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In The Potter's Hands
Israel’s privileged status did not exempt them from accountability before God. Instead, it heightens the need for Israel’s repentance and realignment with His will.
Privilege and Responsibility
Amos 3:2 highlights that Israel was a privileged nation, chosen and beloved by God. Yet, their repeated sins stirred God's righteous anger. Their privileged status did not shield them from accountability; rather, it heightened their responsibility to live according to God’s commands. Ultimately, it is their evil and disobedient behavior that triggers their discipline.
Accountability before God
Amos used rhetorical questions to announce judgment on the disobedient Israelites. In verse 6, he shifted from animal imagery (Amos 3:3-5) to the imagery of fear and the terror of battle. He asked, “If a trumpet is blown in a city, will not the people tremble?” He continued, “If a calamity occurs in a city, has not the Lord done it?” The answer to both questions is “yes.” Through these questions, Amos urged the people to pause and consider the impending danger caused by their behavior. He reminded them that their calamity was not accidental but a direct act of discipline from God.
A Call to Repentance
However, the punishments given to Israel did not signify that God stopped loving them. On the contrary, God’s discipline is rooted in His love. God raised His prophet to warn the people about His judgment, calling them to repentance. As echoed in Amos 1 and 2, we must remember that our God is faithful and just, and as long as we confess our sins, He will cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
Walking in Agreement with God
Another important consideration for us to reflect on is how our daily lives align with God’s will.
"Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" (Amos 3:3)
This verse calls not only for harmony in marriages and relationships but also for alignment with God. In Amos' message, Israel was urged to align with God’s will and purpose, for they could not expect His favor while walking contrary to Him.
Yet, do we fully understand what it means to walk with God? A life of unbroken worship is only possible when we walk in agreement with Him. To walk with God, we have to align our will to His, to release distractions, and to seek to please Him.
Just as Israel was warned through the prophets, we ought to be attentive to our behaviors and recognize that with privilege comes accountability. Perhaps this is a timely reminder for us to reflect on areas in our lives where we may be out of step with God's will. And if such discrepancies exist, let us pray for the courage to repent and seek to align our actions and decisions with His will.