Amos: Seek The Lord and LiveSýnishorn

What makes Israel so guilty is not merely that they had received God’s law, but that they had received His grace (vv. 9–12). ‘Look what I did for you,’ says the Lord in essence. With the repeated use of ‘I ...’ He details how: I destroyed your enemies; I redeemed you from slavery; I guided you in the wilderness; I gave you a fertile land; I gave you godly leaders. It’s not merely that I gave you knowledge, but that I showed you favour and kindness beyond all other nations. I showed you grace. 

As God concludes, ‘Is this not true, people of Israel?’ (v. 11). But Israel’s response was to get the Nazirites (young, keen, godly role models) drunk and to tell the Bible teachers to shut up (v. 12). 

The Lord effectively says, ‘I showed you grace and kindness when you had nothing and were desperate. If you truly understood that, you would treat others the same way, rather than exploiting the helpless.’ Amos warned Israel that unless there was change, the whole nation – even the bravest and strongest – would be destroyed. 

I can’t tell you how to hear this word of Amos. Christians know that although we fail to honour the Lord rightly and we fail to treat others with the kindness God has shown us, we will not be punished. Christ was crushed in our place (v. 13). His strength failed Him as He died in order to give us life (v. 14). Although He was the bravest man to walk this planet, He was stripped naked (v. 16). So, the Lord will never destroy those who trust in Jesus. But He may well roar against some believers who mistreat others, despite receiving His grace. 

Christians live somewhat in verses 9–12. We have received God’s grace in Jesus. How are you responding? 

Reflection

Do you need to hear the roar of the Lord warning you that you cannot claim to be a follower of Jesus and mistreat other people? We are those who know the Lord's kindness and generosity. We should pass that on.