, I will punish you for all your iniquities” (Amos 3:1-2).
We who have been as blessed as North American believers need to hear this Word. From those whom God blesses, He expects much. He will hold us more accountable — not less. At a personal level, I am reminded that God has graciously blessed me with life, salvation, gifts, opportunities, etc. To take those gifts too lightly is to risk God’s displeasure and judgment.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Do you ever take God’s blessings for granted?
DAILY PRAYER: “God, help me to seek You today.”
TOMORROW’S READINGS:
One-year plan: Amos 6-9, Obadiah, Revelation 10-11
Two-year plan: 2 Chronicles 4-5, Acts 3:11-26
*first published in 2015
