Despise to Feast Days Amos 5:21

Amos the “herdsman” prophet continued to share the judgment that was to come upon the people of Israel because of their rejection of the LORD and His ways. They were deceived in believing “the day of the LORD” would be prosperous for them, but it would rather be “destructive and filled with gloom”. It would be “dark”, “even very dark” with “no brightness in it”. In chapter five and verse twenty-one of his prophesy, Amos shared how the LORD “hates” and “despises” Israel's “feast days” and “solemn assemblies” where we read:

I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies.

The verse begins, “I hate, I despise your feast days,...” Amos began with the words, “I hate” which means “The LORD sees utterly odious or as an enemy or foe”, “I despise” or “the LORD rejects, refuses, abhors and disdains” “your feast days” which refers to “Israel's festivals of sacrifice and solemnity”. Amos relayed God's message that He “hated” and “despised” their special “festivals of sacrifice”.

The verse goes on to say, “...and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies.” Amos continued, “and I will not smell” or “perceive or accept the odor ” “in your solemn assemblies” or “their sacred or festive meetings, assemblages, companies and groups ”. The LORD was so opposed to the people of Israel's “spiritual sacrifices”, He promised not even to take in the “odor” of them.

When we think through these words of Amos, we perceive the extent the LORD refuted the behavior of the people of Israel. Their “sacrifices” were repugnant to God, and He “hated and despised” them. The LORD didn't even want to “smell” the odor of their offerings. When people reject the LORD and His ways, no amount of worship or good deeds will compensate for it. As the prophet Samuel questioned King Saul, “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams” (1 Samuel 15:22). Jesus Christ, God's Son, was given to mankind for the redemption of their sins, and when He is rejected, no “feast” or “solemn assembly” will ever replace the receiving of Him.

Next time Amos shares how God will not “accept” Israel's “burnt offerings” or “meat offerings”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Dark Day of the LORD Amos 5:20

The people of Israel forsook the LORD and His ways and were destined to His punishment and judgment for it. Though they expected the LORD to bless them, they were actually under His curse. Whenever they “fled” or “escaped” from a “lion”, a “bear” would meet them, and when they leaned securely upon “a wall”, a “serpent” or “snake” bit them. In chapter five and verse twenty of his prophesy, Amos the prophet shared concerning “the dark day of the LORD” that was imminent where we read:

Shall not the day of the LORD be darkness, and not light?

even very dark, and no brightness in it?

The verse begins, “Shall not the day of the LORD be darkness, and not light?” Amos began with the words, “Shall not the day” which refers to “a period or division of time” “of the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the one true God” “be darkness” which means “obscurity, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow and wickedness ”, “and not light” or “prosperous, happy, clear and bright”? Rather than being a day that would bring “happiness and prosperity” upon the people of Israel, “the day of the LORD” would be “tragic and filled with death and destruction”.

The verse goes on to say, “even very dark, and no brightness in it?” Amos continued, “even very dark” which means “extremely obscure and gloomy”, “and no brightness in it” or “without brilliance, shining and glory”. Not only would “the day of the LORD” be “miserable and destructive”, it would be “gloomy” and without “glory and brilliance” as they believed.

When we meditate upon these words of Amos, we see how deceived the people of Israel were concerning “the day of the LORD”. They expected it to bring “prosperity and happiness” upon them, and yet, it was to convey “destruction and misery”. They were deluded in their thinking and expectations, and many people are so minded today. Jesus Christ lived among men to demonstrate the holiness of God, and He showed His resolution to offer to them salvation. He declared, “I am the way, the truth and the life, and no man comes to the Father, but by me” (John 14:6), and there is no other way to the Father than this. People believe “the day of the LORD”, (when God comes for them), He will come with prosperity and happiness, but if they have rejected His death and resurrection as the remedy for their sin, they will be sorely disappointed. Jesus came the first time to save, but He shall return in judgment against those who have rejected Him. May all who read Amos' words take heed, for “the day of the LORD” is upon us.

