Have you ever prayed to God and even though you're close to Him, God still said no to your prayer? In chapter 7, Amos pleaded with God to spare Israel, to forgive! However, God said no. God gave warnings to His people and then promised punishment to His people. When Amos saw this punishment, he advocated on Israel's behalf. However, God stayed true to His word and though Israel was weak and small, God smothered what little pride they had, bringing down their high places and punished them. Though it seems cruel, God punishes with purpose and pure motive, being patient until He could wait no longer. When God punishes, do we see ourselves as Amos, who watches a nation suffer because of their disobedience or are we more like Israel, who needed to be corrected and humbled? Join us as Pastor Patrick Cross teaches from Amos 7:1-9 on New Years Eve. |