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Sunday, October 9, 2011

10/10/11 Violence and Selfishness

10 They do not know how to do right, says the LORD, those who store up violence and robbery in their strongholds. 11 Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: An adversary shall surround the land,
and strip you of your defense;  and your strongholds shall be plundered...2 Thus says the LORD: As the shepherd rescues from the mouth of the lion two legs, or a piece of an ear, so shall the people of Israel who live in Samaria be rescued, with the corner of a couch and part of a bed. 
13 Hear, and testify against the house of Jacob, says the Lord GOD, the God of hosts: 14 On the day I punish Israel for its transgressions, I will punish the altars of Bethel,
and the horns of the altar shall be cut off and fall to the ground.  15 I will tear down the winter house as well as the summer house; and the houses of ivory shall perish, and the great houses shall come to an end, says the LORD.

(Marie Antoinette's Ivory colored Palace in Versailles)


Thoughts: The problem in Amos's day- as it is in our day was violence and selifishness.  Violence and robbery were common. The rich lived in many large hosues while unable to see the need to care for the needy at all.  Teh rich had Marie Antoinette's attitude of "let them eat cake."  All the houses and symbols of power would be destroyed.  There will be a remnant, but it will be like only portions of a lamb torn apart by a lion (Amos shows his shepherd experience).  People loved luxury, pleasure and things more than they began to love their neighbor or their God. 

Prayer: Lord, give me grace to be less selfish, more giving, more peaceful in my life.

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