SUMMARY: Ripe fruit
OVERVIEW: Israel is ripe for judgment. God no longer has patience for their self-sufficient attitude and will discipline Israel by withholding his word. They will seek him but not find him.
BIG IDEA: The most severe famine is not hearing from God.
KEY VERSE: Amos 8:2 (God to Amos)
“What do you see, Amos?” he asked. I replied, “A basket full of ripe fruit.” Then the Lord said, “Like this fruit, Israel is ripe for punishment! I will not delay their punishment again.”
IF GOD WROTE YOU A LETTER
I will do everything for you and those who seek me to help you navigate the challenges in life. You will thrive, and I will equip you to help others do the same. But do not play games with me. You can not outwit me, so be honest in all you do. You won’t always obey or feel like following me. But confess your sin when you fail, and discipline yourself to do the right thing when you don’t want to. Just don’t fake it to please me or to impress others.
If there comes a day you choose to ignore me for good, you have the freedom to go your way, and I will allow you to reap the consequences of your choices. I will honor your request and stay out of your way. But if there comes a time you want to return to me, turn around, and I will be waiting.
NEXT STEP
Ask God to search your heart, revealing any pride or arrogance. Turn from self-sufficiency, and turn towards God. Ask a trusted friend to support you in prayer. And ask God to reveal himself to you.
LYRIC VIDEO