Amos 2:4
‘This is what the LORD says: “For three offenses of Judah, and for four, I will not revoke its punishment, Because they rejected the Law of the LORD.”‘
Psalm 19:7 says, “The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple.” God’s Word is so amazing. It revives the soul. I can look back and remember times of despair and hopelessness. I can recall praying into the night. He rescued me. More than that, He blessed me and has honored me.
His Word has made me wise. Psalm 119:98,99 says, “Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, For they are ever mine. I have more insight than all my teachers For Your testimonies are my meditation.” I’m not bragging. It’s because I read, trust and follow His Word. The wisdom that I gain from Him isn’t showy. He came and was born in a stable, yet He is the wisest one. Those not of God think we are fools. But we are wise in Him.
I got a graduate psychology degree from a christian university. Yet, they thought it clumsy and poor practice to bring God into the sessions. I think that we have a 110 volt outlet available, if only the client would plug in. God’s resources and will are so vast and His love for our clients never ends. The worlds wisdom is so lacking.
Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” He guides us. Proverbs 3:5,6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.” This is simply amazing. The architect of the universe and all living things is in charge of directing our lives. How do we rate to have Him do this? It’s His love. He wants to.
To be guided by the Lord, we acknowledge Him in all our ways. We ask Him for help. We don’t rely on our own understanding. We obey His Word. This is what it means to fear Him.
What do we get when we let Him direct our paths? I Corinthians 2:9 says, ‘Rather, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.”’ His riches and blessings that He pours out on our lives are amazing.
God’s Word is comforting. Psalm 119:50 says, “This is my comfort in affliction, that Your promise has given me life.” How does His Word do that? Look at the parable of the sower. As we read His Word it comes alive in our hearts. That brings about many things. Often it’s comforting and hopeful.
God wants to use His Word to bless all. Unfortunately many reject it. That’s the case in today’s passage. “For three offenses of Judah, and for four, I will not revoke its punishment, Because they rejected the Law of the LORD.” Some openly reject it. Some stray subtly. This often happens when we listen to culture over scripture. Culture can seem wise, but we are to obey scripture. It’s wisdom will bear out.
Many of people’s complaint’s about God come to mind. One read the bible and they heard references to slaves in the New Testament. They said, “Why would the bible condone slavery?” and rejected it. The bible doesn’t condone slavery. It also doesn’t seek to overthrow governments. That was the problem of the zealots in Jesus’ time. They wanted him to overthrow Rome. Oprah Winfrey had a problem with God because He is a jealous God. He wants us and He is jealous if we aren’t His. That stumbled her. When they present their issue, it’s seems reasonable, but they are easily rebutted.
We are to fear God and obey His Word. Joshua 24:15 says, “But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!” Lord, let us fear You alone.