Category: Brother Al (Page 20 of 68)

Recently, while walking in the hallway of our apartment building, a widow had displayed outside her apartment a plaque which read, “God has not forgotten you.”  It caught my attention.  My wife and I continually ask the Lord for grace to be light for Jesus in our apartment building.  Among the many issues we sense among seniors is loneliness, especially those who have lost their mates.  As I walk by the various apartments, I often pray for the Lord’s presence to be with those who live there.

In our community of seniors, we live with the ever present reality of “nearing the eternal shore.”  We talk about “Jesus coming” not only in  his second coming, but also of his taking us home.  When people feel isolated , forgotten by their loved ones, a sense of abandonment can invade their hearts. It can cause doubt about God’s loving presence. They need to be encouraged that “Jesus will carry them” home as they near their final home.

At  our Thursday bible study, I shared the words from the plaque Miriam had on display, along with the following passage from Isaiah 49:15-16, “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne?  Though she may forget I will not forget you!  See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.”  

The NET bible makes this comment about the passage.  “The Lord has an innate attachment to Zion, just like a mother does for her infant child.  But even if mothers were to suddenly abandon their children, the Lord would never forsake Zion.  In other words, the Lord’s attachment to Zion is like a mother’s attachment to her infant child, but even stronger.”  

Men, I don’t know where you are on your journey.  You could be experiencing loneliness, feeling forsaken, living in a disconnected culture without nurturing human relationships, not having a sense of belonging.  Jesus calls us a “little flock.”  He is aware of our vulnerable. But he promises his presence (the kingdom).  “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32).  He knows our sense of being forsaken in this confused world causing us to wonder if anyone cares.  The Psalmist declared, “Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me” (Ps 27:10)

Men, there will be times when you will feel abandoned on your journey.  Here is a wonderful promise from Isaiah. “When you go though rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.  When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” (Is. 43:2).  The Application Bible has this note, “If you try to make it with your own strength, you will likely drown.  If you invite the Lord go with you, he will be in the river with You and teach you how to navigate the treacherous waters”

My encouragement is to keep your eyes on Jesus and let him carry you.  The psalmist describes the journey in these words.   “Happy are the people whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a source of spring water; even the autumn rain will cover it with blessings”(Ps 84:5-6 CSB).   

We grow stronger when the journey is intently toward Jesus, even though we must pass through “the valley of affliction” (NET).  “The joyful tears of the pilgrims transformed the source of sadness and grief into a spring of blessing” (CSB Study Bible).  

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists recently announced that the position of the “doom’s day” clock will remain where it has been – at 100 seconds to midnight.  “The doorstep of doom is no place to loiter,” the Bulletin noted in explaining its decision.  The clock was created 75 years ago to alert Americans to the danger of nuclear confrontation with the Soviet Union.  It was intended to “frighten men into rationality” said Eugene Rabinowitch, a biologist and the first editor of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists.

There is some reassurance knowing the position of the clock remains the same.  But all indications point to a world that is more uncertain about the future than ever before.  I thought of the Old Testament prophets warning Israel of the “Day of the Lord.”  This is “a special day at the end of time when God’s will and purpose for mankind and His world will be fulfilled.” (Nelson Bible Dictionary).  Since Jesus conquered death and the devil, that day has be seen as an instantaneous event when Christ will return victorious and reign on the earth.

The earliest recording of the Day of the Lord is found in Amos 5:18: “What sorrow awaits you who say, ‘If only the day of the Lord were here.’  That day will bring darkness, not light.”  On that day, God will finally make things right on the earth.  Paul warned the Thessalonians of the day of the Lord: “Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night” (II Thess. 5:1-2).  

The folks who developed the “doomsday clock” have no idea when the end will take place. They seem to assume they possess some knowledge of what might be on the horizon, allowing them to predict the future – all the while ignoring the One who really controls the clock.  Isaiah warned of thinking we can hide our intentions from the Lord. “Woe to those who go to great depths to hide their plans from the Lord, who do their work in darkness and think, ‘Who sees us? Who will know?'” (Is. 29:15).   

