Wisdom's Competing Offer [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 9]

What does wisdom offer? Proverbs 9 looks forward to the sermon in this week’s midweek meeting. In these eighteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that wisdom offers true conversion and eternal life from God Himself. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.01.13 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 9

Read Proverbs 9

Questions from the Scripture text: Who built what (Proverbs 9:1)? How strongly? What has she prepared (Proverbs 9:2)? How has she invited (Proverbs 9:3)? Whom has she invited (Proverbs 9:4)? To do what (Proverbs 9:5)? Of what does this eating and drinking consist (Proverbs 9:6)? Whom is the person in Proverbs 9:7 correcting? What does he get? Whom does he rebuke? What does he do to himself? So, whom shouldn’t he correct (Proverbs 9:8)? But whom should he rebuke (verse 8b)? What happens if you instruct a wise man (Proverbs 9:9a)? Or teach a righteous man (verse 9b)? What is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10a)? What is understanding (verse 10b)? What will He do (Proverbs 9:11)? For whom is one wise (Proverbs 9:12a)? Who bears the consequences of his scoffing (verse 12b)? What is the foolish woman’s manner (Proverbs 9:13a)? But what does she know (verse 13b)? Where does she make herself known (Proverbs 9:14-15)? Whom does she invite (Proverbs 9:16)? How does she market her offering (Proverbs 9:17)? Of what are the takers of her offer ignorant (Proverbs 9:18)? 

What does wisdom offer? Proverbs 9 looks forward to the sermon in this week’s midweek meeting. In these eighteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that wisdom offers true conversion and eternal life from God Himself.  

This chapter is bookended by two women, who seem at first to be making similar offers. Both invitations come from the highest places of the city (Proverbs 9:3, Proverbs 9:14). Both make their appeal to the simple and those who lack understanding (Proverbs 9:4, Proverbs 9:16). But there are subtle and important differences. 

Wisdom is diligent, working hard in her home (Proverbs 9:1-2, Proverbs 9:5) and including her maidens in searching out those to whom to do good (Proverbs 9:3). But the foolish woman is not busy with her hands and instead makes immodest display of herself (Proverbs 9:13-14). Diligence and humility vs the immodesty of making a display of oneself is an important distinction between wisdom and folly. It is important to note about a woman, and it is important to note about the difference between how wisdom comes and how folly comes.

Also, there is an important difference between how they advertise what they offer. Wisdom offers forsaking of foolishness and direction into understanding (Proverbs 9:6). Folly offers a life in which diligence and understanding are unnecessary, because the sweetness and pleasantness come by way of theft and sneaking (Proverbs 9:17). We must watch against the false attractiveness or easiness. This is the path to enjoying that which is less (in this case, bread and water) instead of that which is of greater substance (e.g. meat and wine), merely because it is easy. But the short cut is not only a path to that which is less; it is the path to death and hell (Proverbs 9:18).

This is because the shortcut is cutting God Himself out (Proverbs 9:10). We must not be the uncorrectable scoffer (Proverbs 9:7-8), so that we will come to Him Himself. All of the instruction in the world is counter-productive unless we are first changed (Proverbs 9:7-9). One ought to be evangelized for conversion, before he can be helped in sanctification.

His best gift is not the multiplied days and added years (Proverbs 9:11), but Him Himself from Whom they come (verse 11a). It doesn’t benefit Him if we are wise (Proverbs 9:12a), or harm Him if we are scoffers (verse 12b). Rather, the giving of the knowledge of Himself is pure generosity, in which He gives Himself to be our eternal life.

What short cuts are you tempted to take in life? Particularly in spiritual life? But what (Whom!) is the proper way for you to pursue any good thing? How should you respond to Him, as He gives it?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for offering Yourself to us. Forgive us for desiring short cuts, in which we would not need repentance or sanctification. But grant unto us that, in dependence upon Your grace, we would respond to Your invitation, seeking to be Yours and to be made as we should be in Christ, through Whom we ask it, AMEN! 