Next time Amos shares how God “hates” and “despises” Israel's “feast days“”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

A Lion, a Bear and a Serpent Amos 5:19

As Amos the prophet continued to share with Israel concerning the judgment of God, he told them there would be “wailing, moaning and lamenting” in their “streets, highways and vineyards”. They, however, believed incorrectly they should seek “the day of the LORD” because it would be a day of prosperity rather than punishment. Amos continued to describe their erroneous thoughts by using the examples of “a lion, a bear and a serpent” where we read:

As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him;

or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him.

The verse begins, “As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him;” Amos began with the words, “As if a man” or “as though a male individual” “did flee” which means “escaped, took flight and disappeared” “from a lion” or “away from the grips of a young or strong lion”, “and a bear” or “likened unto a mother bear robbed or her whelps” “met him” which means “encountered, reached, joined, entreated and encountered him”. Amos told Israel they would be as deceived as a man who thought he “escaped” from the death grip of a lion only to encounter a vicious bear immediately afterward.

The verse goes on to say, “or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him.” Amos continued, “or went” which means “entered or came” “into the house” or “the dwelling, habitation, shelter and abode”, “and leaned his hand” or “laid, rested and upheld his hand supported by his wrist” “on the wall” which refers to “the supporting side of the house”, “and a serpent” which means a “snake” “bit him” or “gnawed upon the man with it's mouth and teeth”. In addition to escaping from a lion only to meet a bear, Amos told the people of Israel the security they had by supporting themselves against a “wall” would only be met by a “snake's” bite.

When we consider these words of Amos, we understand just how deceived the people of Israel were. When they thought themselves to be safe and secure from one bad situation, they only encountered another one. This sort of deception is common today. Jesus Christ came into the world to offer the ultimate safety needed by people, and this security is found in a relationship with Him. All other “escaping mechanisms” and “supportive” structures only lead to further destruction and pain. When a person realizes they only have “security in Jesus”, they have need of no other. May all who have escaped “lions” only to meet “bears” and leaned upon “wall” only to be bitten by a “snake” read and understand.

Next time Amos asks. “Shall not the day of the LORD be darkness, and not light?”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Unity Based on Psalm 133

The pleasant dream of unity

permeates my mind

Of people once disparaging

now gentleness and kind

With sorted solidarity

in thought and ways and acts

And wholeness be their beaten path

of purposed life's contracts

Ideas and thoughts be much alike

with supposit's in tow

As charming love forgiveness springs

from what one does not know

Yet divisive ways destroyed and killed

and stole from all mankind

the agent from eternal hell

the everlast divide

Where Eden's fall from first did cast

divide man maker there

And man began his empty quest

to be as one who cared

Like Herman's dew doth flow without

surrounding hills and mounts

As Aaron bowed and felt the oil

that flowed 'pon beard and gowns

As condensation covered there

and blanketed the fields

the merging melting seizing power

where man and oil yield

Yet shouting voice and desperate cries

stream from shrieking mouths

Of certain insecurities

of hopeless woes in doubt

And dangerous shall be the ones

who find no love to give

And unity shall be the loss

of all who ever live

Thoughts Too High (Based on Psalm 131)

Why dost thou cast thy thoughts upon

that which be high for thee

Thou ignorant one of minuscule mind

that be forlorn to see

For that thine pride doth lift thee up

to heights thou canst not reach

For knowledge base beyond thy mind

be much too great to breech

But cast thy will on that be

not vain and empty sea

The waters depth thou canst not cross

be much too deep for thee

Thine innocence of mother weened

forsaken rest and peace

The satisfaction lost in quest

for lying vanities

But question will thy learned path

of unknown remedies

Till thou dost know that God knows all

and giveth rest to thee

So venture not the sauntered path

that be too high for thee

Lest thou forsake the rest-filled state

that mother gave to thee

Answers

What dost thou know oh knowledged one

 with all thy thoughts within

And n’eer the answer canst not know

 for all the questions here

For in thy thoughts solutions dwell
 not one of them lack plea
Satisfaction be thy thrust
 eased trouble guaranteed