Long before God’s people were led out of captivity by Cyrus, Isaiah spoke of Cyrus as “my shepherd.”  “He is my shepherd and will accomplish all that I please; he will say to Jerusalem, ‘Let it be rebuilt’, and of the temple, ‘Let its foundations be laid'” (Is. 44:28).  God declared his intentions to use unusual means to liberate his people from captivity.  He was reminding the people of his sovereign rule in history.

God challenged those in authority , during Isaiah’s time, to come up with a plan for the future: “Take the stand on behalf of your idols, offer arguments, assemble reasons.  Spread out the facts before us so that we can assess them ourselves.  Ask them, ‘If you are gods, explain what the past means – or, failing that, tell us what will happen in the future” (Is. 41:22-23 – Message). 

Several months have passed since I first drafted this blog.  Now as I review it, there is serious speculation about the use of nuclear weapons because of Vladimir Putin’s frustration with the Russian invasion of Ukraine.  It is a sober reminder of instability of  our world and the wishful thinking of those who speak about peace.  Jeremiah warns us when he said, “They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. ‘Peace, peace,’ they say, when there is no peace” (Jer. 6:14). 

World Magazine recently ran a two-part series of an interview Pastor Tim Keller gave to senior reporter Sophia Lee.  Keller, founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City, is one of the leading evangelical pastors in the nation.  He is especially known for his outreach to the unchurched in secular New York.  He has learned to communicate with a skeptical post-Christian culture, and I have personally profited from his insights.

During the interview Keller was asked, “Do you see the world’s culture as becoming increasingly hostile toward Christian values (or perhaps it’s just always been hostile)?”  Keller replied, “Absolutely, yes, the culture is more hostile to Christianity.  Whether speaking of the academy, the media, government, business, popular entertainment, the arts, or social media – our culture is growing more hostile toward Christian beliefs and values.  It is not the same as it has always been.”

Keller then provided some insight on how to respond to this hostility: “First, repent for the ways Christians’ inconsistent lives have harmed the Church’s credibility. Second, love your neighbor as yourself. Third, let people know you are a believer – don’t hide it. Fourth, make sure you are not harsh or clumsy in your words (be sure it’s the gospel that offends and not you).  And last, don’t be afraid of persecution. Jesus promises to be with you.” 

After reading the interview, I thought of John 12:37-43, where John quotes Isaiah in response to people not believing in Jesus – even though he had done miraculous signs in their presence.  “He has blinded their eyes and deadened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, nor turn – and I would heal them” (v. 40).  The Good News divides.

There were leaders, however, who came to believe in Jesus. “But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue” (v. 42).  Then come the fateful words: “…for they loved praise from men more than praise from God” (v. 43).  It was entrenched religious resistance in the skeptical Jewish community that finally led to our Lord’s death. If I had been in that religious crowd, I fear I might have been a “fellow traveler” afraid to go public in my confession of Jesus as Lord.

What is your experience as a follower of Jesus?  Do you sense more hostility to Jesus and His message today?  Nowhere in the gospels do we have the promise that it will be easy to be a follower of Jesus. Jesus tells us, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.  If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own, but I have chosen you out of the world.  That is why the world hates you” (John 15:18-19).  

When speaking of the end of the age, Jesus told his disciples, “All men will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. By standing firm you will gain life” (Luke 21:17-18).  Toward the end of Matthew, Jesus warned us, “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved” (Matt 24:12).

We need an attitude check. We might have had an easy road to travel in the past, but now we are facing harder times.  The road is rockier and more dangerous.  Pastor Keller has been a beacon of truth in hostile, secular New York City.  We need to pay attention to his advice.    