Suggested songs: ARP1 “How Blessed the Man” or TPH400 “Gracious Spirit, Dwell with Me”

2025.01.12 Lord's Day Livestreams (live at 10:10a, 11a, 3p)

Click below for the:

January 12 Lord's Day Worship Booklet

Matthew 14:1–12 sermon outline

3p song selections & Numbers 32 sermon outline

We urge you to assemble physically, if possible, with a true congregation of Christ's church. For those of our own congregation who may be providentially hindered, we are grateful to be able to provide this service.

IF you are unable to get the stream to work, or simply wish to save on data, you can listen in simply by calling 712.432.3410 and entering 70150 at the prompt.

Each week we livestream the Lord's Day (Sabbath School, Morning Public Worship, and p.m. Singing and Sermon) and Midweek Meeting (sermon and prayer). For notifications when Hopewell is streaming live, install the CHURCHONE APP on your [Apple], [Android], or [Kindle] device, and enter hopewellarp for your broadcaster.

2025.01.11 Hopewell @Home ▫ Matthew 14:1–12

Read Matthew 14:1–12

Questions from the Scripture text: How does Matthew 14:1 tie itself to what preceded? Who heard what? To whom did he speak? Whom did He say that Jesus is (Matthew 14:2)? What was his explanation for Jesus’s works? What had Herod done to John (Matthew 14:3)? Where had he put him? For whose sake? Why (Matthew 14:4)? What did he want to do (Matthew 14:5)? But why didn’t he? What did the people have him as? On what occasion does Matthew 14:6 occur? What did Herodias’s daughter do? What effect did this have upon Herod? What was the combined effect of this manner of celebration and pleasing—what, then, did the king do (Matthew 14:7)? Who prompted the girl (Matthew 14:8)? To ask for what? Presented in what way? How did the king feel about this (Matthew 14:9)? What two things overcame his reluctance? What did he do (Matthew 14:10)? What was done to John (Matthew 14:11)? What did the girl do? Who came in Matthew 14:12? What did they do with the body? Whom did they tell?

How should we respond to Christ’s resurrection power? Matthew 14:1–12 prepares us for the sermon in the morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twelve verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we should respond to Christ’s resurrection power by submitting to Him, trusting in Him, and hoping in Him.  

Recognition of resurrection power. The passage begins with recognition of resurrection power. Herod is wrong about the identity, but he is correct about the intensity of the power that is at work. Do you see how much you can recognize, and agree to, about Jesus, but not have saving faith (cf. Luke 23:8–12)? You must do more than mentally agree that Jesus has resurrecting power. You must submit to Him and put your hope in Him.

Rejection of faithful preaching. Those who wish to do what is right in their own eyes show the level of their commitment to their sin when they reject the divinely appointed messenger. Herod rejected not only a man, but God Himself, Whose prophet John was, and Christ Himself, Whose special forerunner John was. Herod could imprison and behead John, but Herod himself will be resurrected one day (cf. John 5:28–29, Acts 24:15) before God, and Christ, and even John himself (cf. Revelation 2:26–27). When faithful preaching criticizes something in our behavior, let us seek grace from God to respond with humble self-examination, lest in rejecting His word in the mouth of His messenger, we be found to be rejecting God Himself.

Responding to the fear of men. Herod wanted to execute John (Matthew 14:5), but God’s method of restraining his evil was fear of the multitude. We wouldn’t read this and give John moral credit. So, why would we give ourselves credit for moral behavior that is done only when others are looking, or because of what others might think or do? Are we better than Herod in works that are done in this way?

