Scripture
6 When the ram's horn blows a warning,
shouldn't the people be alarmed?
Does disaster come to a city
unless the Lord has planned it?
7 Indeed, the Sovereign Lord never does anything
until he reveals his plans to his servants the prophets.
8 The lion has roared—
so who isn't frightened?
The Sovereign Lord has spoken—
so who can refuse to proclaim his message?
9 Announce this to the leaders of Philistia
and to the great ones of Egypt:
"Take your seats now on the hills around Samaria,
and witness the chaos and oppression in Israel."
10 "My people have forgotten how to do right,"
says the Lord.
"Their fortresses are filled with wealth
taken by theft and violence.
11 Therefore," says the Sovereign Lord,
"an enemy is coming!
He will surround them and shatter their defenses.
Then he will plunder all their fortresses."
Observations
- God's judgment gets very personal now
- The preaching has been directed towards other cities until NOW
- There is coming, planned disaster
- There is always a last chance plea from a prophet
- Judgment is coming so why is there no change in Israel?
- Hide and watch is you doubt God's wrath
- Israel had forgotten how to do what was right
- Forts are full, taken from others
- Forts will be empty
Applications
- Don't look around before I look within
- Listen to messages of Judgment for personal application
- Take advantage of God's gracious last minute offers, dive into the arms of Jesus
- With right perspective I can see
- Do what is right in God's economy
- Don't hoard, serve
- What walls have I built up that and what I'm I holding onto that could bring more justice in the world?
Prayer
God, it is so easy for me to be involved with judgment more that justice. I want to help you punish more than I want to allow you to break my grip on materialism and immaturity. Help me God not to have a sickem ' attitude but a servants attitude. Walls do not defend me You defend me. You have not called me to sit in comfort behind church walls but to fight! You are my Judge and may I stand before You with a full heart and empty hands on my day of judgment.
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