December 11

Amos, Psalm 130, Revelation 3

Much like the other prophets, Amos was telling the people of Israel that God is going to judge them for their sins. So, what was their sin?  Being raised Jewish and coming to receive Jesus as Messiah later in life, I realize that the "chosen people" of Israel sinned not only against God's laws but against His love. What I've learned in my journey which connects by Jewish roots to my Lord Jesus is that God chose the nation of Israel to reveal Himself to, and gave them the responsibility to recognize the Messiah through the Scriptures and proclaim Him throughout the world. That's a pretty big responsibility, and as with all things in life, with this responsibility came accountability. The nation of Israel turned their back on God throughout their history, and as Amos warns the nation of the consequences of ignoring their responsibilities in their time, I believe we can draw a parallel throughout our reading and see how Jesus reminds us of our responsibility to carry the message of the gospel into the world because we know how The Story ends. "Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you". (Rev. 3:3)  As Christ followers we have been given a responsibility through word and deed and we will be held accountable. As we pray through this advent season, take yourself back 2000 years and let your heart rejoice and be in awe with the angels in knowing that a wonderful event is about to happen. The One who was prophesied about in the Scriptures will be born. Let's be grateful because  from that birth we received a kingdom that cannot be shaken and the Lord our God is always with us now and not yet. It is in His return we have our hope. "Put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption." With the power of the Spirit which lives in us, filled with His love, rests our responsibility. Let's go share the Good News. 

Randi