Responding to spiritual ministry from the flesh (cf. Mark 6:20). God was merciful to Herod. Not savingly, but still greatly merciful to restrain his sin. And He did this even through John’s Word. Matthew doesn’t include this, but it helps us understand the sorriness that Matthew 14:9 tells us about. Mark 6:19–20 fills us in on the period of John’s imprisonment. Herodias harbored more resentment, but Herod came to fear John as just and holy (not just powerful). He came to like him, protect him, hear him, listen to him and even hear him gladly. Yet, all of this was not by saving grace, but only by logic. How much of a good response we can have to preachers and preachers, and it all still be entirely in the flesh! Let us be grateful for God’s giving us such responses, but not rest upon them as proofs of saving grace. Rather, let us seek from Him that, more and more, He produce right response from the heart, from the new man, by His Spirit’s applying Christ to us.

Revelry that removes constraints. John’s regard for John began to meet its demise at a birthday party. Rather than seriously joyous reflection before God, this was the sort of party with girls dancing for men to watch for pleasure. Indubitably, there was drinking involved, and a general scene of revelry. All of these induce the setting aside of good judgment. As Matthew 14:9 implies about this occasion, this lapse in judgment is made worse by being shared with “those who sat with him.” 

Men do foolish things in such circumstances, including making rash oaths. And Herodias and her daughter thus succeed in doing something far worse to Herod than they did to John. For it is much worse to be a murderer than to be murdered. And all the worse for Herod, since his victim was one whom he had regarded as just and holy and a reliable preacher. O how dangerous is revelry in the flesh! We mustn’t confuse seriously joyous celebration with it, and we mustn’t subject ourselves to it and to the temptation to which it exposes us.

Recognition of resurrection power. There is one more response to resurrection power here in this passage, and it is that of John’s disciples in Matthew 14:12. John had loved not his life even unto death. But there is a resurrection coming, both for John and for Herod. It is in view of that resurrection that John’s disciples come and care for his body by burial. That body is dead, but John isn’t done with it. And they do one more thing, out of regard for the true resurrection power. They come and tell Jesus, Him Who Himself is the resurrection and the life (cf. John 11:25–26). Here are two things we can do as a right response to resurrection power, two things that grace will produce in us: burying our dead in the hope of the resurrection, and telling all our troubles to Him Who is the resurrection. Whatever your great griefs and troubles are, dear reader, go and tell Jesus!

How do you respond, when the preaching of the Word corrects something in your own behavior? How can you tell that you are responding to the Lord Himself, and not just pressure from men? When in your life is there opportunity for more danger of reinforcing bad judgment with others? What are your plans for your, and other believers’, bodies at death? What is your habit for going and telling Jesus your griefs and troubles?

Sample prayer:  Lord, You are the resurrection and the life. Thank You for sending us Your faithful Word. Make us glad to put our trust in You before Your wrath is kindled. Grant that we would be those blessed who put our trust in You for this life and for eternity. Make us those who hope in Jesus for resurrection, and who take all of our griefs to go and tell Jesus, through Whom we ask it all, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP2 “Why Do Gentile Nations Rage” or TPH520 “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”

2025.01.10 Hopewell @Home ▫ Numbers 32

Read Numbers 32

Questions from the Scripture text: Which two tribes had what (Numbers 32:1)? What did they see? To whom did they come (Numbers 32:2)? What cities did they name (Numbers 32:3)? What did they say about them (Numbers 32:4)? Whom did they say had defeated these cities (cf. Numbers 21:34)? What do they request in Numbers 32:5? How does Moses respond (Numbers 32:6)? Against what does he warn (Numbers 32:7-12, cf. Numbers 13:26–14:4)? Of what does he accuse them (Numbers 32:14)? What does He say would happen (Numbers 32:15)? But what do they propose to do (Numbers 32:16-18)? And what place do they intend to take in the battle (Numbers 32:17)? Why (Numbers 32:19)? Before Whom does Moses say they must arm themselves (Numbers 32:20)? Until what happens before Him (Numbers 32:21)? And what else, before Him (Numbers 32:22)? Then what must they return and be, before Him? But what does Moses warn them against in Numbers 32:23? What will happen then? So, what does Moses tell them to do (Numbers 32:24), and what do they say that they will do (Numbers 32:25-27)? To whom does Moses give instructions about this (Numbers 32:28-29)? What if there is no follow-through (Numbers 32:30)? Who reaffirm what, in Numbers 32:31-32? Who are now mentioned in this inheritance in Numbers 32:33? What do the two-and-a-half tribes receive? Who build what in Numbers 32:34-36? Who build what in Numbers 32:37-38? Who build what in Numbers 32:39-42?

