Morning Message: The Day of the Lord

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "The Day of the Lord"

Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

“Hypocrites!” Jesus called out. He called them whited sepulchers, only half-heartedly living the Law; blind guides they were, unclean, and engaged in building great tombs to the prophets that their forefathers had killed, and they themselves garnishing the tombs of the righteous. Jesus described them as straining at a gnat yet swallowing a camel. He called them serpents, and a generation of vipers in Matthew 23:13-36! This is how He spoke of the Religious Leaders of His day. “There is nothing new under the sun.”

In Amos 5 today, we read that God will neither accommodate hypocrites in the congregation, nor accept their offerings of praise, peace, or meat offerings at the altar. They produced the leaven of the Pharisees with the entire Sanhedrin. The Father and the Son never change; Old and New Testament teachings are the same according to our reading of the scriptures today. The Lord God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

The Children of God have always had trouble walking their talk. Era designations of B.C. or A.D. are meaningless when it comes to human righteousness: “There is none righteous, no, not one.” (Romans 3:10). As serious as this sounds, God remains loving, forgiving, merciful and gracious.

The difficulty is that mankind’s condition is a product of the flesh that we live in. Jesus Himself lived in our fleshly world, and was tempted in all ways, like us. Christ Jesus is therefore our perfect advocate, and the perfect Lamb of God. Yet, Judgment Day is still going to come for the unbelievers.

Faith in Christ dictates that we are not to wallow in our own helpless humanity, but to be hopeful in Jesus’ overwhelming love, mercy, and grace for us!

Jeremiah 31:3 - 

“The Lord hath appeared of old to (us), saying, ‘Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee.’”


Bobservations' Column: Audio Version




Sunday Morning's Audio Message:

Amos 5:15-27 - "The Day of the Lord"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

The fifth chapter of Amos marks the beginning of the third in a series of five sermons on judgment preached by Amos. It records many of Israel’s sins and transgressions. Keep in mind the conditions that were prevalent in Israel at this time: political and military power under King Jeroboam II, economic prosperity, outward religious prosperity, inward spiritual decline, poverty, and injustice. Amos 5:11 is a key verse that sets the tone for the entire chapter. It describes both the sin and punishment of the rich. It is not sinful to be wealthy, but the Scripture warns ill-gotten riches and abuse of others through wealth is sin. Amos said the rich of his day were able to build houses and vineyards because they took advantage of the poor. When you read Amos’ words it is a reminder of how much God cared about common people and everyday life. Buying, selling, borrowing money for homes, and simple business deals were noticed by God. It is also a reminder that God knows what occurs and He will not be fooled. Every person who engages in dishonest dealings with others will one day suffer under the righteous judgment of God.

God Appeals to Israel in Amos 5:14-15. God’s exposure and rebuke of Israel’s sins are combined with a gracious appeal to return to him. God is intolerant toward injustice and sin but He is also longsuffering because of His desire to see men repent and be saved. God will exact justice; he will not tolerate man’s wickedness forever.

By the time Amos preached his messages of coming judgment, a cliché had become very popular among the people. They were saying, “Just wait until the Day of the Lord arrives.” But Amos said, “Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD.” His words are directed toward those in Israel who believed that God’s intervention would be victorious for them and deadly for their enemies. They actually thought God’s coming, “the day of the LORD,” would bring blessings because they were God’s covenant people. Many of the people were saying they “desired” the “day of the LORD.” It was only natural the people would think that way since they were living in material prosperity and national peace.

The “day of the LORD” is a period of time in which God judges His enemies and establishes His kingdom on earth (Revelation 6-20). It truly would be a wonderful time for the Jewish people. However, Amos and other prophets such as Joel and Zephaniah realized the “day of the LORD” was also a time of purifying for Israel; when God’s people would go through tribulation before entering the kingdom of God (Joel 3:9-17; Zephaniah 2:1-2). In that regard, the coming “day of the LORD” was nothing to “desire.”

Amos’ message is straight and to the point. It told Israel what she needed to hear and also what we need to hear today. First, any people or nation that cares more for themselves than for God, is headed for judgment. Second, no amount of religious activity and enthusiastic worship can substitute for simple obedience to God. Third, all this religious stuff that we have made ourselves and carry with us is only leading to judgment. Fourth, Amos wants everyone to know that God is not fooled! God will have the last laugh, not us (Psalm 2:4).

God, through Amos, expresses disdain for empty rituals and false worship. He calls for justice and righteousness, emphasizing their significance over superficial sacrifices. The chapter concludes with a prophecy of exile for the unrepentant Israelites.

Amos Chapter 5 is a poignant chapter from the Old Testament prophetic book of Amos. This chapter presents the divine lament over the impending destruction of Israel due to their persistent sinfulness and societal injustices. It stands as a powerful call for repentance, warning against false worship, and urging a genuine return to righteousness.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:  

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Hate the Evil and Love the Good (5:15) - These were the righteous conditions necessary to turn back God's fast approaching judgment. 

Establish Judgment in the Gate (5:15) - By this it is evident the prophet speaks to governors and judges among them. Set up honest and upright judges in every gate where judges did sit in those days.

Remnant (5:15) - Here is an implied promise that a "remnant" - even of Joseph (that is, Ephraim, or Israel) - would eventually be restored.

Mourning (5:16) - The term "mourning" refers to grief over someone's death. In the ancient world, the traditional ritual of mourning involved putting on sackcloth. A biblical example is found in the book of 2 Samuel, where David asked "Joab and all the people who were with him" to tear their clothes and put on sackcloth to "lament before Abner" (2 Samuel 3:31). The book of Jeremiah also tells us that those who mourned usually transformed their physical appearance by cutting off their hair and beard (Jeremiah 7:29) and rolling in ashes (Jeremiah 6:26). Mourning was thus part of the burial rite, a way of honoring the dead person. This mourning likely will be accompanied by a substantial amount of death at the hand of the invaders.

