DECEMBER 14, 2023 – Zealousness Displayed

Zealousness Displayed

 DECEMBER 14, 2023
 Daily Reading – Amos 4-6 / Revelation 3

 GOD’S WORD:

Amos 4:12 Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.

 GETTING INTO GOD’S WORD:

        What does Zealousness mean? It is described as a passionate devotion to, or interest in, a cause or subject. It is going the extra mile, doing all one can possibly do. It is what we see in many good parents who are trying their best to raise their children. Rewarding good behavior, while also, not rewarding bad behavior. It may be done by taking away electronic devices, or privilege. It might be that they are sent to their room without a meal or restricted from time with friends. None of this is done in anger but trying to teach these children to listen to your gained years of wisdom. God displayed that Zealousness with the children of Israel here is Amos 4.

        In the verses of Amos 4:6-11 we read over and over the things God had done to try to get Israel to turn back to Him. The last phrase in each instance says, “…yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.” He sent a famine their way but that did not convince them. He withheld rain, but instead of turning to God, they sought water from other cities. God sent a plague, or rottenness to their crops, yet they would not see this as God’s warnings. Pestilence and also an overthrow of some. Still, they would not turn back to God. God the creator of all, has control of all. Finally, God, in His zealousness to call them to Himself in Amos 4:12; warns them of the impending punishment. He says, “prepare to meet thy God.” Zealousness displayed.

         

 GETTING GOD’S WORD INTO ME:

        I wonder how many signs and warnings from God, have we shrugged off as what the world calls, “mother nature.” Yet, still today, God sends out his children into a lost world with a warning. “Prepare to meet thy God.” 

Are we prepared to help others to be prepared?