Well guess what folk? Amos crossed the politically correct lines of his day and gave them God’s message – Woe! Not a good way for someone to start talking to you about future events and especially when he is giving you God’s message for you.
We need to wake up from our drowsy sleep and realize what is going on here in our nation. How we Christians are getting shoved back into the “do not disturb” corner. We don’t want to be disturb and we don’t want to disturb anyone else.
Amos goes on to tell the people what God has planned for them and for their complacent lives. He also warns those who are proud and arrogant. Chapter 7 tells us how God is going to destroy their homes, theirs places of worship, he is going to have them carted off into captivity. They were warned time and time again about what God will not tolerate and they have broken their covenant agreement with Him. Now God tells us through Amos that the time is ripe for God’s wrath to be poured out on His people.
In chapter 8:11-13, Amos tells us of a famine that will happen. This is not a famine of food, but of hearing God’s word spoken. I don’t know about you, but the thought of not hearing from God is very frightening. Well, this happens in the land and until the Messiah comes, people don’t have the privilege of hearing from God.
I hate to say it, even think it, but I am afraid that we are close to experiencing what the Israelites did. I think God is getting tired of His people watering down the gospel, making His words fit our culture and not the other way around. I think He is getting very ready to say to us, “Woe!” But I also know that God will not forsake His faithful followers. In a little while we will read about some very faithful men who stayed true to God even in captivity. The same can be for us too. We just need to strengthen our relationship with Jesus so that in the dark days ahead, He will be near us.
Please don’t neglect reading your bibles or attending church or daily prayers. Make them priorities in your life. Get your kids in Bible School and teach them the scriptures. We need to prepare our spiritual lives more than we do our physical lives.
Blessings
Pastor Kathy