The Day of the Lord (5:18) - The term day of the LORD refers to a time of divine intervention and judgement. Even the wicked wanted the Day of the Lord to come, mistakenly thinking that it would bring victory/blessing instead of certain judgment (cf. Zephaniah 1:14-18).

A Lion . . . A Bear . . . Serpent (5:19) - The Day of the Lord is a day of terror on every side. Before and behind, without and within, abroad under the roof of heaven, or under the shelter of his own, everywhere is terror and death.  The Syrian bear is said to have been more fierce and savage than the lion for its fierceness and voracity (Daniel 7:5). God made it in Daniel's vision, a symbol of the empire of the Medes. From both lion and bear there might be escape by flight.  When the man had "leaned his hand" trustfully "on the wall" of his own house, "and the serpent bit him," there was no escape. He had fled from death to death, from peril to destruction.  Israel felt secure in the fact that they were God's chosen. They felt sure they had been freed from all danger, when in fact; the danger to them had increased. They were like the man thinking he was safe from the lion, and was destroyed by the bear. He was also, like the man that went into the safety of his house and then was bitten by a serpent. There was no safe place to hide from the judgment of God.

Darkness and Light (5:20) - The illustrative parable makes it clear that darkness and light do not speak here of wickedness and righteousness but of disaster and safety.

I Hate Your Feast Days (5:21) - Note that it is THEIR feast days, not the Lord's feast days.  Going through the motions of observing feast days yet with a corrupt heart were despised by the Lord.  Such hypocrisy.  God is not impressed with religious ceremonialism that is disconnected from the heart.  It is meaningless.  It is offensive.  It is fake.  It does not honor God.  All of their ceremonialism (the outward appearance) paled in comparison to their participation and practice of corruption and immorality. 

Judgment Run Down (5:24) - Judgment will come as rain falls from heaven. God's judgment will be under His control alone. God's judgment is also righteous.

Sacrifices and Offerings (5:25-26) - In addition to worshiping the Lord during the Exodus in the wilderness, Israel also worshiped other gods, carrying along "Sikkuth (or "tabernacle") your king (or "Molech") and Chiun, your idols." Molech worship included the astrological worship of Saturn and the host of heaven, plus the actual sacrificing of children (2 Kings 17:16-17). Warned against Molech worship (Deuteronomy 18:9-13), Israel nevertheless pursued all facets of it, continuing with Solomon (1 Kings 11:7) and his descendants (1 Kings 12:28; 2 Kings 17:16, 17; Jeremiah 32:35) until Josiah (2 Kings 23:10). Stephen recited Amos 5:25-27 when he recounted the past sins of Israel in Acts 7:42, 43.

Captivity (5:27) - The punishment for their unfaithfulness to God for worshipping false gods. They were taken to Damascus as captives. This happens because God has judged them, and found them guilty of worshipping false gods. God brings the captivity.
Assyria conquered Damascus in 732 B.C., then overtook Israel in 722 B.C.

Morning Message: Seek The Lord And Live

Bobservations Column
Titled - "Seek The Lord And Live"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

God’s admonishment towards all Israel continues as we go through Chapter 5 of Amos; and it comes with encouraging words and direction. God speaks of righteous worship through the mouth of the Prophet. Jehovah is lamenting over His people, He desires fellowship with them, and true worship from them. He is missing both because the relationship has been broken.

It is natural for man to want freedom and independence, but God does not want the natural man, He desires the spiritual man, which is imputed to each of us at birth, with our first breath. It is God’s design that we need His air to live. Oxygen rich air is circulated throughout our bodies. And wonder of wonders, the trees and foliage replenish the oxygen we use. (And we replenish the carbon dioxide that they need and use!) God has left nothing to chance, in any part of His Creation.

But there is much left to chance for those that do not claim Him as Father. In fact, for them, everything is left to chance, unless mankind intervenes. The natural man has that level of wisdom, so one of our vulnerabilities is how easily we can be exalted by others and gain accolades from mankind. Those that desire the wisdom of God look to seek after Him, not one of His Creation.

Gilgal, Bethel, and Beersheba have nothing to offer the believer, and only temporary relief for the non-believer. Many here in the west followed after one who offered hope and change to the masses. They turned out to be empty promises because they utilized the collective wisdom of humanity, rather than God’s wisdom. And lest I be accused of politicizing the issue, every leader, of every age offered their own wisdom gained from human advisors, and personal experience, rather than the wisdom of the Creator.

Some have been, and will be better than others, and many will be worse because we are comparing the earthly with the earthly. We are in this conundrum because like Ephesus in Revelation 2:4, mankind has either left their first love, or rejected Him outright. And leaving God’s teachings behind, there is nothing long lasting, much less eternal without Him in our lives. Turn back to Jesus!

“Call now, if there will be any that will answer thee; and to which of the saints wilt thou turn?” - Job 5:1

Bobservations' Column: Audio Version

Sunday Morning's Audio Message:

Amos 5:1-15 - "Seek The Lord And Live"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

Amos chapter 5 delivers a stark message of impending judgment on the Northern Kingdom of Israel for their moral and religious failings.

