To Whom Much Is Given

Daily Reading: Amos 2

Thus says the Lord: “For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment, because they have rejected the law of the Lord, and have not kept his statutes, but their lies have led them astray, those after which their fathers walked. (Amos 2.4)

Devotional Thought: In Amos 1, the prophet had reiterated God's judgment against the peoples around Judah:

·       Damascus mercilessly ransacked and murdered innocent people.

·       Gaza subjected people to a miserable exile.

·       Tyre sold people as slaves.

·       Edom harbored hatred and a long-held prejudice.

·       The Ammonites were so cruel that they forced women into violent and deadly abortions.

·       Moab desecrated sacred sites and remains, in an attempt to wipe out history.

We can appreciate why these peoples were subject to the severe judgment of God.

In Amos 2, after pronouncing judgment against these nations, Amos prophecies severe punishment for Judah.  The transgressions of Judah may surprise you:

·       Rejecting the law of the Lord.

·       Refusing to follow God's statutes.

·       Following the lies of popular culture.

·       Returning to the sins of their fathers.

Wait!  What?

That's right.  God was judging Judah for religious transgressions, things that we might not think worthy of punishment.  Apparently, God did.  Why is that?  They were being held to a higher standard because they had greater knowledge.

Jesus once said, "Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more" (Luke 12.48).  What have you been given?  With what have you been entrusted?

Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving me knowledge of the truth.  Help me to consider carefully my ways that I might live in ways that are pleasing to you.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 98.1-9

1 Oh sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. 2 The Lord has made known his salvation; he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations. 3 He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. 4 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises! 5 Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody! 6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord! 7 Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who dwell in it! 8 Let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills sing for joy together. 9 before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.