Yes, let God be the Judge. Your job today is to be a witness.
Warren Wiersbe
We live in a time of the peak of social development. In general, knowledge of humanity is higher than ever. We are building ultra-modern houses, manufacturing self-piloting cars, and launching space shuttles on Mars and beyond. Our smartphones are that smart that they already know more than we do.
Moreover, our social justice is perfect than ever before. We are fighting for fair distribution of wealth, for equal opportunities and privileges within a society.
All these listed above is just a pretty garment that covers the depravity and wickedness of humanity. Indeed, the state of things is bitter and painful.
There were more killed people in the past century than in the entire time of human history. And this century is no better; in order to gain control over wealth and power, one nation destroys another. A robust and influential country enslaves a weak and poor one.
Our depravity did stop on the differences between nations and nationalities. This corruption went beyond that. Fathers and kids went on making war against each other, brothers betraying and killing one another.
The institute of a family is destroyed. Marriage means nothing – it is not treated as a sacred covenant between a man and a woman, nor is it valued as a contract in the eye of a government.
Motherhood is mocked and presents as an obstacle to advance in career. Thus, to have an abortion is that easy as buying coffee in a coffee-shop. And the number of killed babies probably about the same as sold cups of coffee every given day.
Bible Reading
Today’s devotional reading is from the Book of Amos 1-3 and Revelation 6.
Amos delivers a series of messages from God, showing that no one can escape the consequences of his actions, neither Israel’s neighbours (Amos 1:2-2:5) nor Israel herself (Amos 2:6-6:14). – ESV Study Bible.
Judgement on Israel’s neighbours
First, Amos starts by warning seven surrounding nations of Israel. One by one, he accuses them of their transgression and tells them how the Lord God will deal with them.
Amos uses here an interesting formula that repeats seven times – “For three transgressions of … and for four, I will not turn away from the punishment thereof.” It probably implies a significant number of transgressions for each nation, which God cannot ignore and will punish with all His fury.
The Judgement on:
- Damascus (Amos 1:3-5)
- Gaza (Amos 1:6-8)
- Tyrus (Amos 1:9-10)
- Edom (Amos 1:11-12)
- Ammon (Amos 1:13-15)
- Moab (Amos 2:1-3)
- Judah (Amos 2:4-5)
Judgement on Israel
The focus target of Amos’ prophecy is the nation of Israel. At first, he gives an initial announcement of their Judgement (Amos 2:6-16) and an oracle of warning (Amos 3:1-15). And later on, he presents a detailed statement of Judgement on Israel (Amos 3:1-6:14).
Six Seals and Four Horsemen
In his vision in chapter 6, John saw when the Lamb opened six seals. When the Lamb opened the first four seals, John saw four horses (white, red, black and pale – Revelation 6:1-8) and the horsemen to whom was given the power to execute Judgement.
With the fifth seal being opened, John saw the souls of believers who were slain for bearing witness about Jesus Christ (Revelation 6:9-11). And the sixth seal showed a preview of the coming destruction of the first heaven and earth and the full display of God’s wrath (Revelation 6:12-17).
Reflection
This is the time for your journaling. Reflect on these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit to test your faith and your walk with Christ.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? — 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV
- What are the transgressions that the Lord punishes?
- What are the tools that God uses to punish transgressors?
- Do you have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus?
- Are you right with God?
Prayer
Dear heavenly Father, we praise and glorify your name. Thank you, Lord, for your presence in our lives. We thank you, Lord Jesus, for Your ultimate sacrifice on the cross.
We pray that the Holy Spirit will keep guiding and correcting us. Please, give us wisdom and understanding of Your will for us.
All these we pray in the Mighty name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