Amos ministered as a prophet to Israel at the nation’s apex of prosperity and political power. Sadly, it was a time when true worship of God had been replaced with idolatry, immorality, greed, materialism, injustice, spiritual complacency, and self-reliance. God’s people, both in Judah to the south (Amos’s home) and Israel to the north (Amos’s mission field), faced the Lord’s judgment because they had forsaken Him. In a string of dire predictions of coming doom (Amos 3:1—6:14), Amos offers this one ray of hope: “This is what the Lord says to Israel: ‘Seek me and live’” (verse 5:4).

The chapter opens with a lament for the fallen nation of Israel, likened to a young woman ravaged by war. Through a series of pronouncements, Amos exposes the hypocrisy of their religious practices, highlighting their neglect of justice and righteousness despite engaging in rituals and sacrifices.

Amos condemns their oppression of the poor and vulnerable, their pursuit of wealth through dishonest means, and their false sense of security in their religious observances.

The chapter offers a glimmer of hope, conditional on seeking the Lord and living justly, but ultimately warns of a coming exile as a consequence of their unrepentant hearts.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:  

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Lamentation (5:1) - A funeral dirge was taken up for Israel, compared to a young woman who had died (cf. 8:14). The term, “lamentation” describes a song or dirge for the dead; such funeral songs have a distinct meter or cadence. Typically, the dirge or funeral song consists of four discernible movements, including: a description of the tragedy (5:2–3), a summons to respond (5:4–6, 14–15), a direct address to the fallen (5:7–13), and a call to mourning (5:16–17).

Seek the Lord (5:4) - Three times the invitation to seek the Lord.  Three times God's mercy is given (verses 4, 6, 14). Though God’s judgment is imminent, it can be avoided, or at least postponed, by seeking the Lord. The only hope is to seek the Lord in true repentance and thus avoid the judgment of God. We see one more plea for them to repent and turn to God. If they would heed the warning and turn to God, even now, they would live. The appeal to “seek” God is a summons to respond to the prophet’s funeral song. The repetition of the summons (5:6, 14) with the use of the imperative form of the verb indicates the desperate situation Israel faced for making a decision. Simply stated, seeking God involves both obedience to His Word and repentance.   In order to do what is right in the eyes of the Lord, they must seek what is good and run from evil (5:14).

And Live (5:4) - “Seek me and live” is the cry of God’s heart—His appeal for people to repent and pursue His forgiveness while there is still hope of salvation. The message echoes in Isaiah’s invitation: “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near” (Isaiah 55:6). It resonates in Zephaniah’s call: “Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger” (Zephaniah 2:3). “Seek me and live” is God’s invitation to return to “pure and genuine” devotion to the Lord (James 1:27), which is the foundation of our life and relationship with Him. When we forsake the Lord, we must humble ourselves before Him, repent, obey His commands, and walk in His ways again. Only in this way can we receive forgiveness of sins and restoration (2 Chronicles 7:14). The prophets repeatedly warned God’s rebellious children to return to authentic worship, which is our source of spiritual life and the only hope of salvation from the Lord’s judgment and wrath.

Bethel . . . Gilgal (5:5) - Bethel, the place of Jacob's dream (Genesis 28), and Gilgal, where Israel was circumcised before surrounding Jericho (Joshua 5:1-9), were sacred to Israel.

Beersheba (5:5) - Located in southern Judah, fifty miles southwest of Jerusalem, Beersheba had a rich Israelite history (cf. Genesis 21:33; 26:23; 1 Samuel 8:1-3; 1 Kings 19:3-7).  Apparently, people from the north crossed over the border to worship there (cf. 8:14). 

House of Joseph (5:6) - This refers to the northern kingdom, since Ephraim and Manasseh, sons of Joseph, were two of its largest tribes.

Justice to Wormwood (5:7) - Justice was so perverted that it was like wormwood, an herb known for its bitter taste (cf. Revelation 8:11). 

Judgment (justice)...Righteousness (5:7) - The prophet pairs “justice” and “righteousness” three times in this section (Amos 5:7, 24; 6:12). This is the best summary available to define the covenant responsibilities of God’s people. Since justice (cf. Isaiah 30:18) and righteousness (Micah 7:9) are essential activities of the LORD, they must become prime duties of his people.

Seven Stars (5:8) - The pagan worship of the stars and the gods associated with them, as practiced in the false religions of the land, was foolish, for the true Creator God had made the stars and their constellations.  He had even named them (Isaiah 40:26).  The "seven stars" was a popular name for the Pleiades. 

Pleiades and Orion (5:8) - Pleiades, part of the constellation Taurus, and Orion depict God's creative power and wisdom (cf. Job 9:9; 38:31-35).  Israel was guilty of worshipping the stars (cf. v. 26) instead of their Creator.  The book of Amos features three ancient hymn fragments (Amos 4:13; 5:8–9; 9:5–6). Amos emphasized the order and rhythm of God’s creation with his appeal to the cycle of constellations crossing the heavens (5:8a), the temporal patterns of day and night (5:8b), and the seasonal rainfalls (5:8c).  By appeal to the ancient hymn Amos understood that it is God who brings order to creation and to life (5:8b and 8c). The biblical creation account depicts a God who brings order out of chaos by his very word (Genesis 1–2; cf. Psalm 33:6). The unfathomable wisdom behind the design and order of creation is personified as a master architect (Proverbs 8:30), and his handiwork in the natural world is obvious (Psalm 19:1–4).

Dark Day with Night (5:8) - Only Jehovah could control the day/night cycle, for He had set the earth rotating on its axis.

In the gate (5:10-13) - The fabric of justice had been destroyed, causing pervasive corruption "in the gates."  This is the place where justice was administered (cf. verse 15; Deuteronomy 21:19; Joshua 20:4). 