After experiencing a vision of God’s holiness, the prophet Isaiah responded to God’s call by saying “Here I am. Send me.” (Is. 6:8).  Then God told him, “Yes, go, and say to this people, ‘Listen carefully, but do not understand. Watch closely but learn nothing.’  Harden the hearts of these people.  Plug their ears and shut their eyes. That way, they will not see with their eyes, nor hear with their ears, nor understand with their hearts and turn to me for healing” (Is. 6:9-10). Isaiah would have an unwelcome reception as God’s spokesman.

Chapter 5 describes the spiritual condition of the people. God condemns sins of “exploiting others, drunkenness, taking pride in sin, confusing moral standards, being conceited and perverting justice” (Application Study Bible).  Because of these sins God had already punished the kingdom of Israel with destruction by Assyria.  Judah (to whom Isaiah was prophesying) would be next – if they did not repent. 

In verse 18, Isaiah gives a graphic picture of how people continue stubbornly in their sinful practices. “What sorrow for those who drag their sins behind them with ropes made of lies, who drag wickedness behind them like a cart!” Phillips translates as follows, “Woe to those who pull guilt down upon themselves with cords of wickedness and drag their sin along as if by a cart-rope.”

The people continued their sinful practices, while experiencing the consequences of their behavior: they were burdened and worn out in their narcissistic lifestyles. The Israelites were foolish enough to believe they could continue to sin even while they contemplated the possibility of divine intervention. They thought they could practice defiant behavior without fear of God interfering in their lives.  It seems we are doing the same thing today. With God removed from out national narrative, we can do as we please, giving only lip service to a God who seems far removed from the affairs of life. 

In verse 19, Isaiah describes the mocking of God. As they prospered in their sin, they did not believe God could judge them.  “What’s God waiting for? Let him get a move on so we can see it.  Whatever The Holy One of Israel has cooked up, we’d like to check it out” (Message).  The people were challenging God to make himself known by doing something – if he really was in control.  They were cynical towards any “moral standard” that implied consequences. In an attitude of disbelief and arrogance, they challenged God to act. 

With our defiant behavior, we could very well be challenging God in our day to bring his judgment.   Like the people of Judah – who kept on in their rebellious lifestyles, believing God would not bring judgment – we continually remove God from our affairs.   

God was warning the people through the words of the prophet not the justify their sinful lifestyle.  Isaiah’s warning in verse 20 has a very contemporary feel to it, especially when we are encouraged to believe a lie about what is sinful behavior. “What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter” (Is. 5:20 NLT). 

With ever greater confusion and chaos regarding basic human behavior, could we be inviting and even experiencing the judgment of God?  When the statement, “I am a woman in a man’s body” becomes acceptable, we have come to believe the lie. 

Prayer for this week: Lord, help me to better see where I might be calling evil good and good evil – and to stand for your truth.  

I have been meditating on the book of Lamentations as I watch the destruction of Ukrainian cities by invading Russian forces. Lamentations helps me to come to grips with the sheer extent of the suffering of the Ukrainian people. Never before has this seemingly “dark” and “foreboding” book been more meaningful to me.  I keep its message in mind as I attempt to make sense of all the commentary being offered by a watching world.  Thank you, Lord, for your word to us in Lamentations today. 

Jeremiah and his fellow Jews lamented the devastation of their beloved city at the hands of the Babylonians in 587 BC, which resulted in their going into exile for 70 years.  “It is impossible to overstate either the intensity or the complexity of the suffering that came to a head in the devastation of Jerusalem and then continued on into the seventy years of exile in Babylon.  Loss was total. Carnage was rampant. Cannibalism and sacrilege were twin horrors stalking the streets of destroyed Jerusalem. The desperate slaying of innocent children showed complete loss of respect for human worth…The worst that can happen to body and spirit, to person and nation, happened here – a nadir of suffering.  And throughout the world the suffering continues, both in large-scale horrors and in personal agonies” (Message).

