“You only have I known of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities” (Amos 3:2).

This verse is interesting because it pushes against some mistaken assumptions that people have about being in a relationship with God. Some people assume that being in a relationship with God means that everything will be perfect in their lives. 

Some people assume that God goes easier on those with whom He has a relationship. However, this verse suggests that those in a relationship with God, 1) actually sin and have problems, and 2) God does not turn a blind eye toward their sin. 

I can be guilty of those false assumptions, too. Therefore, I must guard my mind and heart to 1) avoid sin, and 2) to think rightly about God. 

Father, please help me to love you with all my heart. Help me to walk in righteousness and to think rightly about you. Amen. 

“Thus says the Lord: ‘For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment, because they sell the righteous for silver, and the needy for a pair of sandals— those who trample the head of the poor into the dust of the earth and turn aside the way of the afflicted; a man and his father go in to the same girl, so that my holy name is profaned; they lay themselves down beside every altar on garments taken in pledge, and in the house of their God they drink the wine of those who have been fined’” (Amos 2:6-8).

In this chapter, the Lord sets his sights on Moab, Judah, and Israel. Using the numerical heightening literary device again, Amos lays out the sins of all three. 

I am focusing on Amos’s charges against Israel. The authorities of the northern kingdom are accused of injustice toward the needy (”those who trample the head of the poor into the dust of the earth and turn aside the way of the afflicted”), sexual deviance (”a man and his father go in to the same girl”), and abuse of religion (”they lay themselves down beside every altar on garments taken in pledge, and in the house of their God they drink the wine of those who have been fined”). All of this results in the Lord saying, “My holy name is profaned.”

I suspect in every one of those situations the offender thought it was their right to do what they were doing. Or, they simply said, “I don’t care what you say, I’m going to do what I want to do.” I am continually amazed at how sin makes us stupid. 

Why would a guy think he could get away with sharing a woman with his son? Sin! Why would a man think he could take advantage of people who are trying to obey God? Sin! Why do I think I can get away with disregarding the needy? Sin! It is hard to estimate the corrupting nature of sin. No wonder Paul said, “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Romans‬ ‭7‬:‭24‬)

Father, thank you for providing a way of salvation from my sin! Thank you for the blood of Jesus to cover my sin. And, for the indwelling Spirit that guides me toward righteousness. Please help me not to profane your name today. Amen.