Tues.’s Devo - God’s Words Through His Prophets and Angels

Read: Amos 1:1-3:15; Revelation 2:1-17; Psalm 129:1-8; Proverbs 29:19-20 Amos was a sheep-herder from Tekoa which was 10 miles south of Jerusalem. He prophesied judgment on the nations and on Israel. Israel and Judah had enjoyed years of prosperity but the poor were oppressed and sin and immorality was widespread. The people thought their wealth was a sign of God’s blessing on them but Amos was sent to tell them that God was not pleased with them. He was going to punish them and the nations around them for their sins. *** God started with indictments against seven of their neighbors which included Judah. These nations are Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, Moab, Judah, and then he indicts Israel. They are being judged for their treatment of God’s people in Israel. God judges nations even today in how they treat his people and the nation of Israel. Amos also shares that God never does anything that he doesn’t first tell his prophets. *** Amos said that God would destroy the pagan altars at Bethel and the horns of the altar would be cut off and fall to the ground. In the first verse of this book that it said that this was two years before the earthquake. Now we know what happened when the earth quaked. Their beautiful homes were also destroyed. *** In Revelation, we begin the messages to the angels in charge of the seven churches. I see them as the church ages represented by the churches in order of when they occurred. Ephesus represented the early Apostolic church. It began in 30 A.D. and continued till around 100 A.D. They were commended for rejecting evil, and for their perseverance and patience. They were criticized for losing their love of Christ and were instructed to do the works they did at first. They were promised the tree of life. *** Smyrna represented the persecuted church and began after the apostolic church of Ephesus and ran till around 313. This was a time of great persecution of the church. They were commended for gracefully bearing the suffering and there was no criticism for them. They were instructed to be faithful till death for they would be given the crown of life. *** Pergamos represented the state church because it became totally accepted by the religious and political leaders. It ran from 313 - 590 A.D. They were commented for keeping the faith in Christ but criticized for tolerating immorality, idolatry and heresies. They were told to repent using scripture to fight against the heresy of their day. If they overcame, they would be given hidden manna and a stone with a new name on it. *** Lord, may we be known in heaven as victorious overcomers in our day. Thank you for all the ones who have gone before us and preserved the faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you for all the people who have been instruments in our lives to bring us to the truth about You and your son.