For lacked ones that quest thy way
Never seem to rest
To hear thy pattern for their lives,
 the way that thou know best

For none doth know what thou retain
 within thy vast-filled mind
Thy thoughts and ways beyond our own
 beyond both yours and mine

When answers come not at thy pace
 and silence be thy fate
Learn quickly then thou not to haste
 lest worry be thy mate

Desiring the Day of the LORD Amos 5:18

Amos the prophet continued to share how Israel was to be judged by the LORD, and their punishment would cause “wailing in the streets, highways and vineyards”. In chapter five and verse eighteen of his prophesy, Amos declared a “woe” upon those who “desire the day of the LORD” where we read:

Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD! to what end is it for you?

the day of the LORD is darkness, and not light.

The verse begins, “Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD! to what end is it for you?” Amos began with the word, “Woe” which means “Alas, ha, ho and O” “unto you that desire” which means “the people of Israel who are incline to, covet, wait longingly, wish, are greedy for and prefer” “the day” or “division of time or period” “of the LORD” which refers to “ Yehovah or Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the one true God” “to what end” or “for what reason and how long” “is it for you” which means “the day of the LORD for the people of Israel”. Amos questioned as to what benefit the “time of the LORD” would be to those who sought it so passionately.

The verse continues, “the day of the LORD is darkness, and not light.” Amos added, “the day” or “division of time or period” “of the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the one true God” “is darkness” which means “obscurity, secret”, “and not light” or “illumination of prosperity, instruction and day-break”. Rather than being a good thing for the people of Israel who desired “the day of the LORD”, “the day of the LORD” would be a time horrific “obscurity”.

When we consider these words of Amos, we understand the confusion of mind within the people of Israel. Whereas they thought “the day of the LORD” would be good for them, it would actually bring greater “darkness” upon them than they ever knew before. Many people expect there to be no judgment or punishment for their forsaking God's plan of Salvation through Jesus Christ. They believe somehow the day they stand before the LORD will be “good” for them rather than horrific. Jesus said, “Not every one that says unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name? and in your name have cast out devils? and in your name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, you that work iniquity.” May all who read take heed not only to the words of Amos, but particularly to the words of Jesus.

Next time Amos shares what happens when “a man did flee from a lion”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

All Vineyards Wailing Amos 5:17

Amos the “herdsman” prophet shared how “the LORD, the God of hosts” declared “wailing shall be in all streets;” and “in all the highways” of Israel because of the LORD's judgment upon them. This would cause the people to seek professional “lamentation and mourning” with exclamations of “Alas! Alas!”, and in chapter five and verse seventeen of his prophesy, Amos added “all vineyards” to the “wailing” because the LORD “will pass through” them where we read:

And in all vineyards shall be wailing: for I will pass through you, says the LORD.

The verse begins, “And in all vineyards shall be wailing:” Amos began, “And in all vineyards” which means “in all of the gardens of vintage” “shall be wailing” or “mourning and lamentation”. In addition to the “wailings” of “Alas! Alas!” in the “streets and highways”, the people in the “gardens of vintage wine” shall “mourn and lament” as well.

The verse goes on to say, “for I will pass through you, says the LORD.” Amos continued, “for I will pass through you” or “pass over, alienate, carry, do away and take away from the people of Israel”, “says” which means “utters, declares and proclaims” “the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the one true God”. The reason for the “mourning and lamenting” will be caused by “the LORD” “passing through” them.

When we think through these words of Amos, we see how complete and far-reaching the punishment of God was toward Israel. Not only would the people call upon professional mourners to cry out in the streets, highways, they would also “lament and mourn” in their “vineyards”. When the LORD “passes through” a group of people with judgment, no one can stand and everyone will “mourn”. God the Father sent Jesus His Son to be the remedy for condemnation and judgment that was pending for all people, and those who are wise will repent of theirs sins and turn to Him before His “passing through” comes upon them.

