Coming Judgment
3/19/26 Bible Thought (Amos 1)
Main Idea: God will certainly judge the wicked.
A Look at the Text:
After a short introduction, the prophet Amos immediately goes on to denounce Israel’s neighboring nations for their many sins. In each case, there is a consistent pattern:
“For three transgressions…and for four, I will not revoke the punishment” (Amos 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 13).
In essence, God was keeping track. The Syrians threshed God’s people in Gilead as if they were wheat being beaten on the ground (Amos 1:3). The Philistines carried people into exile (Amos 1:6). Those from the city of Tyre were guilty of the same thing, even betraying an alliance, too (Amos 1:9). The Edomites were judged for their unceasing anger and abuse of Israel (Amos 1:11). Lastly, the Ammonites were condemned for merciless brutality, even the slaughter of pregnant women (Amos 1:13).
Although judgment was delayed, it was certainly coming. For some, exile would come. Others would perish. All in all, it was abundantly clear that God saw what they were up to. He is inescapable. He sees all, He knows all. The Judge of all the earth will act justly.
Bringing it Home:
One of the hardest parts of living in a fallen world is seeing people who either literally or figuratively get away with murder. The human heart is wired to long for justice. We hate to see times when crimes are committed and the guilty are still on the loose.
This desire for justice is placed in us by our Creator, who is Himself just. He is a God who keeps track of transgressions, and one day payment must be made. Thus, the Christian can take heart today that even if down here it seems like some people get away with their sins, one day, their time will come.
God knows everything that is going on. He is inescapable (see Jer. 23:23-24). While His judgment might be delayed as an act of mercy, there is coming a day when sinful human beings will have to give an account before their Creator.
Challenge:
Do I trust that God will be just in His judgment, even when it seems the wicked prosper today?
It’s so hard to remember. But I have to trust God that He will take care of all things in His time.