The Bible teaches that greater light brings greater responsibility. Luke 12:47, 48.
We noted last week that Israel sinned against great light and privilege. Therefore her punishment would be certain because God's special favor aggravated rather than exempted her from impending judgment (3:1, 2).
1. ISRAEL'S SIN WAS SO BLATANT THAT EVEN THE HEATHEN WERE INVITED TO WATCH HER PUNISHMENT (3:9).
2. SIN BLINDED THEIR ABILITY TO DISCERN RIGHT FROM WRONG (3:10).
3. THE PEOPLE WERE SELF-INDULGENT
This describes the situation here in America today.
Ashdod (3:9) is representative of all of Philistia. (Just as “Washington” represents the USA.)
“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!” Isaiah 5:20.
President Obama recently signed an executive order lifting the ban on federal funding for abortion and stem-cell research.
Jeremiah 4:22 says, “For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish (silly) children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.”
People acquire many homes and great wealth, but they do not support the work of God (cf. Haggai 1:2-5).
The Bible says, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Gal. 6:7).
Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished. (Proverbs 17:5).
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James J. Barker is a graduate of Tabernacle Baptist Bible College, Virginia Beach, Virginia. He started Bible Baptist Church, May 1990, in Queens, NY. The LORD commissioned him to minister in the new location of Elmont, NY in 1998. The church has moved from storefront to tent...
