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JUDGEMENT OF GOD ON CHRISTIANS

Writer's picture: Olufunmilayo AdekusibeOlufunmilayo Adekusibe
 

Today’s Reading:

Amos 2:1-16  (4-8)

Thus, says the Lord: “For three transgressions of Judah, I will not turn away its punishment, Because they have despised the law of the Lord, And have not kept His commandments.  Their lies lead them astray, lies which their fathers followed. But I will send a fire upon Judah. And it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem.” Thus says the Lord: “For three transgression of Israel, and four, I will not turn away its punishment, Because they sell the righteous for silver, And the poor for a pair of sandals. They pant after the dust of the earth which is on the head of the poor, And pervert the way of the humble. A man and his father go in to the same girl, to defile My holy name. They lie down by every altar on clothes taken in pledge, And drink the wine of the condemned in the house of their god.” (vv. 4-8  NKJV)

 

The book of Amos was written by Amos himself who was from Tekoa south of Jerusalem, initially a farmer cum shepherd (7:14-15). The name Amos means ‘burden bearer.’ His connection to the simple life of the people is shown in the core of his prophecies, in that he had sympathy for the oppressed and the voiceless of his time. The prophets of the OT were always quick to confront evil in society and demand for social justice.  An example of this is Elijah’s response to the murder of Naboth, followed by his rebuke of Ahab (1Kgs 21:16-24). The social aspect of the prophetic message became more pronounced in the time of the minor prophets of which Amos was one.


Amos prophesied at a time the spiritual life of the people of Israel had sunk to the level of the pagan nations. Amos was appalled by Israel’s abuse of the powerless (vv. 6-8; 3:10). Israel strayed so far, to the extent that they forgot their privileged access to the God of their fathers who brought them out of Egypt to the Promised Land.  They took for granted the love and protection of God and lived an unrepentant rebellion, flagrantly oppressing God’s prophets, worshipping false gods, and plundering the poor.  Unlike the surrounding heathen nations, Israel had experienced God in a uniquely personal and intimate way and then turned away from God (2:9-12; 3:1-2). However, their status as special people of God would not exempt them from God’s wrath and punishment.  Since the people refused to worship God the way they should, and had oppressed the powerless, they received the judgement of God rather than His mercy (4:12). Because God created the heavens and the earth, and is in control of the whole universe, no nation, no one can hide from the wrath of His judgment (9:2-4). His judgement would find out whoever, wherever they are under this heaven.  And so, the theme of God’s judgement continues to date, because God wanted His justice to flow like a mighty river (Amos 5:24), and those who would oppose it will be swept away.


As it was in the days of Amos, so is the state of Christendom today. Our status as Christians does not grant us exclusive rights to violate the will and laws of God and to be insensitive to the plight of the hopeless, helpless, and poor in society.  Because we worship God in spirit does not give us the licence to treat Him with disrespect, without awe and reverence. Especially mature Christians should show good example, and be good models to upcoming and new converts. We are representatives of our Father in heaven (1 Peter 2:9). There is goodness in helping the weak and the poor.  It is better to give than to take (Acts 20:35).  It is a charge for every Christian to bring the Good News to the spiritually needy. Also, to realise that the grace of God has brought us all to where we are today (Eph. 2:1-2).

                                                                        OLUFUNMILAYO TITILOLA ADEKUSIBE


 

To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “ Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord”.

If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.


 

Prayer:

  1. Let all that I am praise You Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise Your holy name, in Jesus' name.

  2. Father, help all Christians, especially mature and comfortable ones, to be Amos, in Jesus' name.

  3. Help us to realise that our assignment may be beyond our comfort zones for Your cause and to the glory of Your holy name, in Jesus' name.

  4. Set us free from the lies of the flesh and Satan that we are not qualified, or that I am not called, encourage and direct us, in Jesus' name.

  5. Make us willing and dedicated tools in the hand of the Holy Spirit, in Jesus' name.

  6. Help us to keep Your message and to give it, not to hoard it, but rather to declare it to the glory of Your holy name, in Jesus' name.

  7. O, Lord reconciles Christian families and homes for the purpose for which You have established them, in Jesus' name. 

  8. O Lord, our Saviour, and Redeemer rescue the captives of the mighty, and deliver the prey of the terrible, deliver even the lawful captives, in Jesus' name.

  9. Our Lord, Saviour and Redeemer snatch Your Church in pity from the grip of the world, its evil systems,  and tyrannies of sin, in Jesus' name. 

  10. King of glory, the Lord strong and mighty, make the leaders of our nation to be sensitive to the plight of the masses they govern, in Jesus' name.

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