Amos 3 - Privilege Brings Responsibility

 

Amos 3- Privilege Brings Responsibility

 

The Lord delivered the Jews from Egypt and called them to be His special people. God’s gracious election of Israel did not give them the right to disobey Him, and the same truth applies to the church today. Election involves responsibility (John 15:16; Eph. 1:4).

 

What right did a common herdsman like Amos have to denounce his own people and warn of judgment? He and God were walking together because they agreed. God was roaring like a lion and setting the trap for sinners. Amos was blowing the trumpet to warn the people because God had shared His secrets with him. Despite his humble origins, Amos was God’s servant.

 

If a shepherd lost an animal, he had to pay for it, unless he could prove that a beast killed it. He did that by bringing home some of the parts that were not devoured. Israel could hear the lion roar, but the nation would not repent. Soon, only a remnant would be left.

 

The prophet Amos denounced luxury and urged the people to care for the poor of the land. He particularly condemned their expensive houses, their drinking, their complacency, and their costly parties. The rich got their money by exploiting the poor. Yet the wealthy people were “religious” and faithfully participated in the temple services. Their “religion” was only a masquerade to cover their sin. Does any of this sound familiar to you?

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

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Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible. J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible.