June 21
Amos 1:1-6:14
We live in a culture that is passionate about justice. Yet most want others to get what they deserve for their sin rather than receiving consequences for their own wrong actions. At the beginning of Amos, we see this same mentality when he pronounces judgment upon the enemies of Israel and Judah. It is not hard to imagine much delight that their enemies are finally going to receive the punishment they deserve. Suddenly in Amos 2, the pronouncements of condemnation moves to Judah and Israel. They discover the same judgment befalling their enemies will come upon them. Their disobedience, idolatry, mistreatment of the poor, and sexual immorality will incur God's wrath.
God judging others did not preclude judgement from coming upon Judah and Israel. The same is true for us. We may long for God's judgment to fall upon the wicked, but we need to remember that God is also going to judge us. His judgment will not send us to Hell, but it will determine our eternal rewards. Since judgment awaits, we need to be humble, self-reflective, and quick to confess our own sins. We should also long for all people to find the salvation, forgiveness, and mercy that is available in Christ. When we were among the wicked, Christ died for us and them, so let us pray for the salvation of all people.
Father God, thank you for your grace and justice and for your promise to make all things right. Until then, use me to glorify you and your kingdom. Amen.
How can you remain humble as you rightly long for God's justice to come?
We live in a culture that is passionate about justice. Yet most want others to get what they deserve for their sin rather than receiving consequences for their own wrong actions. At the beginning of Amos, we see this same mentality when he pronounces judgment upon the enemies of Israel and Judah. It is not hard to imagine much delight that their enemies are finally going to receive the punishment they deserve. Suddenly in Amos 2, the pronouncements of condemnation moves to Judah and Israel. They discover the same judgment befalling their enemies will come upon them. Their disobedience, idolatry, mistreatment of the poor, and sexual immorality will incur God's wrath.
God judging others did not preclude judgement from coming upon Judah and Israel. The same is true for us. We may long for God's judgment to fall upon the wicked, but we need to remember that God is also going to judge us. His judgment will not send us to Hell, but it will determine our eternal rewards. Since judgment awaits, we need to be humble, self-reflective, and quick to confess our own sins. We should also long for all people to find the salvation, forgiveness, and mercy that is available in Christ. When we were among the wicked, Christ died for us and them, so let us pray for the salvation of all people.
Father God, thank you for your grace and justice and for your promise to make all things right. Until then, use me to glorify you and your kingdom. Amen.
How can you remain humble as you rightly long for God's justice to come?
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