Seek Good (5:14, 15) - These were the righteous conditions necessary to turn back God's fast approaching judgment. To seek good is to seek that which is pleasing to the LORD. To treat others justly, as commanded in God's covenant law with Israel. In this context, it specifically means to treat the poor justly, and to practice justice with equality for all (v. 15). God's covenant law required everyone in Israel to be treated the same under the law. There was to be no preference to either rich or poor. These two commands—seek God and seek good—sum up the essence of the Ten Commandments: love God and love our neighbor (Matt. 22:36-40; Mark 12:30-31).

That Ye May Live (5:14) - The succinct message to "seek good, not evil" and "Hate evil, love good" is the central theme of the book.  If obeyed, God's people would "live," the Lord would be with them and be gracious to them.

Hate Evil (5:15) - Evil is usually thought of as that which is morally wrong, sinful, or wicked; however, the word evil can also refer to anything that causes harm, with or without the moral dimension. The word is used both ways in the Bible. Anything that contradicts the holy nature of God is evil (see Psalm 51:4). Anything that contradicts God's Word, His Commands are evil. God commands us to hate evil. Perhaps the most straightforward reason that we should hate evil is that God hates evil (Deuteronomy 12:31; 16:22; Psalm 5:4–6; 11:5; Proverbs 6:16–19).

Morning Message: The Kine of Bashan

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "The Kine of Bashan"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

The word “kine” in the Bible are the cows and heifers of God which graze on a thousand hills. And Bashan is the region east and north of the Sea of Galilee.

It brings to mind a pastoral scene of peace and tranquility. Today’s passage however brings a different image to mind from the peaceful country scene we might have imagined. While the cattle are grazing and getting fat on their diet, Amos speaks God’s word: “Listen up, you cows…”  Suddenly that picturesque image has changed. God’s upset is tangible in His words to the Jews of Jerusalem and Judah. Their behaviors were no better than the heathen nations surrounding them! Idol worship and ignoring God’s commands and laws was the order of each day among His people, especially those that lived nearest to the Temple itself.

While God destroyed the Syrian Palaces, and those of the Gazans and other nations surrounding Israel, He has the Jews under judgment, but mercifully, not to be destroyed. God has remembered His covenant with Abraham, and with his offspring, the 12 Tribes of Israel (Jacob’s 12 sons).

The question must be asked though, are Christians today any better than the Jews of old were? Idolatry abounds everywhere we look, and as far as the eye can see. Yet because God has grafted us into His family tree, he is faithful to keep us. Such mercy and grace can only come from a patient and loving Father.

In speaking to Judah and Jerusalem in verse 2 of the previous chapter, God said “You only have I known of all the families of the earth…”  How fortunate it is that the Church has been grafted into the heritage of His Chosen People! (Romans 11:17-23)

Nonetheless, Jesus, will still judge us and our works on Earth. We are kept because we have chosen to believe in Him, but that means that God will chasten us as sons and daughters. He has not marked us for destruction like the heathen, but for reward! That is why His chastisement comes, to get our attention, and motivate us to repentance. Neither the Jews, nor the Church are the fatherless heathens; we are sanctified by God to be changed from death to life; from the world to His heavenly Kingdom (John 3:16, 17)!

From Hebrews 12:7 - 

"If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?"

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning's Audio Message:

Amos 4:1-13 - "The Kine of Bahsan"

Summary/Additional Commentary and Definitions:

Amos chapter 4 is a divine rebuke against Israel's unrepentant heart.

Amos 4, albeit challenging, is a poignant reminder of the significant consequence of our choices and the importance of repentance. God’s numerous interventions are His attempts to turn us back to Him. True repentance is not about performing rituals but about a heart transformation, that we might seek justice, and display compassion to the oppressed.

The chapter begins with a stern rebuke to the complacent and wealthy women of Samaria, who are metaphorically referred to as "cows of Bashan". These women are living in luxury and opulence, oppressing the poor and demanding wine from their husbands. God vows they will face severe judgment for their actions.

Amos sarcastically encourages the Israelites to continue in their idolatrous practices at Bethel and Gilgal, two places notorious for idol worship. However, he warns that their rituals and sacrifices are meaningless to God, who desires obedience and justice over empty offerings. Despite God's multiple punishments in forms of famine, drought, blight, plagues, and even the destruction of some cities, the Israelites remained unresponsive to God’s warnings.

The chapter concludes with God's stern declaration of imminent judgment. Amos reminds the Israelites of God's mighty power, urging them to prepare to meet their God who controls the forces of nature and has power over life and death.

Amos 4 is a stern chapter that underscores the prophetic warnings delivered by God through His servant, Amos, to the Israelites. Despite the numerous chastisements and trials allowed by God, the Israelites remain obstinate and unrepentant in their sins. The chapter presents a strong appeal for repentance and a turning away from the hollow rituals, emphasizing the significance of genuine righteousness.

Sunday Morning Audio Message: 

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Ye Kine (Cows) of Bashan (4:1) - The husbands of “Samaria” met their wives’ demands for luxury by denying “the poor” justice, and then by taking their land through excessive taxation and usury. These wealthy women (“cows of Bashan”) were in turn using their wealth to enrich themselves rather than to help the needy, unaware that they were “fattening” themselves for the slaughter of God’s devastating judgment. Not only is this an indictment against the women of Samaria, but a depreciating description of the compassionless woman of Samaria who lived such luxurious lives (cf. Isaiah 3:16-26; 32:9-13; Jeremiah 4:30).  The "cows" of Bashan were noted for being well fed and strong because of the lush pastures of the area.  The women of Samaria lived in luxurious wantonness, enjoying their luxury while feeding off of the oppressed the poor and the needy. Bashan was a fertile region below Mt. Hermon east of the Jordan River known for its lush pastures.  Under Jeroboam II, Israel was enjoying great prosperity.

