The Book Of Amos. Day 18, Lighter Discipline Has Not Worked, Part Three

The Lord is speaking in Chapter 4 about the ways He's tried to get the people's attention. He's warned them that invasion and defeat is coming if they do not repent of their idolatry. In an effort to get them to repent, He's sent lesser disasters than the one which is coming.

Another disaster that has struck from time to time is plague. "I sent plagues among you as I did to Egypt. I killed your young men with the sword, along with your captured horses. I filled your nostrils with the stench of your camps, yet you have not returned to Me,' declares the Lord." (Amos 4:10) Referring back to Deuteronomy 28 as we have been for several days, the Lord said plague would come if the people turned away from Him. "The Lord will send fearful plagues on you and your descendants, harsh and prolonged disasters, and severe and lingering illnesses. He will bring on you all the diseases of Egypt that you dreaded, and they will cling to you." (Deuteronomy 28:59-60) 

He continues, "'I overthrew some of you as I overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. You were like a burning stick snatched from the fire, yet you have not returned to Me,' declares the Lord." (Amos 4:11) Several times in our study of the kings we found enemy nations laying siege to and taking control of portions of the land the Lord promised to the nation of Israel. Anytime we find the forces of Israel defeated in battle in the Bible it's because some type of sin is standing between the people and God. But so far the Lord has prevented any enemy from conquering the nation. That will not be the case for much longer.

"Therefore this is what I will do to you, Israel, and because I will do this to you, Israel, prepare to meet your God." (Amos 4:12) This is a terrifying statement! As the Apostle Paul solemnly warned in Hebrews 10:31: "It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." 

The Lord is not to be trifled with. Although He has been patient and longsuffering in the face of the people's idolatry, a point is coming when He will tolerate it no longer. He cannot be holy if He does not judge sin. He cannot be righteous if He does not do everything He's said He will do---and that includes the discipline He's promised in return for disobedience. The Lord cannot be respected if He does not do what He says. When we were little kids, if our parents were continually threatening some form of discipline but were never actually carrying out any discipline, we didn't pay much attention to them, did we? When parents are "all talk" and never follow through with any consequences for disobedience, children tend to feel disrespectful toward them. The Lord is a good Father who wants to raise good, godly children. He mercifully sends warnings before He takes disciplinary action but eventually action is necessary. He is saying to the people of Amos' day, "I'm not 'all talk'. I am a God of action. I have been patient. I have been merciful. I have given you many opportunities to repent. Soon I will stop talking and begin taking action."