It will take years for Western culture to digest the evil that is being paraded before us each day.  Much will be said and written; there will be plenty of blame to go around; but the sheer disregard for human life will shake any confidence we have in the future of our civilized world.  I strongly encourage you to join the lament of this book.  It sure has helped me find a place to process my grief and dismay.

I am learning to enter into the lament of the prophet Jeremiah: “This is why I weep and my eyes overflow with tears. No one is near to comfort me, no one to restore my spirit.  My children are destitute because the enemy has prevailed” (Lam. 1:16).  Jeremiah felt like God had turned against him, “I am the man who has seen affliction by the rod of his wrath.  He has driven me away and made me walk in darkness rather than light; indeed, he turned his hand against me again and again, all day long” (Lam. 3:1).

Jeremiah warns the people not to listen to the false prophets, “The visions of your prophets were false and worthless; they did not expose your sin to ward off your captivity.  The oracles they gave you were false and misleading” (Lam. 2:14).  He reminded them of God’s sovereignty. “The Lord has done what he planned; he has fulfilled his word, which he decreed long ago” (Lam. 2:17). 

Jeremiah advises the people to cry out to the Lord: “Arise, cry out in the night, as the watches of the night begin; pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord” (Lam. 2:19).  They should pray for spiritual awakening. “Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.  Let us lift up our hearts and our hands to God in heaven and say: ‘We have sinned and rebelled and you have not forgiven’ (Lam. 3:40-42). 

Above all, in the midst of his lament, Jeremiah finds hope in God’s faithfulness:  “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lam. 3:22-23). 

Recently I came across an address given by U.S. Senator Josh Hawley.  I do not intend this blog to be a partisan plug for the Senator. But I must say I was thrilled and energized by what he had to say about young men. When I find a “truth-teller” cutting through all the distorted fog of our time, I rejoice. All truth is God’s truth when it lines up with the truths of scripture. I praise God for the courage of this one senator to stand up for the young men in our culture.  His focus was “the deconstruction of men.” 

He asked, “How are we going to raise up good men today?”  His reply, “We can start by repudiating the lie that America is a systemically oppressive nation and that men are systemically responsible.” He challenged his audience to consider virtues that men have traditionally embraced.  “To keep a republic, you have to be willing to fight for it,” observes the Senator, while adding, “To preserve liberty, you have to discipline your passions and sacrifice in the service of others.”  “Assertiveness and independence,” he maintains, “are strengths when used to protect and empower others.”

Hawley declared, “…We must seek a revival of strong and healthy manhood in America.  We need men who will shoulder responsibility, men who will start and provide for families, men who will enter the covenant of marriage and then honor it… We need men to raise up sons and daughters after them, to pass on the great truths of our culture and history, to defend liberty, to share in the work of self-government.”

He gave a challenge to the men present: “You are a tremendous force for good. Your nation needs you. The world needs you.” He gave this encouragement: “Your strength can liberate others. Your power can serve those in need. Your creativity can light new paths. Your courage can defend the weak. Your faithfulness can raise up sons and daughters after you and make their way straight. You can make this a more perfect nation.” 

Wow! I felt like one of guys on the team, before the big game, being exhorted by the coach to believe we can actually go out and win.  The coach (senator) believes in me.  He believes as a team we can make a difference.  I need to hear that kind of message from someone in public office.  For me, it reaches into my male soul (at 80 years), motivating me to want to still make a difference.

So, I exhort you as a voice crying out in the wilderness: God is not through with you yet. Rise up as a man.  Don’t believe the voices telling you that you are the problem because you are a man. There are manly virtues such as courage, truth, orientation, assertiveness, independence, direction, and responsibility that have traditionally been considered male virtues.

Maybe God is speaking right now to some men out there. You are at a crossroads. You feel beaten down by the message of “toxic masculinity.” You don’t see a way out.  But trust me.  God is putting his hand on men who have been crying out for direction.  Jesus is calling men who want to make a difference – men who know there is more.  They are willing to pay the price in an anti-Christian climate.