Sworn By (4:2) - As sure as God is holy and true, so certainly will he bring the threatened judgment upon you.

Out at the Breaches . . . Into the Palace (4:2, 3) - Captives will be mercilessly led out of the city through breaches in the walls, depicting massive overthrow.  The location of the palace is unknown.  Cattle find a hole in the fence and go through it. These women will find a break in the wall and go out at it. They will be carried away by the enemy to their stronghold.

Bethel . . . Gilgal (4:4) - the place of Jacob’s dream (Genesis 28), and Gilgal, where Israel was circumcised before surrounding Jericho (Joshua 5:1-9), were sacred to Israel.  “Gilgal” represents Israel’s early faithfulness (Joshua 5:10; 9:6).  Beth-el and Gilgal had been places of true worship in the past. These of Israel had turned both places into a place where idols were worshipped. It is so strange that all the time the Israelites were worshipping false gods; they were still going through the motion of worshipping God. They were still sacrificing every day as they had before they started worshipping false gods.

Sacrifice . . . With Leaven (4:5) - Though prohibited from most offerings, leaven was required as a part of the thanksgiving offering (Leviticus 7:11-15).

Cleanness of Teeth (4:6) - Amos employed this euphemism to depict the absence of food during the famine and drought sent by God to warn Israel, which he described (in verses 6-9; Deuteronomy 28:22-24; 47-48; Lev. 26:18).  The fact that their teeth were clean indicates a famine in the land. God brought the famine to cause them to repent and return to Him. Even the famine did not cause them to repent of their sins.

Withholden the Rain (4:7) - This is speaking of a drought coming. Again, God did this to get them to repent and turn back to Him, but they did not. He caused such selective places to rain so that it should have been obvious that this was a judgment of God upon them.

Smitten You with Blasting and Mildew (4:9) - Literally, "an exceeding scorching," such as the hot east wind produced and "an exceeding mildew," a blight, in which the ears turn untimely a pale yellow, and had no grain. Both words are doubly intensive. They stand together in the prophecy of Moses (Deut. 28:22), among the other scourges of disobedience.

The Manner of Egypt (4:10) - That is, after the way in which God had dealt with Egypt. God had twice promised, when the memory of the plagues which He sent on Egypt was still fresh in their minds: "if thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, I will put none of the diseases upon thee which I have brought upon the Egyptians" (Exodus 15:26; Deut. 7:15).

Firebrand Plucked from the Burning (4:11) - Only because of God’s mercy was Israel saved from extinction (Zech. 3:2; Jude 23). Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by fire and brimstone falling from God in heaven. A very similar thing had happened to some of them, but they were not moved enough to repent and return to God. 

Prepare to Meet Your God (4:12) - The general concept was first used of Israel’s preparation to receive the covenant at Sinai (Exodus 19:11, 15); here she was implored to prepare for His judgment.

Formeth the Mountains...Created the Wind... (4:13) - This is the God whom they were to be prepared to face. He is the Lord God Almighty. This is a declaration that Creator God will bring this punishment on them. This is no idle threat, but is made by the Ruler of the universe. The mountains are from generation to generation, and are one of the most permanent of His creations. No one knows where the wind comes from, but God created it too. God is God of all His creation. The Lord, Jehovah, the Eternal One, Alpha and Omega, the One who exists, the All Powerful, is still in control of all. He can do with any of it whatever He chooses. It all belongs to God.

Morning Message: Our Invisible God Sees

 

Bobservations' Column
Titled - "Our Invisible God Sees"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

In John 15:15, we read the words of Jesus to His Apostles: “Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.”

Amos 3 holds a surprise for us in verse 7 of today’s chapter. “… God will do nothing, but He revealeth His secret unto His servants the prophets."  These two passages are confirmation that the Lord does not want us ignorant concerning future events, for it is the same Spirit of the Lord that teaches us all things, as stated in John 14:26 and 2 Timothy 3:16. God’s intra-Trinity communications exceed anything that mankind can dream up on their own. AI is one thing, but it’s artificial. God’s knowledge and wisdom far exceeds what mankind can cobble together through a motherboard. The Word of the Lord will surely be fulfilled, every jot, and every tittle, for He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. And, He has known us each from before the foundation of the world. He even knows the mentally gifted ones who dreamed up AI! He knew what they would do before they did!

It should be a great comfort to every Believer that our invisible God knows all things and sees all things, and is therefore prepared for all things. Mankind may choose our paths, but it is the Lord that guides our steps. We will read God’s rhetorical question, “Can two walk together except they be agreed?” Is our goal and His the same? Communication between us is therefore vital.

People grow up and move onto their own lives, but when it’s a family member, they are never far from our hearts. We might move a continent or two away, but the heart that God gave us keeps them in mind. Do we think it’s any different with God? His Chosen People, and His adopted Gentiles are never far, and never out-of-reach of God’s overseeing love.

And when the time comes, He will be rejoined with all that are His. This is our hope, our hearts’ desire. God forgets no one, and sees what is going on with us on a daily basis.

“You only have I known of all the families of the earth…” Amos 3:2

Whether Jew or Gentile, He chose us.

Bobservations' Column: Audio Version

Sunday Morning's Audio Message:

Amos 3:1-15 - "Our Invisible God Sees"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

Israel was specially chosen by God. He set them apart from all of the nations to be His own (Exodus 22:31; Leviticus 20:26). He called them to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (Exodus 19:6); to be holy, as He is holy (Leviticus 19:2), to be a light for the Gentiles (Isaiah 49:6). They would be His people, and He would be their God.

