The Lord was patient with Israel (Amos 8:2). However, His patience will not continue any longer. He has warned them through the prophets. He will now bring destruction on Israel (Amos 8:2-3). There is nowhere that they can go that the Lord will not find them (Amos 9:1-4).
Who is this God of justice that will no longer allow Israel, or anyone else for that matter, to turn their backs on Him? The sinners of Israel He will confront, but He will preserve a faithful remnant. Why? Because it is not about Israel, it is for the sake of God's name among all nations (Ezekiel 36). How is God going to use Israel to spread the glory of His name? He is going to raise up the tabernacle of David (Amos 9:11). This was always Israel's purpose. Acts 15:16-17 says "After this I will return and will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will set it up; so that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord. Even all the Gentiles who are called by My name, says the Lord who does all these things". James is quoting and applying Amos 9:11-12. This means that David's fallen tent being raised points to the resurrection of Christ and that "all the nations" will be included in the reign of the Messiah.
Hebrews 1:1-2 says, "God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds". Listen to Jesus. Justice will prevail. Sinners will not go unpunished. God has warned us through Jesus coming in the flesh. He will punish those who do not follow Him. However, Jesus has died to forgive sinners and He has been raised as proof that He is the Messiah, the tent of David. God will always raise up a faithful remnant to follow Him and spread His glory to all nations.
God please help me to remember that You have spoken to us through Your Word. You have put my punishment on Jesus. Let this be a daily reminder to me that my ministry is never for my glory, but for Your glory and praise alone. You will bring out a faithful remnant through the spreading of the glory of Jesus to all nations. Amen.
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