Monday, October 13, 2014

The Truth Hurts

This weeks study is on the book of Amos. It could have two sub
 titles:  The Truth about Injustice  or God Rebuilds and Restores, 
because both ideas are found in the writings of this great "minor"
prophet. I encourage you to read the whole book.

Amos brought to light and attacked injustice in his world. He spoke for God, and his attacks were rooted in the absolute justice of the law of God. His writing describes his vision of God’s judgment on seven Middle East nations.  In Amos’ opening charges against Israel and her neighbors did not include the typical trappings of injustice: abuse of power, irresponsibility, or wealth. Instead he focused on the cruelty of the injustices. 

Amos saw the behavior of these nations in the same light as the treatment Cain showed to Abel in Genesis 4:1-10 Adam slept with Eve his wife. She conceived and had Cain. She said, “I’ve gotten a man, with God’s help!” Then she had another baby, Abel. Abel was a herdsman and Cain a farmer. Time passed. Cain brought an offering to God from the produce of his farm. Abel also brought an offering, but from the firstborn animals of his herd, choice cuts of meat. God liked Abel and his offering, but Cain and his offering didn’t get his approval. Cain lost his temper and went into a sulk.  God spoke to Cain: “Why this tantrum? Why the sulking? If you do well, won’t you be accepted? And if you don’t do well, sin is lying in wait for you, ready to pounce; it’s out to get you, you’ve got to master it.” Cain had words with his brother. They were out in the field; Cain came at Abel his brother and killed him. God said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “How should I know? Am I his babysitter?” God said, “What have you done! The voice of your brother’s blood is calling to me from the ground. From now on you’ll get nothing but curses from this ground; you’ll be driven from this ground that has opened its arms to receive the blood of your murdered brother. You’ll farm this ground, but it will no longer give you its best. You’ll be a homeless wanderer on Earth.”

There are always repercussions to our actions. If God sent a prophet to talk to you about your behavior and service to God. How do you think it would end? Allow the truth to bring restoration and healing to your life.