What must members of God’s people do? Numbers 32:1–42 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these forty-two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that members of God’s people must participate faithfully in the church’s corporate life, in addition to their household’s life, before the Lord’s own face, dependence upon the Lord’s own power, and diligence in the Lord’s assigned duties.

The importance of not discouraging the hearts of God’s people. The initial request of Reuben and Gad (Numbers 32:1-5) raises questions because it sounds, at first, like they do not wish to send their warriors with Israel across the Jordan (Numbers 32:6, Numbers 32:14-15). This would “discourage the heart of the children of Israel” (Numbers 32:7), when the spies’ “discouraging the heart of the children of Israel” at Kadesh Barnea (Numbers 32:9) had led to the avowed wrath of God against them (Numbers 32:10-12). An entire generation had been executed in judgment (Numbers 32:13), which became a sign of warning to God’s people even to this day (cf. Psalm 95:10–11; 1 Corinthians 10:1–5; Hebrews 3:7–4:11). 

If the Lord considers the non-participation of 20% of His people a discouraging of the hearts of His people that leads to wrath, then each of us must seriously consider the extent to which we are participating in the life of our own congregation. He especially gives us to continue steadfastly in apostolic teaching, apostolic fellowship, the Lord’s Supper, and corporate prayer (cf. Acts 2:42). 

When the church is hearing apostolic preaching, am I there, or are am I discouraging the hearts of God’s people? 

When the church is gathered for the purpose of that apostolic fellowship that is especially a speaking the truth to one another and building one another up (cf. Ephesians 4:15–16; Hebrews 10:25b), am I not just there but intentionally doing that? Or am I discouraging the hearts of God’s people? 

When the church is gathered for the purpose of taking the Lord’s Supper, am I coming to the table prepared, eagerly expecting others’ partaking, partaking by faith myself, and making improving use of that partaking afterward? Or am I discouraging the hearts of God’s people?

When the church is gathered for the purpose of corporate prayer, am I there and lifting holy hands to help lead as appropriate (if I’m a man, cf. 1 Timothy 2:8), and joining with those who lead as one who has come adorned with good works (cf. 1 Timothy 2:9–10)? Or, when the church is gathered for corporate prayer, is my (however well-intentioned for other things, like the proposal of Reuben and Gad) absence discouraging the hearts of God’s people?

The reality of being before the face of the Lord. The men of Reuben and Gad propose to set their wives and children up in their inheritance (Numbers 32:16), but then go armed “before the children of Israel until we have brought them to their place” (Numbers 32:17). But Moses takes that language and turns it to its proper object. It is “before YHWH” that they are to arm themselves (Numbers 32:20). It is “before YHWH” that they are to cross the Jordan (Numbers 32:21a). It is “before YHWH” that He will drive out His own enemies (verse 21b). It is “before YHWH” that the land will be subdued (Numbers 32:22a). It is “before YHWH” that they must return and be blameless (verse 22b). It is “before YHWH” that the land shall be their possession (verse 22c). In all of our dealings with others, we must conduct ourselves, first and foremost, before the Lord Himself. It is He with Whom we must deal in all things.

Your sin will find you out. The fact that we are always before the face of the Lord means that we must always seek God’s grace to be and do, in reality, what we have pledged before Him with our hearts and mouths. You must not fake your way along. Whether in this life (almost always, in this life!), or in the next (absolutely always, in the next!), your sin will surely find out (v23b), because it is against YHWH Himself that you have sinned (Numbers 32:23a).

