Amos 1 - 4

I Will Not Let Them Go Unpunished!

Amos starts with a series of prophecies against the nations surround Israel and Judah, nations which had persecuted the Jews.  However, Amos ends chapter 2 with a prophecy against Judah and against Israel.  The wording is exactly the same as the wording used against the heathen nations surrounding them, "The people of Judah [Israel, Moab, Ammon,...] have sinned again and again, and I will not let them go unpunished!"

The Lord had stated that Israel was a chosen people, but because of their sin and idolatry, they had reached a point where they would be punished just like their enemies were punished.  The special position with Jehovah meant nothing in the face of idolatry and worship of pagan gods.  The Lord was compelled to punish them just like He punished the other nations.

In the prophecy against Judah (2:4-5), there are three sins listed:

1. They rejected the instruction (Torah) of the Lord.
2. They refused to obey God.
3. They allowed the lies that deceived their ancestors to deceive them.

These sins are still prevalent today among Christians.  If we do not subject ourselves to the Holy Spirit, then we cannot and and do not learn and heed His instructions.  This leads to rebellion and disobedience.  We refuse the leadership of the Holy Spirit. We reject the word of correction from the pulpit. With a spirit of rebellion, we then are open to every lie of the devil.  Lies that deceive and point us in the wrong direction.

In the case of Judah, the punishment was fire and destruction of Jerusalem.  Today, the only solution is a baptism of fire of the Holy Spirit to destroy the evil spirits in our lives.