Because the Jews are God’s chosen people, they have been held to a high standard. Those who are given much, much is required (Luke 12:48). They were responsible to keep and preserve God’s Law (Joshua 22:5); and bring praise and honor to the Lord (Jeremiah 13:11). Their high calling is straight from the God who chose them out of all the nations of the earth. Yet throughout their history, the Jews have chosen to reject God and go their own way, the way of the ungodly… the way of this world.

Here in Amos chapter 3, we learn that God sees all and knows all. Nothing is hidden from God, and He will not overlook the transgressions of His own. God’s hand of judgment is coming and will certainly come against the cities of Israel.

In the previous chapter, Amos had just concluded the great prophecy looking to the utter destruction of eight nations; and, as regarded the six pagan nations included, the Israelites were indeed delighted to have it so; but much to their surprise, the prophet had included them, both Judah and Israel, in the doom foretold; therefore, Amos dealt with the reasons why the favored and chosen people, “the whole family” which God brought up out of Egypt, would also be judged, and why that destruction was fully deserved. The children of Israel had long disregarded the words of comfort, instruction, and discipline which God, through many prophets, had spoken to them; “And now they shall be made to hear the word of reproof and threatening that the Lord has spoken against them; for he will act as he has spoken.”  Beginning with Amos 3, this word of denunciation and warning continues through Amos 6.

The Lord poses a series of rhetorical questions to show that, as some things are certain in nature, surely nothing happens in Israel that is outside His sovereignty.  Certain actions have predictable results.  The Lord had spoken a word; therefore, the prophet was to speak and the people were to listen with trembling.  Instead, they tried the impossible, i.e., to silence the prophet (cf. 2:12; 7:12, 13), and effectively silence God.

Judgment is coming, but the Lord graciously warned the nation in advance through His prophets (e.g., Noah, Genesis 6; Abraham, Genesis 18).

Sunday Morning's Audio Message: 

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Hear (3:1) - This is the Hebrew VERB "Shema," which means "to hear so as to do" (Deuteronomy 5:1; 6:4; 9:1).  Knowledge of God always involves obedience.

The Whole Family (3:1) - The recipient of these messages was Israel, although Judah was not excluded.

You Only Have I Known (3:2) - This "knowing" refers to an intimate relationship, not just awareness (c.f. Genesis 4:1, 17; Matthew 1:25; John 10:14, 15).  But God's sovereign choice of Israel did not exempt her from punishment for disobedience. (cf. Deuteronomy 28:15-68).  Those who enjoy a close relationship with God are not insulated from divine punishment; God expects His people to live by a higher standard. Their sins may not seem as bad as those of the pagans, but in His sight, they may be worse, because His children should know better.

They had known God and yet, they had turned from Him to the worship of false gods. The very first commandment that He had given them had forbidden this very thing. God had accepted them as His wife during the wilderness wanderings. Their unfaithfulness to Him has not been overlooked. He still loves them, but He is just, and He must punish them for their sins.

Except They Be Agreed (3:3) - For centuries, the nation of Israel had been called to turn back to the Lord, and many prophets of God had trumpeted the warning to repent of their sins, to return to the Lord, and to turn from their wicked ways.

God had made a conditional covenant with His people, Israel. He promised to bless them if they would walk in His ways and obey His statues, but He warned of judgement if Israel rejected His ways, despised His ordinances, and turned from trusting in Him.

God's chosen people had wandered far from their God and He used a number of illustrations through the prophet Amos, that pose the question: "Can two walk together unless they are agreed?" This is a question that believers in this dispensation should also consider. How important, therefore, to examine ourselves to see if we are living by faith, walking in spirit, trusting and obeying God's Word.

Gin (3:5) - That is, "engine," some kind of mechanical trap, using a noose, whereas the "snare" mentioned twice in this verse seems to involve a thin plate masking a pit.

Trumpet Be Blown (3:6) - The trumpet being blown is a warning of impending danger. Amos' message from God to these people is like the trumpet blowing. It is warning of impending danger. The trumpet blowing causes terror to rise in the hearts of the people. The warning from Amos should do the same thing.

His Secret (3:7) - The Lord will not bring judgment upon His people without first warning them through His prophets, such as Amos.  In our present day, on the other hand, God has spoken with finality through His Son (Hebrews 1:1-3) and His written Word (Revelation 22:18-19), so there is no further need of new revelation.  All that is needed is for His teachers to teach and proclaim His Word as already revealed.

Roars (3:8) - As it is with the king of the wild, it is much more so with the King of creation (cf. 1:3).

Publish it...Ashdod...Egypt (3:9) - The Philistines and the Egyptians were both to be witnesses to the happenings in Israel. God wants the heathen to see that He is just and punishes His own when they do evil.

Know Not To Do Right (3:10) - Not merely have lost the perception of what is and what is not right, but are indifferent to such distinctions. They know not and care not; the awful state of utter moral impotence, wherein not only the intellectual consciousness, but the impulses to action, are languid or even paralyzed. A dead conscience! Nothing is more condemnatory than this brief sentence. The light within them is darkness.

An Adversary (3:11) - This would be the Assyrians who captured and deported Israel in 722 B.C. (cf. 2 Kings 17).  Their adversary is really the LORD. Their land will be desolate around them. God has spoken judgment upon them. God will send an army against them that will destroy the palaces and take all the goodly things home.

Hear and Testify (3:13) - As in verse 9, the heathen nations were once again called on to witness and testify of God's righteous judgment on Israel.  This is a call to hear and understand. They must tell this in the house of Jacob. The house of Jacob speaks of all 12 tribes of Israel. This double announcement of this being from God is the fact of God's great power in the heavens and in the earth to execute judgment on whomever He will. This is speaking of the self-existent Eternal One.