I like the way the Message puts it: “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat: I am.  Don’t run from suffering: embrace it.  Follow me and I’ll show you how” (Matt. 16:24). 

I have been following a court case in Finland where government prosecutors have described quotations from the Bible as “hate speech.” I take personal interest in this case because I am of Finnish descent. After taking an ancestry test, my sister informed me that we are 98% Finnish. My roots are in the old Suomi Synod of the Lutheran church. I still remember the pastor of my home church preaching in Finnish. So, I take a special interest in what goes on in the “old country.”

The case involves two Christian leaders in Finland: longtime member of Parliament Paivi Rasanen and Lutheran Bishop Juhana Polhjola, who have been brought to trial for writing and publishing, respectively, a pamphlet explaining Christian teachings about sex and marriage.

Ms. Rasanen (the pamphlet’s author) explains, “My writings and statements under investigation are linked to the Bible’s teaching on marriage, living as a man and a woman, as well as the Apostle Paul’s teaching on homosexual acts. The teachings concerning marriage and sexuality in the Bible arise from love to one’s neighbor, not from hate towards a group of people.”

Paul Coleman, a human rights lawyer with Alliance Defending Freedom International who is helping represent Rasanen and Polhjola at the trial, commented that “it was very surreal” to observe Rasanen and Pohjola being questioned about details of Christian theology. It gave the two Christians the opportunity to preach the gospel in court.

Coleman noted, “Finnish trial attorneys who had been in and out of court every day for years, said they didn’t think the Bible had ever been read out like that in prosecution.” Never has a Finnish court had to decide if quoting from Scripture could be a crime. He described the trial, “as a modern-day inquisition or heresy trial. And the heresy was that Paivi [Rasanen] and Bishop Juhana were on trial against the new sexual orthodoxy of the day.”

Human rights observers see this trial as an important marker as to whether Western governments’ persecution of citizens for their speech and beliefs will increase. U.S. House members said in a public letter that the Finnish government’s prosecutions of these Christians for their religious beliefs “raises serious questions regarding the extent of Finland’s commitment to protect religious freedom for its citizens.”

For me, this trial is a “wake up” call to take nothing for granted as the biblical worldview in Western culture steadily erodes. It is difficult for me to comprehend how quoting the Bible is now viewed as hate speech by some in a nation in which Christianity was foundational to its existence. It shows how far and deep opposition has grown to biblical Christianity throughout Western civilization.

This reminds me that all civilizations are like grass that can wither or flowers that will eventually fail. Isaiah tells us, “The grass withers and the flowers fail, but the word of our God stands forever” (Is 40:8). Remember Jesus told us, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Luke 21:33).

Western civilization may be withering and failing, but God’s word will remain and accomplish its purpose. The new orthodoxy of the post-Christian West is not God’s thoughts. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Is. 55:9).

Take heart – and submit anew to God’s word revealed in Scripture: “So is my word that goes out from my mouth; it will not return to me empty but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Is. 55:11).

I never thought I would find myself agreeing with Vladimir Putin.  In a speech on Oct. 22, 2021 in Sochi, Russia, Putin strongly criticized the “woke” social justice warriors in the United States and Europe. This former lieutenant colonel in the KGB argued that they behave just like the Bolshevik Communists did in the former Soviet Union. “We see with bemusement,” Putin noted, “the paralysis unfolding in countries that have grown accustomed to viewing themselves as the flagships of progress.” 

The West is ruled by a “dogmatism bordering on absurdity,” he asserted, noting that “cancel culture” is nothing more than “reverse discrimination,” and teaching children that sexuality is flexible as potentially “a crime against humanity.” Wow!  These are strong words coming from a dictator. Yet, in my opinion, he is holding up a mirror so we can see what we really are becoming.  

