Day 254

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A Depiction of Despair

Scripture

September 10—Amos 6-7: Visions of Doom and Despair

Observation

Complacency. Apathy. Pride. That is the scene Amos describes as he look at a nation drowning in luxury. Like a hammer blow, the verdict falls: "Therefore you will be the first to be taken as slaves" (6:7). But the thought of God's judgment falling upon a people so ripe for judgment brings no comfort to the prophet. Twice he pleads with God to relent of sending fire and locusts. But the plumbline of God's righteous standard shows how far out of line the people have drifted, and at last God declares, "I will no longer turn away from punishing" (7:8).

Application

God specializes in "Personnel Placement." In his infinite wisdom he knows where to find the right person for the right job. Sometimes his choices don't seem to make good earthly sense like his selection of Gideon as a "mighty soldier" (while Gideon was cowering in the grape press, Judges 6:12) or his choice of Moses as chief spokesman before Pharaoh (when Moses by his own admission, didn't have the gift of speech, Exodus 4:10).

The message God wanted to deliver to Israel was strong and severe, so he chose for his messenger a man who could withstand the rigors of a disciplined life—a man whose faithfulness had been tested and approved in the crucible of daily living. Amos knew God, and he knew God's Word, even though he had never been trained in the school of the Prophets (7:14-15).

Perhaps you have never attended a Bible school or seminary, but you can still know God and know his Word and in the process prepare yourself for the unique place of service God has for you. God is looking for committed individuals who, like Amos, will labor for him even as they pick figs! You'll find God's divine "classified ad" in 2 Chronicles 16:9. Are you ready to apply? Tell him so!

Prayer

Father God, we want to experience the joy and the privilege of peace from successful praying by doing your will according to your Word without hesitation. This joy and privilege of peace can be obtained by all that believe, study and obey your Word so we ask that you help us to spread the Good News in such a way that this understanding will be an encouragement to those living in darkness to come into your marvelous light. Guide us with this effort through your Holy Spirit. We pray in Jesus' name! Amen!

God's Marvelous Light!



© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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