Bethel (3:14) - The principal place of idol worship in Israel (cf. 1 Kings 12:25-33).

Morning Message: None Above the Law

Bobservations' Column
Titled - "None Above the Law"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

The judgments continue and come home to roost upon Judah in chapter 2 of Amos. But before we get there, the chapter begins with the three transgressions of Moab. If you will, recall Abraham, and his nephew Lot: their flocks and herds were many, and getting into the land, they decided to part company so their animals would all have plenty of land upon which to graze and feed. Lot chose the pleasant valley to the south, and the hill country was left for Abraham.

The valley Lot chose was the location of several cities, including Sodom and Gomorrah, and we all know how that ended (Genesis 19). Lot found himself living among heathen, fornicators, and others whose lives God called abominable in Leviticus 18. He fled Sodom just prior to God destroying the debauchery of that city. Lot and his two daughters escaped to the neighboring city of Zoar at the Dead Sea (Gen.19:22).

Lot’s morals were already compromised from having lived among those people. His daughters’ were as well. Their husbands-to-be were dead back in Sodom, and the girls thought they should raise up seed to continue their father’s name among the family lineage. They decided to get their father drunk, and each sleep with him to provide another generation unto Lot. The eldest daughter named her resultant son Moab (“of the father”), and the younger daughter named her son Ben-Ammi (“son of Ammi”).

These two boys became the progenitors of the Moabites and the Amorites respectively. Both these city-nations became enemies of the Israelites. From Abraham’s family line, we find the righteous, and the unrighteous.

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”  - Romans 3:23

Bobservations' Column: Audio Version

Sunday Morning's Audio Message:

Amos 2:1-16 - "None Above the Law"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

This morning, we are continuing in the book of Amos starting in chapter 2.   Amos continues to pronounce judgment on Israel's enemies; however, we will also see that God is impartial to all, he shows no favoritism. Israel may be God's chosen, but they have sinned against God, and they will not be spared His righteous judgement. 

After pronouncing judgment on Damascus (Syria), Philistia (cities on the Mediterranean coastline bordering southern Israel), Tyre (modern Lebanon, north of Israel), Edom (the southern part of modern Jordan), and Ammon (northern part of modern Jordan, east of Israel), the LORD turned His attention to Moab, a country located east of the Dead Sea, between Ammon on the north side and Edom on the south. "Thus saith the Lord; For three transgressions of Moab, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment." The Moabites were kinsmen to the Israelites because they traced their ancestry to the older daughter of Lot (Genesis 19:37). They were a pagan people who worshiped a god named Chemosh (Numbers 21:29, Jeremiah 48:7).

The Moabites would be judged by God for their transgressions, one of which was the burning of the bones of the king of Edom to lime. Consequently, the LORD would send fire upon Moab, which would consume the citadels of Kerioth. The term Kerioth refers to a city containing a shrine devoted to Chemosh, the Moabite god. The word translated citadels can also be translated as "palace" or "fortress." This Moabite city has been identified with el-Qereiyat and Khirbet Aleiyan (Jeremiah 48:41). Using fire as a symbol of judgment, the LORD threatened to destroy Moab along with the fortresses of Kerioth.

With the judgments against the surrounding pagan nations finished, the prophet proceeded to address Judah, moving ever closer to his ultimate target of Israel.  Greed, so all-consuming that for insignificant debts the people of Israel would sell another into slavery (cf. Matthew 18:23-35), was accompanied by uncontained sexual passion.  Care for the poor is a prominent OT theme (Proverbs 14:31; 17:5), and sexual purity is mandated repeatedly (cf. Leviticus 18).  Violations of both are an affront to God's holy name. 

Amos 1 and 2 are really meant to be read and analyzed together as they are a review of the judgements from God. In Amos 2, however, we see God turn his attention away from Israel’s enemies to their own sinful acts. According to God, Judah was rejecting God’s law, disobeying God’s commandments, and committing idolatry. Amos was a shepherd from Judah but was sent to be a prophet for Israel, to which the offenses were far more severe.

Israel was guilty of horrific crimes including trampling the poor, denying justice to the oppressed, committing fornication, profaning the Lord’s name, wrongfully taking items as a pledge from those indebted to them, collecting fines from others, forcing Nazirites to drink wine, and commanding true prophets not to prophesy.

Think for a moment how personal this was for God. Here are God's own, His children who are walking in willful disobedience to His law. “You are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession” (Deuteronomy 7:6). Israel, blessed by God, chosen to be His own and given them hidden knowledge, chosen to bring forth the Messiah. He blessed them, protected them, gave them His Word that they would live fruitful and productive lives. And just like the daughter that goes and throws her body away after her father has desperately loved and protected her, Israel (and Judah) did much the same. 

Think for a moment of how personal our sin is to God. Think of how dearly He loves you. Consider those things in your life that “aren’t a big deal.” Would you receive the same words here that God is giving to Israel and Judah? Jesus’ sacrifice illustrates His seriousness for our wayward lifestyle. 

Sunday Morning's Audio Message: 

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

For Three Transgressions . . . and For Four (2:1) - The phrase “for three sins . . . even for four” is a common phrase in Amos (1:3, 6, 9, 11, 13; 2:1, 4, 6). Used a total of eight times in the book, these words play a special role in the way Amos communicates sin and judgment. “Three sins” represents fullness or completeness; “four” represents an overflow or a sin that is the tipping point for God’s judgment. The word sins or transgressions in Hebrew specifically refers to “rebellions.” The first two chapters of Amos contain eight messages against the nations, including Judah and Israel, condemning them for their rebellion against the Lord.

