It Was I

Bible Study

Amos 2:10-12 ESV

I was reminded recently of several conversations my brother and I had with my mom while we were children. The only difference was that my Mom would begin with, “don’t you remember?” My brother usually did remember (being the oldest) but I did not. It upset me that I couldn’t remember things. Years later my dad figured out that a childhood illness I had that sent me into a series of convulsions could have been the cause. I’ve always had trouble remembering and memorizing. I had to work harder than others when it came time to take a test or memorize a script.

So, if not remembering was real that would be one thing. The problem God had with His children is that there were times they did remember but they continues to be obstinate anyway.

In Amos 2:10-12 God directed the Prophet to remind them, “it was I who brought you up out of the land of Egypt and led you forty years in the wilderness, to possess the land of the Amorite. And I raised up some of your sons for prophets, and some of your young men for Nazirites. Is it not indeed so, O people of Israel?” declares the Lord.

“But you made the Nazirites drink wine, and commanded the prophets, saying, ‘You shall not prophesy.’”

The Prophets were sent to be messengers and guides. They delivered warnings and reminded the people of Israel of their covenant with God.

But Israel ignored them.

Nazarites were sent to take a vow of separation and dedication to God alone so they would serve as an example to them. The Nazarites were NOT to drink wine, but they made them drink wine rendering them helpless.

Israel wasn’t listening.

So…what you do with children who will NOT listen? What do you do when a child refuses to obey?

Amos told them even though God gave them Nazarites they MADE them drink wine.

God sent them prophets but the prophets were told they could not prophesy.

Everything God sent to help the people (who God loved) had been rendered helpless by the people of Israel.

What would you do if all of your children don’t listen and only seek after evil?

We have to remember that God is good (Psalm 107:8-9). God is merciful (Psalm 103:8-9). But what can a parent do when children refuse to listen?

God chose to send a series of prophets to remind them. The time of the prophets was during the 8th Century to the 7th Century B.C. They reminded Israel and directed them.

Then after that there were around four hundred years of silence which are referred to as the intertestamental years. 

Then God sent His only son who chose 12 disciples to represent the 12 tribes of Israel. But still many chose not to listen.

But we are told in Revelation that God isn’t finished yet…from God’s great love there is yet more to come. 

@Deborah.   acrazyjourney.com