RTW June 21
The Great Pretenders
I hate all your show and pretense-the hypocrisy of your religious festivals and solemn assemblies.
Amos 5:21
My Takeaways
Something to Old
God hates when we pretend. Such strong words in Amos 5:23-24.
We know we are pretending when we:
- Sin again and again. (Amos 1:2-3:6)
- Reject his Word and refuse obedience. (Amos 2:4b)
- Fail to learn. (Amos 4:1-13)
- Do the right things but still sin. (Amos 4:4-5)
- Neglect God’s warnings. (Amos 4:6-11)
Something New
Rejection and refusal is a dangerous combination. (Amos 2:4)
Something to Do
Don’t be a pretender. I can’t fool God.
My Takeaways: God’s Judgements
Something Old: Amos 3:7 “Indeed, The Sovereign Lord never does anything until he reveals His plans to his servants the prophets.” God is merciful! I have no excuse when I sin because I have God’s words, the Bible. I have been forewarned. God is not quick to anger, but he is quick to forgive. It takes years for Him to place his wrath, but only a second to place his forgiveness when I repent. God can change His mind when I change my ways. Isn’t that what I saw yesterday in the book of Jonah with the Ninevites?
Something New: Amos 5:6-14 “Come back to the Lord and live!… Do what is good and run from evil so that you may live!” Sin destroys, but there is hope in Jesus Christ. God desires a relationship with me, but He cannot ignore continual defiance and sin, because His holy nature demands it. When I disobey I must be disciplined. God’s will never changes, but what about mine? I must run to God not away from Him, because His will, will be done in the end. I think Jonah learned this in yesterday’s lesson. I must be persistent in my walk if I want to continue having an intimacy with God. Sometimes God has to open my eyes by the consequences he gives to get me back on track. This is a good thing because it draws me back to Him. In the end, when I meet the Lord I want to hear those wonderful words, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”
Something To Do: Praise him for his gracious and merciful ways. Serve Him with a sincere heart. Seek His ways and will always.