The prophet Amos writes to his contemporaries in Israel. They are in a time of great wealth and prosperity. However, Amos observes how Israel is using their wealth to oppress the poor and put many into slavery. Israel was also known for their sexual immorality at this time.
God was tired of the sins of the nations. His patience was running out on the sins of the pagan nations around Israel. Gaza, Edom, Damascus, and Moab will not be spared any longer. They are evil and God will punish evil. I can see it. Israel and Judah applauding Amos now for these prophesies. Israel would have been ecstatic to know that God was finally going to punish the sins of the surrounding nations.
Then Amos proclaims "for three transgressions of Israel and for four I will not revoke its punishment" (Amos 2:6). How could God punish Israel? It is simple. God hates sin. They turned their backs on God and He would bring punishment on them. Israel oppressed the poor, committed sexual immorality, and put many into slavery (Amos 2:7-16). God loved them and they turned their backs on Him.
God warned Israel and He is warning us today. God has decided to demonstrate His love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Many who call themselves followers of Jesus and openly and unrepentantly deny the poor, the widow, the orphan, commit sexual immorality, and take advantage of others will be told by Jesus, "I never knew you" (Matthew 7:23). God must and will punish those who do not turn from their sins and follow Jesus in a real eternal place called Hell. God loves us and so I plead with you not to turn your back on Him and His offer of salvation. Turn from your sin and follow Jesus. Please do not misunderstand. Abstaining from sexual immorality and doing good things will not save you. Only Jesus does that. So again please follow Jesus.
The first three chapters of Amos have helped me more fully realize how much God hates sin, but also how much our sin "weighs down" God (Amos 2:13). Our sins are a burden to God. Paul says in the New Testament that our sins grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). If we have made the decision to turn from our sins and follow Jesus then we must begin to understand that God hates sin so much that He became human flesh and died on the cross so that He could forgive our sins. The Bible likens our willingness to turn back to sinful habits to a dog returning to his vomit (2 Peter 2:22). God help me to realize more fully today how much You hate my sin and help me today to turn from sin and fully follow after You so that Your name would be glorified through my body becoming a living sacrifice for Your purposes and for Your glory. Amen.
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