Read Amos Chapter 7
I Don’t Want To See People Die In Sin!
God gave warnings against Israel through visions shown to Amos.
Vision 1 was God destroying all the land of Israel by a large swarm of locusts. But when Amos pleaded with God not to do it, it says, “God changed his mind.” The Hebrew word for “changed his mind” means God showed pity on Israel.
Vision 2 was God destroying Israel by a consuming fire. Again Amos pleaded with God not to, and again “God changed his mind.”
Vision 3 was God showing just how sinful and corrupt Israel really was and that God would spare their lives no longer. He also declared how he would destroy all of the areas where Israel worshiped false gods and idols. Then he would kill King Jeroboam for his wickedness.
I feel challenged in three areas:
1. Amos cared about those who were lost in sin. Twice he asked God not to bring destruction upon Israel. Who do we know who is lost in sin? Are we praying for them? Are we ministering love to them? Are we meeting their needs? Put this person on your prayer list and pray God shows you how you can share the love of Jesus.
2. God is a God of pity and compassion. God will choose to withhold punishment because he is a patient God not wishing that any would perish but that all would repent. Is there an area in your life God is calling you to repent from?
3. Sin can’t go unpunished. Eventually, God’s Wrath will occur. May God help us all, and empower each of us, to be overcomers of sin in our lives.
