”Hear this, you who trample on the needy and do away with the poor of the land, asking, “When will the New Moon be over so we may sell grain, and the Sabbath, so we may market wheat? We can reduce the measure while increasing the price and cheat with dishonest scales. We can buy the poor with silver and the needy for a pair of sandals and even sell the chaff!”
Look, the days are coming — this is the declaration of the Lord God — when I will send a famine through the land: not a famine of bread or a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord.“
Amos 8:4-6, 11 CSB
This heartbreaking passage is highlighting how Gods people are no longer caring for the poor and downtrodden. They are actively looking for ways to cheat people, just so that they can get ahead. And God is disgusted by it! His punishment here is unique and devastating…He is going to stop talking to them. He stops speaking to prophets.
This is the ultimate cold shoulder…this actually happens to Israel right before Jusus comes for 400 years, no prophets, no visions, no words from God. They reject living the way God instructs them hundreds of times through the centuries and this is the final straw. He finally gets their attention…everyone is listening, waiting, watching, hoping…then He sends Jesus…what a gracious gift, God himself comes in person to remind them of the incredible peace of knowing and having relationship with God!
Lord, help me be sensitive to You and how You speak to me in prayer and especially through Your Word! I have hated the times You seemed distant, give me the strength to continually draw near. Help me pay attention and surrender to You, let me experience the joy of Your presence every day!
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