SOAP 04/06/2016; Amos 4:11

Today's reading: Ruth 3, 4; Psalm 64, 65; 2 Corinthians 6*

S) "¹¹ 'I overthrew you, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah,
And you were like a firebrand snatched from a blaze;
Yet you have not returned to Me,' declares the LORD."

Amos 4:11 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Amos 4

O) In this fairly brief chapter, God recounts many varied judgments and disciplines He executed, and as each is remembered, He finishes with the same summary, "Yet you have not returned to Me," This raises two very important factors. First, that God's heart is for reconciliation and restoration and redemption, even in the midst of His righteous justice and perfect judgments. Second, it highlights the notion that there are some who will simply ncver repent. This same idea is echoed, with severe example, in Revelation. Israel was warned by Amos, in the very next line, that they were about to meet their Maker. It seems like such a warning made little difference to such calloused hearts.

A) As long as I am willing to repent, to return to God, He is faithful and just to forgive my sins. Because of the work Jesus did on the cross, the penalty for my sins was paid. So, as long as I am willing to confess my sins, then my redemption and reconciliation are sure in Jesus Christ. I still must be sure that I keep my heart soft, not hardening it (see Hebrews 3:15).

P) Father, thank You for Your discipline. Thank You for love that rebukes my wrongs, that corrects my mistakes and my attitude. Please continue to shape me, inside and out, to be more and more like Christ Jesus, Your only begotten Son. I pray You always find my heart soft, teachable, and contrite. Have Your way with me. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.