S) "4 And though they go into captivity before their enemies,
From there I will command the sword that it slay them,
And I will set My eyes against them for evil and not for good."
Amos 9:4 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Amos 9
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Amos 9
O) How different the captivities were, of Israel compared to Judah! By comparison, we might be tempted to say that Israel was more guilty than Judah was, but I'm not sure such a thing could be quantified. It's important to remember that terms like evil and good, in this context, are simply descriptors set in contrast to each other (like God loving Jacob and hating Esau). So, this does not change the fact that God is good, His character is good, His judgments are good. When He came against Israel, setting His eyes against them for evil, it was because of their own evil. He was judging their evil, and would no long extend grace to them in spite of their own evil. His eyes were against them because of their evil.
A) The greater context of this verse is that no one can escape the justice system of the LORD. While this is a terrifying thing for those who are caught by Him, it is a wonderful thing for those who are found in Christ. I could not rightly call myself a disciple of Christ, if my heart was not also set to have compassion and hope for people to repent and return to God. However, I know that in reality, some never will. Thankfully, it is not up to me to decide who will, or will not, ever repent. God knows, though, and it comforts me to know that unrepentant people, who are guilty of evil things, will not escape justice or "get away with it," regardless of what may or may not happen in the legal system of my country. In God's kingdom, justice is always served. I'm thankful that my punishment was absolved by Jesus on the cross, and I hope that more people will find the same mercy through the same grace, by the same justice carried out in the gospel. But, for those who will not accept that free gift of grace, and will not repent, then I am comforted knowing that justice will still be done, whenever the Judge determines to carry it out.
P) Father, thank You for being just. Thank You for the mercy and grace, available to all of mankind, that I have through Jesus Christ. But, still, I know that there will always be a great many people who will never turn from their evil. There will forever be wickedness that is unabated. I pray that everyone on earth turns in repentance. Truly, I pray that as many people as possible repent. But, I know the reality is that billions will not. So, I thank You for being a just God. Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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