Daily Devotional Writing from Pastor Scott

I. Amos might as well have been speaking in another language so far as his audience is concerned. Without question, they have the corner of God. Hadn’t Moses been called by God to lead them out of Egyptian slavery? Hadn’t their great King David been chosen by God, himself? They are the chosen people even if they don’t act like it. The prophet shatters their theology, telling them that God has an interest in all peoples, not just Israel. Even as his gracious hand was seen in the creation of Israel, it could also be seen in the creation of their neighbors, the Philistines and the Arameans. Granted, Amos goes right on to promise unique blessings the Lord will pour out on Israel when he makes “everything right again for my people Israel.” Still, the point has already been made that God loves all his creation and that he is working in the lives of all people, accomplishing his purposes. Of course, I want to enthusiastically endorse this message with a big “Amen.” Otherwise, I’m an outsider, blundering along, blindly feeling my way through life. God’s work among the nations may be different than what he was doing with Israel, but it’s just as real. I find it both interesting and encouraging that even in the book of Amos which is quite focused on Israel and Judah that I find this missionary element. Thank God!

The final section of Isaiah’s prophecy has to do with restoration. The Lord is going to gather his people from the exile and restore them to their beloved homeland. Then, he will send them out again. This time, though, it won’t be as slaves being relocated by a conquering king. Instead, it will be as missionaries spreading throughout the world proclaiming God’s goodness. Isaiah pictures them returning with those who have responded to the message, presenting these newly found followers of the Lord to the Lord as an offering gladly received by God. In this I see the heart of God. His desire is that all his Creation be gathered in love; that we experience unity with one another and with himself. Jesus said the same thing when he talked about us being “one.” As a believer I am called to participate in that task; to understand the culture of my society and to go out and engage it for the cause of Christ. The day will come when, as it was in Isaiah’s prophecy, I will stand before God. I don’t want to do so empty handed.