Provision and diligence. Through all of this, YHWH is giving His people the land of Sihon and Og, captured back in Numbers 21:21–35. He promised the land. He gave victory. And He now gives the land that was promised. But Numbers 32:33-42 are also a flurry of activity. While it is He Whose sovereign intent determines, and Whose sovereign power accomplishes, He gives His people the privilege and responsibility of laboring diligently. So it is in your life, dear believer. You are to labor diligently, counting it as a privilege—not as if it depends upon You, but precisely because it depends upon Him!

What gatherings of the church, for its Spirit-commanded activities, could you attend, but are choosing not to? When you are there, how is the quality of your participation encouraging (or discouraging) God’s people? In what situations in your life are you aware of being before others but forgetful of being before God’s face? What sin might you be trying to keep hidden from others, even though it will surely find you out? What labors has the Lord given you to do? In those labors, do you most need to grow in diligence or in dependence?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for granting unto us a part in Your work among Your people. Grant to us that we would participate in the corporate life of Your church with such diligence, faithfulness, and sincerity as to encourage their hearts. Please make us always to live before Your face, following through on all that we have promised to You. In all of this, make us to know Your abundant generosity and almighty power, which we ask through Him Who is Your wisdom, power, and generosity unto us—even Your Son, Christ Jesus, our Lord, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP24 “The Earth and the Riches” or TPH405 “I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord”

Holy Intolerance [Family Worship lesson in Revelation 2:18–29]

What does God think of tolerating false teaching? Revelation 2:18–29 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twelve verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God hates and condemns the toleration of false teaching.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.01.09 Hopewell @Home ▫ Revelation 2:18–29

Read Revelation 2:18–29

Questions from the Scripture text: To which church’s messenger (NKJ “angel”) is this letter addressed (Revelation 2:18)? By what title does He call Himself? What two aspects of His former description does He emphasize (cf. Revelation 1:14–15; Daniel 10:6)? What five things does He know about them (Revelation 2:19a)? And what about their latter works (verse 19b, cp. Revelation 2:5)? Despite all these things, what does Revelation 2:20 begin to say? What is the first great thing He has against them—whom do they tolerate? What does she call herself? What does she teach, whom, to do? What has Jesus given her (Revelation 2:21)? What didn’t she do? What will He do to her (Revelation 2:22)? And what else will He do to whom else? Unless what? Of what will this tribulation consist (Revelation 2:23)? What will all the churches then know? In accordance with what will He give to each church member? What does He say to those who are receptive to this message (Revelation 2:24)? And to whom else? What have they not known? And what will Jesus not put upon them (cf. Acts 15:28)? What are they to do (Revelation 2:25)? To whom does Revelation 2:26 refer? How does this overcoming express itself? What will Jesus give him? With what power (Revelation 2:27, cf. Psalm 2:8–9)? What else will He give him? Whom does Revelation 2:29 address? What is he to do with this grace-given hearing?

What does God think of tolerating false teaching? Revelation 2:18–29 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twelve verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God hates and condemns the toleration of false teaching.

This was a very uncomfortable letter for the preacher to receive. The Greek text used in the church throughout the centuries actually says, “your wife Jezebel” in Revelation 2:20. Here, the Lord has blessed this congregation with vibrant spiritual love, zeal, and service; and, their works that are increasing in all of these (Revelation 2:19)!

But, he was lagging in leadership of church discipline. Just as the church in Pergamos wasn’t disciplining false doctrine, so the church in Thyatira was not restraining those who made themselves teachers. And the culprit in chief was the pastor’s wife! Prominent women having “teaching ministries” in the church is not a new error. 1 Timothy 2:12 wouldn’t have needed to be written, if this wasn’t already a problem then. It’s a problem in the church of Thyatira. It has been a problem as a corporate expression of the fall, ever since Genesis 3:16 and the desire of a woman to control her man. And it continues to be a danger in the church today.

The threat in Revelation 2:22 is against the preacher’s wife and her followers. And Revelation 2:23 may be speaking of her followers as “her children,” or it may actually be the preacher’s children! This is a very serious threat. And that is because what was occurring was a great sin against a great Savior. He is not only the Son of Man, the glorious figure of Daniel 10:6 (Revelation 2:18), but also the Ancient of Days, the Son of God (cf. Daniel 7:9). 

