Wednesday: Israel’s Rendezvous With God
“Prepare to meet thy God, O Israel” (Amos 4:12).
Image © Janet Hyun from GoodSalt.com
Chapter 4 of Amos begins with the description of Israel’s sins, and it ends with the announcement of the day of reckoning. God makes His people especially accountable for the ways in which they live and treat others.
Amos has listed a series of natural disasters, any one of which should have been enough to turn the nation to God. The list is composed of seven disasters, the full measure of punishments for the breaking of God’s covenant (in accordance with the words of Moses from Leviticus 26). Some of the disasters remind one of the plagues God sent against Egypt, while the description of the last calamity explicitly mentions the total destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
According to Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the temple, what should disasters normally lead people to do? 1 Kings 8:37-40.
The people of Israel did not behave like normal people anymore, and God found it impossible to get their attention. Moreover, God’s judgments had resulted in the hardening of the people’s hearts. Because the people failed to return to the Lord, Amos presented one last chance for repentance.
The final judgment is impending, but Amos does not specify what the judgment would be. The haunting uncertainty in Amos’ words makes the threat of judgment even more ominous. Israel has failed to seek God, so God goes out to meet Israel. If punishment fails, will an encounter with God save?
Amos 4:12 begins with the words “‘thus will I do to you’” (NKJV), which echo the traditional oath formula. This solemn statement calls for a response from Israel to prepare to meet its God as they did prior to God’s appearance at Sinai (Exod. 19:11, 15).
Read carefully Amos 4:12-13. If, suddenly, you were to hear the warning, “Prepare to meet your God, O [your name here]”—what would be your response? What is your only hope? See Rom. 3:19-28.
(0)
In Rom 3:25 part in text goes like this:
"left the sins committed beforehand unpunished"
Translation in text was even more clear than NIV:
"He passed over the sins previously committed".
Rom 3:25-26. Just "hit" me how is closely connected with Sanctuary doctrine.
In that "present" time He wants to represent His righteousness in Christ leaving pass sins without punishment. Because Christ took it.
So a Question is this: What than is to be with sins committed after Christs atonement? Who will bear them?
Our sins are cleaned in Heavenly Sanctuary and will be put on Satan in the coming Day of God. Text asks: "Israel has failed to seek God, so God goes out to meet Israel. If punishment fails, will an encounter with God save?"
We are heeding to meet our God because He is coming. All who have faith in Jesus rejoicing to see Him and are glad for the Coming Day. They love Him. The same faith like faith in Jesus, in times after His death on the cross, saves us now, but faith in coming Lord. By hope we are saved.
Our ayes look forward in "coming Christ" not in past, like is with point of watching in protestant denominations. They see Jesus on cross and ascended, but what is He doing for 2000 years ? Only Sanctuary doctrine gives answers.
[Moderator Note: PLease use first and last name when commenting on this site.]
Wow, I have just found this page - fantastic. I can't often get to church but I enjoy Hope Sabbath School and the other programs on Sabbath - now I have an extra study aid. Thank you, thank you.
[Moderator Note: Please use full name when commenting]
I am very thankful to the people who invented this site. It's really worth reading and it gives me further knowledge and understanding about the lesson study. May the Lord bless us all.
Israel is called upon to meet with their God: 1. Unfortunately they have not lived up to their solemn responsibilities and obligations before God. Had they done this then the calamities that had befallen them would not have come. They would have been a light to the world. Likewise today God calll us to shine so that we too may live in such a manner as to be free from sinful practices that lead to suffering. 2. Only those who yield their lives wholly to God will be able to live holy lives ane by His grace there will be able to stand before the throne when the great day comes to meet our God for He it is who is able to keep us from falling Jude v24,25.
I understand that God used calamities as punishment to draw the attention of the people of Israel towards Him. Could it be that the current calamities that we are experiencing (earthquakes, flooding, hurricanes, etc.) may also be used in the same manner?
Please share your thoughts.
Yes, I do believe that God still uses calamities today to get the attention of nations with regard to sin.
This week's lesson reminds us of the injustices that exist in society. When the leaders of a nation willfully withhold justice and oppress people over whom they rule; when the people cry out for justice and relief from oppression and are further enslaved and Christians remain silent ... or as in this week's lesson give support to 'wrong doing' God will cleanse that land after many warnings. The sad thing is we do not recognize the voice of our modern day prophets. God has promised that in the last days ... 'he will pour out his spirit amongst all flesh' ... and that ... your sons and your daughters 'shall prophesy'.
Leaders fail to recognize that it is 'GOD' Who 'raises up one and puts down another.'