TRANSITION
The Israelites were so self absorbed that they could
hardly discern the sign of the times and were totally
ignorant that the judgment of God was at their doorsteps.
These four groups of people Amos were addressing to,
were not commoners but religious people. They performed
all the religious rituals but, their worship was devoid
of God. Their hearts were also far from God, and their
praises were empty sounds before God. For us as Christians
do we worship God because we love Him and want to offer
Him our love and adoration or have our worship become
just a ritual? Are we grounded in the Word of God? These
are the questions we need to ask ourselves.
OUTLINE
1) THE IGNORANT (AMOS 5:18)
The Israelites were longing for the day of the Lord.
They expected God would judge their enemies and establish
His rule and reign over the nations. Little did they
realize that their sins had made them recipients of
God’s judgment. They had a false sense of security
that they became spiritually ignorant. They lived religiously
but not blamelessly. We are reminded in Matthew 6:33
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness,
and all these things will be given to you as well.”
2)
THE INDIFFERENT (AMOS 6:1)
The next group of people were the indifferent leaders.
They were asked to look at Calneh, Hamath and Gath whose
cities were greater than Judah as Israel had already
fallen and was conquered by the Assyrians. They were
told to wake up because they would be in a similar position.
As Christians are we sensitive to the situation around
us and the needs of the people or are we too busy with
our own schedules/programmes? We need to shake ourselves
out of complacency and turn back to God.
3)
THE INDULGENT
One of the causes of complacency and indifferences is
self indulgence. We are caught up with personal enjoyment
and self enrichment that we lose sight of the important
things and the needs of others around us. We are so
distracted by the pursuit of good things in life, that
we forget the heavenly rewards and the spiritual disciplines.
4)
THE IMPRUDENT
Amos rebuked the imprudent, which was the root cause
of Israel’s spiritual problem – the sin
of pride. The Israelites prided themselves for the conquest
of Lo-Debar and Karnaim by their own strength, but it
meant “nothing” to God as Hebrews 11:6 tells
us that without faith it is impossible to please God.
CONCLUSION
This is a hard message, yet it is a message of love
and hope. God is calling His people to return to faithfulness
and holiness. Let us allow God to examine our hearts,
repent and return to God while He may still be found.
Let us seek God and live (Isaiah 55: 6-7)
Prayer
Response
Dear Jesus, I know that this is a difficult message,
but Your love and mercy is great. Your desire is that
none of us should perish. Let me be sensitive to the
needs that are around me and not act religiously but
righteously. Let me not be complacent but put my faith
into action and walk a righteous life before You. Amen
Devotional
based on message by Rev Vincent Goh