SOAP 04/05/2016; Amos 2:6

Today's reading: Ruth 1, 2; Psalm 53, 61; 2 Corinthians 5*

S) "⁶ Thus says the Lord,
'For three transgressions of Israel and for four
I will not revoke its punishment,
Because they sell the righteous for money
And the needy for a pair of sandals.'"

Amos 2:6 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Amos 2

O) Through the first and second chapters (up to this verse), Amos was prophesying against seven different nations. He was prophesying to the Israelites about surrounding countries, which were all long-standing enemies of the kingdom of Israel: Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, sons of Ammon, Moab, and even Judah. All of the prophecies start with the same opening, "For three transgressions... and for four." All the while, his listeners would have been gaining confidence in his words. He was, after all, telling them agreeable things. He was promising that that LORD would execute judgment against their enemies. Normally, the true prophets of the LORD (when speaking to Israel) would have nothing but negative prophecies against Israel. But, Amos starts his discourse against all of the surrounding nations, something that would have been very well received by the people of Israel. As he worked through the culpability of the six gentile nations first (their crimes being general inhumane treatments and wickedness), they would have no cause for alarm whatsoever. Then, Amos got to Judah, and the crimes he mentioned were more specific, as sins against the LORD. Namely, that they broke His laws and their covenant. This was the beginning of his shift to the real topic and purpose of his prophetic vision/message. At this point, some of the more shrewd listeners may have had their ears tickled, if they had any convictions left at all. But, they may not have recognized that the shift was on, but when Amos got to the words in the above verse, they surely understood. All the while up to this point, Amos would start the words of judgment the same, and the people would doubtlessly agree, "Yes, the LORD should punish that nation!" By saying it was, "for three... and for four," it made it clear that God had already extended grace and mercy, but this was far enough. By saying, "I will not revoke it," God was making it clear that there would be no plea bargaining. All the while, they must have been agreeing. After all, who would have disagreed about God executing His perfect justice against their enemies? And by agreeing all the while, agreeing that these neighboring enemies had gone far enough, agreeing they should not be able to plea-bargain, they were unknowingly agreeing that they, themselves, had gone far enough and should have no opportunity to plea or bargain. The details of their sins were much more specific, building sin upon sin (not just persecuting the righteous or poor, but perverting justice as well. Not just adultery, but father and son both committing fornication with the same girl, etc.). Their guilt was compounded upon still more guilt.

A) Even as I read this, and as I typed those last few sentences, there was a shade in my heart that wanted to react in self-righteousness. There was a moment of disgust, tempting me to think, "How could they?!" But, in a very real sense, this was exactly part of the problem Israel had. We're all guilty of the same things, like Relient K said. That's what this verse is all about. That's what this transition was, that Amos was making. This is the lesson I must learn, to remain humble and correctable. I can never allow myself to think I am less in need of mercy or grace, than anyone else. Sin starts in the heart, and even if I never do what another person does, the same sin might still rear its ugly head in my heart. Even if the same sin doesn't, another sin does. At the core, I still need Jesus, every single day.

P) Father, You are holy and righteous. Your judgments are right and true, never out of place or time. Your punishment always fits the crime. In Your great mercy, lovingkindness, and compassion, I do not face the punishment for my sins against You. That same mercy and compassion is what I desire for others, too. Help me dwell on the grace I receive, at all times, so that I am not tempted to see myself more highly than I should. Help me to dwell on it, so that I am more compassionate to others when they also need the same grace, Father God. Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven, that people would be reconciled to You through the grace of the gospel. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.