Daily Devotions
Amos
"Before the earthquake"
Text: Amos 1:1
CATASTROPHIC EVENTS
God sometimes had to make use of catastrophes to help people to cease and desist from their sinful activities. Amos warned of a catastrophe that would take place.
“Two years before the earthquake.”
Amos 1:1
1. This earthquake must have been an epic one.
2. Warning had to be given by the prophet.
UNDERSTANDING CATASTROPHES
Some catastrophes are “natural disasters”. The following observations may be made if they are indeed natural disasters.
1. Floods
2. Volcanic eruptions
3. Famine
4. Windstorms
These may be called “common occurrence”.
EVENTS THAT GOD HIMSELF WOULD EFFECT
We have a number of examples where God is personally involved. Some of these things were results of Judgment from God. The punitive element is to be noted. But sometimes, the reasons are not stated.
1. The global flood in the days of Noah (Genesis 6)
a) Divine judgment
b) Punitive significance to be noted
2. The famine in the days of Joseph (Genesis 41)
a) God had shown Pharaoh what He would do (Genesis 41:25).
b) Seven years of famine would come (Genesis 41:27-28).
3. The plagues on Pharaoh and Egypt in the days of Moses
a) Punishment of the wicked Pharaoh for enslaving the children of Israel.
b) Deliverance of the children of Israel from bondage (Book of Exodus).
4. Great famine in the days of the Apostles
a) The prophet Agabus warned of a great famine (Acts 11:27-28).
b) The churches of Christ planned to help those who would be afflicted (Acts 11:29-30).
STANDING IN AWE OF THE SOVEREIGN POWER OF GOD
We may never fully understand why catastrophes occur. But we must stand in awe of God’s power.