Interestingly, “for three sins . . . even for four” is not followed by four specific sins. In fact, the typical pattern is to list one or two sins and move on. Therefore, the expression is not meant to imply a specific number of sins but to communicate that there is an excess of sins that have led to God’s judgment.

Moab (2:1) - Descendants of Lot and his elder daughter (Genesis 19:37).

Burned the Bones (2:1) - This event, where vengeance didn't stop at death, is not recorded elsewhere in Scripture. In the ancient world it was very important for a man's dead body to receive proper burial. That is why tombs often had curses inscribed on them to protect them from being desecrated or treated with indignity (disrespect).

Kerioth (2:2) - This is an important Moabite city, either as a capital or center of worship. The term Kerioth refers to a city containing a shrine devoted to Chemosh, the Moabite god.

Judge (2:3) - Possibly denoting the king, who was often so designated (2 Kings 15:5; Daniel 9:12).

Judah (2:4) - The kingdom of Israel was divided after Solomon's death. Judah is the southern part of Israel's kingdom.  

Despised the Law of the Lord (2:4) - The nations were judge because they had sinned against the law of God, which was written in the heart and conscience (Romans 2:14, 15).  Judah and Israel were judged because they sinned against God's revealed, written law.  

Fire Upon Judah - (2:5) - The Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar fulfilled this judgment c. 605-586 B.C. (2 Kings 24, 25). 

Go in unto the Same Maid (2:7) - In the context of oppressing the helpless, the reference was probably to a slave girl (Exodus 21:7-11). Israel was supposed to be a nation set apart unto God, a priestly nation, obedient to His law.  However, Israel did what was prohibited by the law, with men exploiting young women (Exodus 21:7-11, Leviticus 18:7-8).

To Profane (2:7) - To profane means to treat something sacred with disrespect or irreverence. In this case, Israel profaned God's holy name. 

Clothes Laid to Pledge (2:8) - Outer garments used to secure a loan were to be returned before sunset (Exodus 22:25-27; Deuteronomy 24:12-17); instead they used them to engage in idolatrous acts. We see they had no compassion at all for the poor. They took the things away from the poor that were necessary for them to live and used them. They did not need these things but they took them from the poor anyway. The poor had pledged them and the rich took the clothes away. Notice, the word god is not capitalized. This is speaking of their worship of false gods. They were a greedy self-indulgent society. They hated the authority of God.

The Condemned (2:8) - They used the wine bought with unjustly extracted fines from the poor to engage in forbidden idolatrous worship, thus sinning twice against the Lord.

Amorite (2:9) - The Amorites were an ancient nation mentioned frequently in the Old Testament. They were descended from one of the sons of Canaan (Genesis 10:15–16). In early inscriptions, the Amorites were also known as Amurra or Amurri. The “land of the Amorites” included Syria and Israel. Some of the southern mountains of Judea were also called the hill country of the Amorites (Deuteronomy 1:7, 19-20).

Two kings of the Amorites named Sihon and Og were defeated by the Israelites under Moses’ leadership (Deuteronomy 31:4). In Joshua 10:10, five Amorite kings were defeated by the people of Israel, and the victory was decisively won in Joshua 11:8. In the time of Samuel, peace existed between Israel and the Amorites (1 Samuel 7:14).

Less than a century later, King Solomon forced the remaining Amorites into slavery: “All the people who were left of the Amorites . . . who were not of the people of Israel—their descendants who were left after them in the land, whom the people of Israel were unable to devote to destruction—these Solomon drafted to be slaves” (1 Kings 9:20-21). The Amorites are last mentioned in Amos 2:10. It is assumed they either died out or were absorbed into the culture of Israel.

The Amorites were known as fierce warriors during their prime. Moses referred to Og, the king of the Amorites, as a very tall man whose bed was approximately 13.5 feet long (Deuteronomy 3:11). Despite their strong numbers and military might, the Amorites were destroyed due to their worship of false gods. Israel’s conquest of their land was part of God’s judgment on the pagan Amorite culture.

Height...Strong (2:9) - Their giant stature was said to make the exodus spies look like grasshoppers (Numbers 13:32, 33).  God will destroy them completely - both fruit and root (Ezekial 17:9; Malachi 4:1).

Nazirites (2:11) - The Nazirite/Nazarite vow is taken by individuals who have voluntarily dedicated themselves to God. The vow is a decision, action, and desire on the part of people whose desire is to yield themselves to God completely. By definition, the Hebrew word nazir, simply means “to be separated or consecrated.” The Nazirite vow, which appears in Numbers 6:1-21, has five features. It is voluntary, can be done by either men or women, has a specific time frame, has specific requirements and restrictions, and at its conclusion a sacrifice is offered.  Yet Israel made the Nazirites drink wine, corrupting their commission, and commanded the prophets saying, 'You shall not prophesy!' The Israelites corrupted these offices, so that there was no moral leadership. They did not want to hear God's word, nor follow His ways. They were in full rebellion against the covenant they had entered into with their Suzerain Ruler. Therefore, God's judgment was unavoidable as a matter of contract. An example of this occurrence is set forth in Amos 7:12-13, when Amaziah the priest of Bethel commanded Amos to no longer prophesy in Bethel, because Amos' prophecy was not favorable to Jeroboam, king of Israel.

Behold, I am pressed under you (2:13) - God will providentially press down on Israel, unlike when they were free to sin, so that they cannot flee or escape from the invading nation which will inflict God's judgment, most likely Assyria in 722 B.C.  The intended parallel idea would be that as God bogged down Israel (so she could not flee) because of her sin, so a cart would be immovable if overloaded with sheaves.