Putin noted further, “The advocates of so-called ‘social progress’ believe they are introducing humanity to some kind of new and better consciousness…their prescriptions are not new at all.  It may come as a surprise to some people, but Russia has been there already.”  Later in his speech he said, “I repeat, this is nothing new; in the 1920s, the Soviet couture [Rabindranath] Tagore came up with [was] the so-called ‘Newspeak,’ believing they were creating a new consciousness and coming up with new values.”

Putin even talked about spiritual values: “We have a different viewpoint, at least the overwhelming majority of Russian society… We believe that we must rely on our own spiritual values, our historical tradition and the culture of our multiethnic nation… Looking at what is happening in a number of Western countries” notes Putin, causes Russians to be amazed at certain destructive practices, “which we…have left, I hope, in the distant past.” 

Putin even quoted Martin Luther King as reflecting true values: “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by their character.”  He then gave this warning: “The debate over men’s and women’s rights has turned into a phantasmagoria.  Look, beware of going where the Bolsheviks once planned to go – not only communalizing chickens, but also communalizing woman.  One more step and you will be there.”  

Men, this is an indictment of our culture coming from a dictator. Putin is calling us to “wake up.”  We are headed towards a soft, therapeutic form of totalitarianism, where we prefer personal pleasure over principles, including political liberties.  We are being deceived by our leaders and the elite media. When truth is missing and those in leadership completely disregard God, we are in trouble.

Before becoming Pope John Paul II, Cardinal Karol Wojtyla made this remarkable prediction: “We are now standing in the face of the greatest historical confrontation humanity has gone through… We are now facing the final confrontation between the Church and the anti-Church, of the Gospel versus the anti-Gospel. This confrontation lies within the plans of divine providence; it is trial which the whole Church…must take up.” 

Cardinal Wojtyla believed the church will come out of the confrontation much stronger and alive in the Spirit.  Men, are you ready for difficult days? Habakkuk knew judgment was coming.  So, he prayed: “I heard and my heart pounded, my lips quivered at the sound; decay crept into my bones, and my legs trembled.  Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity to come on the nation invading us…I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my savior” (Hab. 3:16, 18).

Have you ever heard of Takotsubo Syndrome? Better known as broken heart syndrome, Takotsubo Syndrome is on the rise in America. This syndrome can mirror a heart attack, causing chest pains and shortness of breath after the heart muscles weaken.  “It generally happens after a severe emotional or physical event, such as a breakup, car accident or even a surprise birthday party,” according to Dr. Susan Cheng, who led a study published by the Journal of the American Heart Association.  

Studies have shown a clear connection in how the heart and the brain react together when things like anxiety or stress are present. According to the Mayo Clinic, broken heart syndrome is often preceded by an intense physical or emotional event.  More Americans are living with broken hearts and the painful feeling now comes with a severe diagnosis.  The Covid pandemic, political unrest and increased social isolation due to technology have only increased the health impacts that Americans are experiencing. 

Men, do any of you have a broken heart due to shame, failure, disappointment, etc.?   The Lord is aware of our broken hearts and can bring healing. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Ps 34:18).   “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds (Ps. 147:3).  The NET says, “[He] bandages their wounds.”  Only God can bind up the wounds of a broken heart.  Isaiah prophesied about Jesus when he wrote, “He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the prisoners…” (Is. 61:1).  

The prophet Hosea lamented the spiritual adultery among the people of God.  He continually reminded them of God’s tender, caring love for them.  Speaking of Ephraim, God relayed through Hosea: “Still, I stuck with him. I led Ephraim. I rescued him from human bondage, but he never acknowledged my help, never admitted that I was the one pulling his wagon, that I lifted him, like a baby, to my cheek.” (Hosea 11:3-4 Message).  Phillips says, “Yet they never knew that it was I who healed their bruises (v. 3b).   Can you picture Jesus, leaning over and kissing you on the cheek, healing your bruises and pulling your wagon loaded with burdens?