Next time Amos proclaims “woe” to those “that desire the day of the LORD”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Wailing and Alas Amos 5:16

As the people of Israel failed to continue their relationship with the LORD, Amos the prophet shared the result of their behavior. They were to “hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate” because that might result in “the LORD God of hosts” being “gracious unto the remnant of Joseph”. In chapter five and verse sixteen of his prophesy, Amos declared the LORD's exhortation for Israel to “wail” and cry “Alas! Alas!” where we read:

Therefore the LORD, the God of hosts, the Lord, says thus; Wailing shall be in all streets; and they shall say in all the highways, Alas! alas! and they shall call the husbandman to mourning, and such as are skillful of lamentation to wailing.

The verse begins, “Therefore the LORD, the God of hosts, the Lord, says thus; Wailing shall be in all streets; and they shall say in all the highways, Alas! Alas!” Amos began with the word “Therefore” which is a conclusion word that means “since, on account of and wherefore”, “the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the one true God”, “the God” or “divine ruler and judge” “of hosts” which refers to “the army, company and soldiers of angels”, “the Lord” or “the reverent address of God”, “says thus” which means “utters, proclaims and declares this”; “Wailing” or “lamenting, pliancy, complaint, requiem and dirge” “shall be in all streets” or “the broad and open places or plazas”; “and they shall say” or “the people within Israel shall utter, proclaim and declare” “in all the highways” or “the outside streets”, “Alas, Alas” which means “ah and oh as expressions of sorrow such as crying out and wailing”. The result of God's judgment would be “great lamentation and dirge” in the “streets and highways” with sorrowful expressions of extraordinary woe.

The verse goes on to say, “and they shall call the husbandman to mourning, and such as are skillful of lamentation to wailing.” Amos continued, “and they shall call” or “read aloud, proclaim loudly, summon, invite, commission, appoint and endow” “the husbandman” which refers to “the farmer or plowman” “to mourning” which means “lamentation and deep sadness especially for the dead”, “and such as are skillful” or “those who know, perceive, see, discern, discriminate and distinguish” “of lamentation” which means “wailing or mourning song” “to wailing” or “lamenting, pliancy, complaint, requiem and dirge”. These deeply “lamentable” times were to be so devastating, the people would call upon those who were “farmers and plowmen” as well as professional “mourners” to cry out in sorrow.

When we consider these words of Amos, we notice the deep devastation the LORD's judgment was to bring upon the people of Israel. Not until they were punished would they know the depth of woe that was upon them, but when they did, they called upon “farmers” and “professional mourners” to join them in their cries of anguish. Judgment has fallen too many times upon a person before they know the devastation they have caused in their lives. “Sin, when it is finished, brings forth death” according to James in the New Testament (James 1:15), and the people of Israel were to fully know the results of their rebellion and sin. Jesus Christ came to save people from their “sin”, and He provides rescue and salvation for those who believe in His death upon the cross and resurrection. Lest we be among those who cry “Alas! Alas”, let us receive the LORD's offering of Salvation before it becomes our lamentable fate.

Next time Amos refers to “wailing in the vineyards”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Hate the Evil and Love the Good Amos 5:15

As Amos the prophet continued to share the LORD's words toward Israel, he included the exhortation for them to “seek good, and not evil” so they could “live” and “the LORD” would “be with” them. In chapter five and verse fifteen of his prophesy, Amos repeats his charge for the people of Israel to “hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment” to receive God's “grace” where we read:

Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the LORD God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph.

The verse begins, “Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate:” Amos began with the word, “Hate” or “treat as utterly odious and as an enemy or foe” “the evil” which refers to “bad, disagreeable, unpleasant, unhappy, miserable and displeasing”, “and love” or “have strong affection for” “the good” which means “the pleasant, agreeable, excellent, rich, appropriate and becoming”, “and establish” or “set in place, make present, stand and set” “judgment” which means “justice, procedure, litigation and right process” “in the gate” or “the city door, port or entrance”. The LORD's command is to “treat” “evil” like an enemy, and “be passionate about that which is pleasing and agreeable” to Him along with making sure proper “justice” is performed in the “gate” or “meeting place for judgment” in the city.

