The Accountability Of A Nation Series

Series: Social Justice [#5]

THE ACCOUNTABILITY OF A NATION

Amos 3:1-15

Introduction:

Crime amongst our youth is becoming a very common thing. There are many asking why. I believe part of the problem is that there is no accountability to many of the young people. When there are no consequences for doing wrong, why would you change. In our text, Amos brought an urgent message to Israel; but it is also fitting for us today. In these verses, the Lord is sounding the alarm, calling His people to account. The trumpet is blowing, and we must listen closely to what God is saying to our Nation.

Amos 3:1-2

1. The privileged position of God's people.

Amos begins by reminding the Israelites of their special covenant relationship with God. "You only have I chosen of all the families of the earth." This was a privileged position, a people set apart by the Lord Himself. However, with great privilege comes great responsibility. God had entrusted His people with the knowledge of Himself and the task of being a light to the Nations; but they had failed to live up to their calling.

Amos 3:3-8

2. The trumpet of God's judgment.

Because of their disobedience and injustice, judgment is coming upon the nation of Israel. The Lord roars like a lion, and the Prophet cannot but prophesy. When God speaks, we must listen. The trumpet of God's judgment is sounding, and we dare not ignore it. Just as a lion's roar strikes fear in the heart of its prey, so the voice of God should fill us with a holy reverence and compel us to repentance.

Amos 3:9-11

3. The trumpet of warning.

God calls on the surrounding Nations to witness the sins of His people. The luxurious lives of the elite in Samaria will be plundered, their wealth taken. This is a warning- A last call to repentance before the judgment falls. The trumpet is blowing- Will we heed the warning and turn back to the Lord? Or will we, like Israel of old, ignore the call and face the consequences of our sin?

Amos 3:12-15

4. The trumpet of destruction.

Tragically, the people did not listen; and so, the Lord pronounces His sentence. "As the shepherd rescues from the mouth of the lion two legs or a piece of an ear, so shall the people of Israel who dwell in Samaria be rescued." Only a remnant will be spared. The altars of Bethel will be destroyed, the winter and summer houses of the elite will be swept away. The trumpet of God's judgment has sounded, and there will be no escape.

Conclusion:

My friends, the trumpet is blowing. Will we hear the voice of the Lord and turn back to Him? Or will we, like Israel of old, ignore the warning and face the accountability for our Nation's sins? The choice is ours. May we heed the trumpet's call and find refuge in the mercy of our God, lest we too face the consequences of our unfaithfulness. Let us be a people who walk in obedience and justice, that we may fulfill our calling as a light to the Nations.