Henri Nouwen continually emphasized that the heart is the center of our lives. “But,” he says, “it’s also there that we are most alienated from ourselves. We know little or nothing of our heart.  We keep our distance from it, as though we were afraid of it. What is more intimate is also what frightens us most. Where we are most ourselves, we are often strangers to ourselves.” We are, he observes, “strangers in our own house.” 

As men we can live as strangers in our own houses, living with broken hearts. We do our best to cover up the ache inside.  But like a tooth ache; it just does not go away. We are uncomfortable when we become aware of the intensity of the pain.  Years ago, I learned an important principle from the poet Robert Bly.  He said, “The way to a man’s heart is through his pain.” We must go through the pain, not around it.” 

Our hearts are very fragile.  We might not think this is the case. We can put on a good front and pretend.  But the truth is that we cannot mend a broken heart.  Only the redeeming love of God can reach down and begin to put all the pieces back together. Trust me, it is a lifelong process. Don’t waste another day, trying to self-medicate your pain or patch up the wounds with excuses. 

Amos the prophet was not what we would consider a “professional holy man.”  He was an ordinary layman, a shepherd, and a fig grower.  When confronted by Amaziah the priest, he declared, “I was neither a prophet nor a prophet’s son, but I was a shepherd, and I took care of sycamore-fig trees. But the Lord took me from tending and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel” (Amos 7:14-15).  Imagine if you were called from your normal work routines to go prophesy against the sins of your religious community!

Amos was a man of great courage, with a sense of moral righteousness and social justice.  “He [could] see clearly that the softness and corruption at the heart of Israel [would] make her fall easy prey to the invader.  The future is so clear to the prophet that he sees the Assyrians advancing to the attack some years before they did in fact set out” (Phillips).   Today, who are the ones warning our nation about being soft and unprepared for what is coming at us?

Amos warned the people: “Woe to you who are complacent in Zion, and to you who feel secure on Mount Samaria” (6:1).  Amos, simply an ordinary man, was concerned about the material prosperity, along with the decay of moral values and the oppression of the poor brought about by wealth in the hands of the few.   He was giving fair warning of the near future. The prophet uttered those famous words, “Prepare to meet your God, O Israel” (4:12).  Men, have you prepared for what is coming at us?”  

In 3:2-8, God warns the people not to relish their status as His chosen people. Their supposedly intimate relationship with the Lord meant they were to live with a greater sense of responsibility. God was holding them accountable.  “From among all the families on the earth, I have been intimate with you alone” (Amos 3:2 NLT).  Men, with privilege comes the call to be people of faith. 

Amos pointed to nature and its expected results. “Does a lion roar in the woods if he has not cornered his prey?” (3:4 NET).  “Does a bird swoop down into a trap on the ground if there is no bait?” (3:5 NET).  Then he mentions, “If an alarm sounds in a city, do people not fear?” (3:6 NET).  The prophet asks, “Does disaster come to a city unless the Lord has planned it?” (3:6 NLT).  God is warning us now.  Are we paying attention?    

These were not idle threats.  Consider v. 3:7-8: “Certainly, the Sovereign Lord does nothing without first revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.  A lion has roared! Who is not afraid?” A lion that has roared is ready to pounce.  The Lord will act.  The bird is found in the trap through no fault but its own. The people needed to examine their decisions, desires, and ambitions – to see their complicity.  Instead of casting blame, we need to repent. 

Amos 3:2 in the NLT asks, “Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?” This question awaits an answer. There is an incompleteness to it, leaving the future undetermined: the lion is still roaring; it has not yet devoured its prey (v. 4).  There is still time to escape.  Amos is prophesying in a period of grace, between warning and disaster, making clear the Lord’s message to the people.   I challenge you to ask your closest friends, “Are our decisions, desires and ambitions centered on Christ and building his Kingdom?  How can we live more in line with his will and purposes?”