The verse goes on to say, “it may be that the LORD God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph.” Amos continued, “it may be” or “there is a possibility” “that the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the one true God” “God” or “divine ruler and judge” “of hosts” which means “those who go forth as a spiritual army, company, service and soldiers ” “will be gracious” or “show favor, pity, have mercy upon and be considerate” “unto the remnant” which means “rest, remainder and descendants” “of Joseph” whose name means “Jehovah has added” and was “a reference to Ephraim or Israel's northern ten tribes”. If the people of Israel were to “hate evil, and love the good”, God's promise was He may “show favor upon” those who remained after destruction came upon them.

When we consider these words of Amos, we see the LORD's advantageous exhortation toward the people of Israel. If they would only “hate evil” things and passionately cling to things that are “good”, they would see His “grace” extended. The LORD does not delight in bringing judgment upon His people. He desires to “save”, preserve and bless them. Jesus Christ came into the world to demonstrate the passionate love of God toward people, and He desires to save them from their “condemned” state. He gave His life on the cross and was raised from the dead to prove it. Let us hear the cry of Amos and be motivated to “hate evil” and “love the good” in the same manner as Jesus who demonstrated this for us.

Next time Amos refers to “wailing and Alas”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Seek Good and Not Evil Amos 5:14

Amos the prophet warned Israel about the LORD knowing their “manifold transgressions” and “mighty sins”. He shared how they afflicted “the just”, took “a bribe” and “turned aside the poor in the gate from their right”. This caused “the prudent” to “keep silence in that time”, and in chapter five and verse fourteen of his prophesy, this cause Amos to exhort the people to “Seek good, and not evil” where we read:

Seek good, and not evil, that you may live: and so the LORD,

the God of hosts, shall be with you, as you have spoken.

The verse begins, “Seek good, and not evil, that you may live:” Amos began with the word, “Seek” or “resort to, enquire, frequent, consult, investigate and demand” “good” which means “pleasant, excellent, rich, valuable, appropriate and prosperous ways”, “and not evil” or “bad, disagreeable, malignant, unpleasant and wicked things”, “that you may live” which means “have life, remain alive, live prosperously and revived”. The people of Israel were to “investigate and demand” that which was “pleasant and prosperous” and not that which was “malignant and wicked”.

The verse goes on to say, “and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as you have spoken.” Amos continued, “and so the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the one true God”, “the God” or “the divine ruler and judge” “of hosts” which refers to “the army, company and soldiers of angels”, “shall be with you as you have spoken” which means “the LORD would accompany the people of Israel as they had uttered, said and boasted”. If the people of Israel would simply “seek good, and not evil” the LORD promised to “be with” them in the same manner they shared in the past.

When we think through these words of Amos, we see the LORD's exhortation to Israel to “pursue” things that are “good” and flee things which are “evil” because it was to their advantage to do so. The LORD desires blessings for us and not curses. He desires to be “with” us, and when we “seek” that which is “good” according to Him, He promises to be “with” us. Jesus Christ came to be “with” us as Savior and LORD, and one of His final promises was “I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20). Those who are wise will “seek good, and not evil”, and the LORD shall remain “with” them forever.

Next time Amos tells Israel to “hate the evil” and “love the good”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Prudent Keep Silence Amos 5:13

Amos the “herdsman” prophet shared the LORD's judgment upon the people of Israel, and he told them how God knew their “manifold transgressions” and their “mighty sins” as “they afflict the just, they take a bribe, and they turn aside the poor in the gate from their right.” In chapter five and verse thirteen of his prophesy, Amos shared how those who were “prudent” among the people of Israel would “keep silence” in those times where we read:

Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it is an evil time.

