“The Lord says: “I will not relent from punishing Judah for three crimes, even four, because they have rejected the instruction of the Lord and have not kept His statutes. The lies that their ancestors followed have led them astray.” Amos 2:4
The nations around Judah were punished for their violence towards others. Judah, however, committed a far more serious grievance. They “rejected the instruction of the Lord.” Jesus puts it this way…“From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, even more will be expected” (Luke 12:48).
We have unprecedented access to the “instruction of the Lord,” the Bible. This is good! We have limitless tools to help us understand and engage it. This is good! We have unrestricted freedom to gather together in order to encourage one another in the way of the Lord. This is good!
But the real question we must face is “are we keeping his statutes?” Ask any four-year-old…access to “healthy food,” understanding their need for it, and the encouragement of loving adults does not mean they will ask for green beans. If given the option, they will go for the candy every time! We have the option – reach for the “healthy food” of the Lord’s instruction or the candy of on-demand entertainment and relentless news coverage.
“From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, even more will be expected” (Luke 12:48).
Think These Things 