He that hath an ear to hear,….let him hear
Amos 3:8 “ The lion hath roared, who will not fear? The Lord God hath spoken, who can but prophesy?”
(To Prophesy is to tell God’s people what is on His mind for them…whether for now or future)
(I love Amos, for he was an ordinary man….a herdsman—a shepherd of sheep and goats…..and a gatherer of sycamore fruit—which is like figs. Amos 7:14-15.
Yet God called him, and told him to “Go, prophesy unto my people Israel.”
There was still time, before God would bring judgement upon them, (they would be taken away into captivity)…to repent and do what was right.
Yet it was an odd time to send Amos….there was prosperity in that land. Riches and wine…..were everywhere. Yet Amos went….in his shepherd garb….and made a great effect on the people he preached to….so much so that “the land is not able to bear all his words.” Amos 7:10)
The only ones who would not fear, or would not speak His words….are those who refuse to hear.
Proverbs 9:10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy is understanding.”
There is fear….and there is fear of the Lord.
Many confuse the two. They are easily defined:
Fear is being gripped with terror, and panic, for what might happen to you or yours.
Fear of the Lord is reverence and a watchfulness to not offend the One who loved us so much that He died for us.
He is Sovereign,….and all things work to His Sovereign Pleasure or determination.
We would change this or that…..make “improvements” here or there…..
…but what God wants in all circumstances….is to change us.
We want deliverance, out of our circumstances…..He wants to deliver us in our circumstances….and through our circumstances.
(I remember a time, when God was dealing with me….and I kept bumping heads with Him….giving Him all sorts of reasons to not go through this trial.
But when I….finally…..submitted, I was helped….I was given peace…..I was led through….and through I went. I can not say I had the victory…..but I can sure say He had the victory over me! Hallelujah!)
Amos 3:6 “Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people’s not be afraid? Shall there be evil in a city, and the Lord hath not done it?”
Things do not just happen. God has a purpose for each person.
God’s general way of dealing with HIs people is to speak first….”rebuke….and chasten” (Revelation 3:19)….but when those to whom He speaks refuse to hear….
….then He chastens…..to awaken them to His Word.
Amos 7:8 “And the Lord said unto me, Amos, what seest thou? And I said , A plumbline. Then said the Lord, Behold, I will set a plumbline in the midst of my people Israel: I will not again pass by them any more:”
Here is chastening.
God measures how straight we are. Are we in line with HIs Word to us?
If we are not, we are ready to fall…as a wall leaning in places.
All who have ears to hear, let him hear…..is spoken many times in the gospel by the Lord Jesus.
And again in every church age…..He that ears, let him hear.
What is the Lord speaking to us about? Are we running after riches to our hurt? Are we seeking the wine of worldly life….and forgetting to be filled with the Spirit of God?
As Amos said to Israel….
Amos 8:11 “Behold the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord:”
It came to pass for them…..God gave them a time to repent….to turn to Him and HIs Words.
“Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the Lord, the God of hosts shall be with you….” (Amos 5:14)
Revelation 3:19 “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.”
Because He loves us…..He will rebuke….let us hear.
God will have His godly remanent in this age as in all others.
Be zealous therefore, and repent of what He is showing you….Hear and your soul shall live.
Preaching, Teaching, and Notes 