The verse begins, “Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time;” Amos began with the word, “Therefore” which is a conclusion word that means “since, on account of and wherefore” “the prudent” or “circumspect, wisely understood and prospering” “shall keep silence” which means “be still, wait and to be and grow dumb” “in that time” which refers to “the occasion and experience when God reveals the manifold transgressions and mighty sins”. Amos' idea is the “spiritually wise” will be quiet about God's revelation and keep from participating in any activities related to their nefarious deeds.

The verse goes on to say, “for it is an evil time.” Amos continued, “for it is an evil” or “bad, disagreeable, malignant, unhappy and miserable” “time” which means “event, occasion and experience”. The “wicked and villainous season” would be the reason the “spiritually wise” would keep from speaking and participating in their deeds.

When we meditate upon these words of Amos, we marvel at the “spiritually wise” among the people of Israel. Rather than involve themselves in the sinful activities of the people, the “prudent” kept themselves from them. The did not speak about them, and they did not participate in any manner. Holiness is a characteristic of God - “Be Holy for I am Holy” (Leviticus 11:44), and for this reason Jesus Christ came to the earth to live and demonstrate to us a “holy life”. Perhaps as we consider Amos' thoughts about the “prudent” we find ourselves in similar “evil and wicked” conditions. Let us be “spiritually wise” and keep from speaking and acting as those who participate in “manifold transgressions and mighty sins”.

Next time Amos tells Israel to “seek good, not evil”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Israel's Manifold Transgressions and Mighty Sins Amos 5:12

Amos the “herdsman” prophet continued to share the LORD's indictment against the people of Israel. They “hated him that rebukes in the gate”; They “abhor him that speaks uprightly”, and as they “tread upon the poor” by “taking from him burdens of wheat”, the LORD promised though they built “houses of hewn stone”, the would not live in them, and though they planted “vineyards”, they would not “drink wine of them”. In chapter five and verse twelve of his prophesy, Amos declared how the LORD knew their “manifold transgressions” and their “mighty sins” where we read:

For I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty sins: they afflict the just, they take a bribe, and they turn aside the poor in the gate from their right.

The verse begins, “For I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty sins:” Amos began with the words, “For I know” which means “perceives, sees, was acquainted with and discerns” “your manifold” or “many, great and abundant” “transgressions” which refers to “rebellions, revolts and trespasses” “and your mighty” or “vast, numerous and countless” “sins” which means “offenses and habitual conditions of guilt”. The LORD knew the “abundant rebellious acts” and “countless offenses” committed by the people of Israel.

The verse continues, “they afflict the just, they take a bribe, and they turn aside the poor in the gate from their right.” Amos added, “they afflict” which means “distress, make narrow, besiege, straighten and bind” “the just” or “the lawful and righteous in conduct”, “they take” or “fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive and acquire” “a bribe” which means “a ransom, covering, satisfaction and sum of money”, “And they turn aside” or “extend, spread out, pervert, incline and bend” “the poor” which refers to “those in want, need, destitute and begging” “in the gate” or “in the marketplace, meeting place and court of the tabernacle” “from their right” which means “justice and righteousness”. The LORD lists two of those offenses as “distressing righteous people” and “receiving bribes” so the poor did not receive “justice” for wrongs committed against them.

When we consider these words of Amos, we understand there is nothing hidden before the eyes of God. Perhaps the people of Israel thought no one knew or cared about their “many rebellious acts and sins”, and they may have concluded their ways were “approved” by God since they escaped judgment for a period of time. However, this verse tells us quite the opposite. God knows all, sees all and quantifies all that is “righteous” and “unrighteous”. This is reason He sent Jesus. We all “have sinned and come short of the glory of God”, and there is “none righteous, no not one”. Jesus came to pay the penalty for our sin by dying on the cross, and those who believe in, rely upon, trust in and cling to Him will be those who are saved. Those who do not believe shall not. May we consider the manner we handle “disadvantaged”, and let us always trust in Jesus' death and resurrection for our Salvation.

Next time Amos tells Israel how “the prudent shall keep silence”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.