Last week we finished I and II Kings. We watched the nation of Israel go from a flourishing powerful nation who worshipped God into divided kingdoms chasing after sinful, pagan religiosity. Once divided, each became prey to the evil ideologies from nations previously conquered. Instead of being the beacon of light to the world they were called to be, they became darkness themselves. Only a few worshipped Yahweh (the great I AM) as Adonai (Lord and Master). They turned their backs on the One True God. Instead, they chased after gods of their own making. Believing themselves to be wise they became fools. Yet, even when it appeared all was lost. God sent 4 messengers declaring Justice, Righteousness, and enduring love to a divided and broken nation.
Over the next few months, we will study four prophets present during the final years before Israel was taken captive by the Assyrians. Amos, Jonah, and Hosea were prophets to Israel. Meanwhile, Micah prophesied to both Judah (the 2 southern tribes) and Israel (the 10 Northern tribes).
Amos, the burden bearer, was a shepherd. He proclaimed the righteousness and justice of God to a proud, self-righteous people. Jonah dealt with a national pride built upon the false premise God only protected and saved His people because of their heritage, never considering their obedience or lack thereof. Hosea presented a picture of God’s enduring love and desire to mend the brokenness brought on by sin. An unconditional love mourning for the sinner who chooses and is broken by worldly pleasures. Micah clearly presents the horror of sin, the necessary judgement, as well as the gracious hope brought by God’s enduring love.
As we study these prophets, let us pray our hearts see God’s message to us in our nation and our world today.
Warnings In the Midst of Prosperity
There were times that God prospered the nation of Israel. Would they not worship and praise Him for all He did for them? But alas, they like we often are, forgetting the Giver of the Gifts and worship the gifts themselves. Is that not true of this our great nation as well? So, are these warnings for our nation also? Where are we to turn for our guidance and hope as we face a nation so divided? We feel the despair of a nation divided, worsened by the speech presented on 9/1/2022. That speech condemned all those who stand for conservative ideologies and faith, demanding that we accept all the brokenness of sin in silence. So, what are we to do?
Certainly, we are not to fight the battle with anger, bitterness, or hatred. Instead, we are called to arm ourselves with the truth of the Bible, our only Sword being His Word. Our battle position is on our knees in humility and faith. Much like Amos, Hosea, and Micah, we are to teach regardless of the response. We do so by trusting God with all our heart, soul, and strength, knowing He will accomplish all He has planned. Much as He called Jonah to speak, we are to obey even when we do not understand. Declaring justice, righteousness, and enduring love to a broken nation is our calling today.
We may do so with great grief and sorrow. Perhaps we will face imprisonment or loss in the process. Yet we must remember He has already won the victory. That is what gives us the strength to face whatever may come.
Declaring Justice, Righteousness, and Enduring Love to A Broken Nation
Amos was a shepherd called to leave the quiet abode beneath the stars to preach to a nation who did not want to hear anything. He had to leave the sheep he loved and cared for to go forth to a stubborn people. So blinded by their pride they did not realize their need and refused to listen.
Amos begins with telling the people of God’s judgement against six of the surrounding nations for their transgressions. At that point, perhaps the people were cheering. After all they deserved God’s wrath. Look at them! Sinners the whole bunch. Yet, that is not where God stopped. He began to point out that He would also judge both Judah and Israel for their sins as well. After all, was not their guilt even worse? He had walked with them, protected them, and given them all His statutes. The blessings and prosperity were gifts of love. His patience and enduring love reached forth with such depth of care that His heart broke with their disobedience and disregard of Him. He wanted what was best. Knowing His Love, Justice and Righteousness are the only hope of true joy and peace, He wanted them to have it all.
Therefore, because He gave them so much, their guilt was even greater. Instead of being a beacon of light to the world they chose darkness.
A message of justice, righteousness, and enduring love from God
6If an alarm sounds[f] in a city, do people not fear?[g]
If disaster overtakes a[h] city, is the Lord not responsible?[i]
7 Certainly the Sovereign Lord does nothing without first revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.
8 A lion has roared![j] Who is not afraid?
The Sovereign Lord has spoken. Who can refuse to prophesy? Amos 3: (NET)
Is not God calling forth His warning today as well? Do our hearts not cry forth desiring justice? Ah, but we can trust in Him! The prophets have told us this is what will come and be not afraid.
10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you!
Don’t be frightened, for I am your God![b]
I strengthen you—
yes, I help you—
yes, I uphold you with my victorious right hand![c]
11 Look, all who were angry at you will be ashamed and humiliated;
your adversaries[d] will be reduced to nothing[e] and perish. Isaiah 41 (NET)
Therefore, Stand Firm and Trust the Justice, Righteousness and Enduring Love of God
He brings an end to wars throughout the earth.[a]
He shatters[b] the bow and breaks[c] the spear;
he burns[d] the shields with fire.[e]
10 He says,[f] “Stop your striving and recognize[g] that I am God.
I will be exalted[h] over[i] the nations! I will be exalted over[j] the earth!”
11 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is on our side![k]
The God of Jacob[l] is our stronghold![m] (Selah) Psalm 46 (NET)
Therefore, we are to present our hearts as a living sacrifice to God to be used as He desires. Put on the whole Armor of God
Ephesians 6 (NET)
10 Finally, be strengthened in the Lord and in the strength of his power. 11 Clothe yourselves with the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand against the schemes[u] of the devil. 12 For our struggle[v] is not against flesh and blood,[w] but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness,[x] against the spiritual forces[y] of evil in the heavens.[z] 13 For this reason, take up the full armor of God so that you may be able to stand your ground[aa] on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand.
14 Stand firm therefore, by fastening[ab] the belt of truth around your waist,[ac] by putting on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 by fitting your[ad] feet with the preparation that comes from the good news[ae] of peace,[af] 16 and in all of this,[ag] by taking up the shield[ah] of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation[ai] and the sword[aj] of the Spirit (which is the word of God). 18 With every prayer and petition, pray[ak] at all times in the Spirit, and to this end[al] be alert, with all perseverance and petitions for all the saints. 19 Pray[am] for me also, that I may be given the right words when I begin to speak[an]—that I may confidently make known[ao] the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may be able to speak boldly as I ought to speak.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.
Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
For Prayer or Comments
If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here
Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here
PREVIOUS
DISCLOSURES
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Credits
New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
New English Translation (NET)
NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2017 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Photo licensed through Goodsalt.com