Page 2 - Prayer Bulletin June 2019 Web

One thing is clear, it certainly hasn’t for the for the world. “It will be darkness and not
nations, as all things are coming to a climax. light…” says Amos. It’s the end of the “Day
The nations persist in criticising Israel in the of Grace.” It’s the end of mercy and only
International Criminal Court and that “haven darkness, judgment and hell await those who
of injustice” – the General Assembly of the have rejected Jesus as Saviour and Lord.
UN. Former Israeli Ambassador to the UN, This is the essence of the Gospel! The good
Ron Prosor was right when he said that news is only good because the impact of the
“the inmates have taken over the asylum.” bad news is going to be so awful for the
Listening to a sermon recently about David world. Paul in Romans 11:22 makes this very
and Goliath, I reflected afterwards that if clear. “Consider the goodness and severity
that had happened today, the United Nations of God. On those who fell – severity; but
would probably have put a stop to it and Israel towards you – goodness, if you continue in
would have been accused of aggression and His goodness. Otherwise, you too will be cut
overreaction – unsympathetic to Philistine off.”
suffering.
The second woe in 6:1, concerns those “who
Nevertheless, Israel already “stands in the are at ease in Zion.” Isaiah focuses on the
dock” before God and despite their failings, women who were at ease in Isaiah 32:9-11 but
they can know that The Lord God who is their it is a combined jolt to men and women who
Father is the only one who has a right to are complacent and uncaring about all these
discipline and deliver them. It is only He who matters of individual ungodliness, injustice,
is “…longsuffering and abundant in mercy, and unrighteousness. If there is no love for
forgiving iniquity and transgression…” God and no love or care for the people, God
Exodus 14:18. The nations will no doubt soon will spew these “lukewarm ones” out of His
lay siege against Israel and attempt to impose mouth Revelation 3:16.
their judgment. Zechariah 12:4 But God has The third Woe in verses 3-6 is reserved for
already set a “Plumbline” in the nation and those who “put far off the day of Doom.”
will soon open eyes to the redemption which Here, there is a remarkable description of
is already available to them, through Yeshua the pursuits of those who would claim to be
Amos 7:7-9; Zechariah 12:10; 13:1
worshipping God in their own way. Without
Let us pray like Amos, that Israel stands in being critical, one might see similarities
these days but let us also ensure we pray to the practises of many modern western
for Israel’s salvation in the midst of trouble. churches.
THE THREE WOES OF AMOS 5 But it’s the final statement that sums it all
In verse 18 Amos first appeals to Israel, “Woe up. Despite all that goes on amongst the
to you who desire the day of the Lord. For Lords people, “they have not grieved for
what good is the day of the Lord to you…” the affliction of Joseph.” Amos 6:6 In other
In this he is saying that it’s no good relying words, there is no care or concern for the
on being “the chosen people of God.” With Lords People, the nation of Israel and all that
privilege comes responsibility and if Israel is happening in the region. Ignorance can
fails to be Gods representative to the world, never be an excuse for failing to recognise
then God will hold them to account. one of the greatest miracles of our day. There
are consequences to rejecting Gods plan of
Today, the same is true for those Christians redemption and siding with Gods enemies.
who have a wrong understanding of eternal
security. The Word here reminds us that May the Lord help us to consider the realities
when the Lord comes in mighty power to of the coming of the Lord with due regard to
gather His people to Himself – its good news what it will mean for our neighbours as well
for His people - but it will be a terrible day as the Nation of Israel.
2 PFI Prayer Bulletin - June 2019