Wednesday 24 January Amos 3.1-15 Qn.4

 “You only have I known of all the families of the earth …(2): It’s very important to note that the people referred to here are Israel and Judah as one family that God brought out of Egypt. The split of their kingdom into two does not make them two separate people before God. Being known by God implies being chosen or called to commune with God (Psalm 1.6). God’s favor upon them is not something new but an idea of the ancient times as well (Exodus 19.5-6); (Deuteronomy 4.20). Prophet Amos testifies that this favor and honor does not permit them to commit sin, lest they will be punished (2). Israel sinned against God to the extent that even the gentiles realized their iniquity (9-10). Some people today teach that Jesus paid all, and that it would not matter how much they may sin. But God says “Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.” (Revelation 3.19). Request: Pray for the leaders of the churches where we worship, to really consider that God is orderly and just, and that there is no way he can tolerate anything evil.