JUDGMENT ON ISRAEL (AMOS 2:10-3:12)

REFLECTION The theme for our reflection is judgment on Israel. Judgment is a misfortune or calamity viewed as a divine punishment. It may also be reward received for being faithful. God’s judgment brings suffering to the unfaithful but brings blessings and reward to the faithful. Amos warned Israel about God’s impending judgment because of their disobedience and unfaithfulness. What…

Jean-Paul Agidi

Jun 26, 2023

2–3 minutes

REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is judgment on Israel. Judgment is a misfortune or calamity viewed as a divine punishment. It may also be reward received for being faithful. God’s judgment brings suffering to the unfaithful but brings blessings and reward to the faithful. Amos warned Israel about God’s impending judgment because of their disobedience and unfaithfulness. What exactly did they do to warrant God’s judgment? ““For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment, because they sell the righteous for silver, and the needy for a pair of sandals— those who trample the head of the poor into the dust of the earth and turn aside the way of the afflicted; a man and his father go in to the same girl, so that my holy name is profaned; they lay themselves down beside every altar on garments taken in pledge, and in the house of their God they drink the wine of those who have been fined.” (Amos 2:6-8). Again, the Lord said ” And I raised up some of your sons for prophets, and some of your young men for Nazirites. Is it not indeed so, O people of Israel?” declares the LORD. But you made the Nazirites drink wine, and commanded the prophets, saying, ‘You shall not prophesy.’ (Amos 2:11-12). In other words, God had been faithful to Israel, but Israel continued to be unfaithful my going contrary to the will of God, hence the decision to bring judgment upon them.

Dear friend, God is merciful when we repent, but His judgment will come upon us when we remain unrepentant. We must understand that whatever we doon earth, we are ultimately answerable to God. It is for this reason Paul reminds is that “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil” (1 Corinthians 5:10). Again, the Lord says “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.” (Revelation 22:12). Beloved in the Lord, we must live our lives to please our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ by acting justly, respecting the dignity of others, and worshipping God faithfully. Let us continue to draw inspiration and guidance from His Word to be spiritually and morally prepared for judgment day. Shalom.

PRAYER

Holy Spirit, help us live a heaven-conscious life. Strengthen us to be ever prepared for the judgment day through the obedience of God’s Word. Amen.