In response to this glorious Savior, this preacher must lead his church in disciplining his wife for teaching that believers may violate God’s law (Revelation 2:20b). She was a “deep” teacher, but those were satanic depths (Revelation 2:24). The sin of the church had been toleration (Revelation 2:20a). The Lord has been patient (Revelation 2:21), but if the church doesn’t discipline her now, Christ’s action will be such as to show that His burning eyes (Revelation 2:18) search kidneys and hearts (Revelation 2:23, more literally translated). And His burnished feet are feet of action; He is actively involved and interacting with His churches. 

How important it is to submit to Christ in His order for teachers in the church and for church discipline! The Lord would add no other burden to what He has already commanded (end of Revelation 2:24, cf. Acts 15:28). But everything that He has commanded (Revelation 2:25), they must keep. 

As in the other letters, whatever response there is of the church, corporately, the Lord makes an invitation to every believer, individually. Thyatira, a city dominated by trade guilds, offered ability and influence to whoever would keep their works, participating in the immoral religion of their gods (Revelation 2:20b). But to the one who keeps Christ’s works, He gives a share in His own Psalm 2 reign over the nations (Revelation 2:27). Indeed, Christ promises to give His very self to that man, for He is the morning star (Revelation 2:28, cf. Revelation 22:16). This is what His Spirit gives us new ears to do: to listen to His Word (Revelation 2:29), to keep His works (Revelation 2:26), and to receive Him Himself (Revelation 2:28). 

What teachers has the Lord given you in your church? In your home? Whom else might these be tempted to have as a teacher? From whom have you heard the idea that Christians don’t have to worry about obeying God’s law? What does your church do about people who spread false ideas like that? What, then, will Christ do about your church? How are you keeping Christ’s works? What are you hoping for from Him?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for all of Your gracious work in us and in our church. Forgive us for when we are willing to sit under those who call themselves teachers, but whom You have not sent. Especially, forgive us for when we listen to teaching that would make us more comfortable with sinning. We thank You for Your patience, but we pray that this patience would lead us to repentance, and not complacency. Grant that we would keep Your works to the end, that we would rule over the nations, and that we would have You Yourself, the Morning Star, we ask in Your own Name, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP1 “How Blessed the Man” or TPH508 “Jesus, Priceless Treasure?”

2025.01.08 Midweek Meeting Livestream (live at 6:30p Central Time)

Click below for the:

January 8 Prayer Meeting Folder

Proverbs 8:22–36 sermon outline

We urge you to assemble physically, if possible, with a true congregation of Christ's church. For those of our own congregation who may be providentially hindered, we are grateful to be able to provide this service.

IF you are unable to get the stream to work, or simply wish to save on data, you can listen in simply by calling 712.432.3410 and entering 70150 at the prompt.

Each week we livestream the Lord's Day (Sabbath School, Morning Public Worship, and p.m. Singing and Sermon) and Midweek Meeting (sermon and prayer). For notifications when Hopewell is streaming live, install the CHURCHONE APP on your [Apple], [Android], or [Kindle] device, and enter hopewellarp for your broadcaster.

The Certainties of Wrath and Redemption [Family Worship lesson in Amos 9:1–10]

How sure God’s wrath? Amos 9:1–10 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God’s wrath is as sure as the glory of YHWH, but His saving the elect is equally as sure.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.01.08 Hopewell @Home ▫ Amos 9:1–10

Read Amos 9:1–10

Questions from the Scripture text: Whom does Amos see in Amos 9:1a? What did He say to do (verse 1b)? With what effect (verse 1b–c)? and then what will He do (verse 1d)? Who will survive this (verse 1d–e)? How impossible will escape be (Amos 9:2-3)? Why can’t anywhere in creation provide refuge (Amos 9:3d)? Even what, otherwise undesirable, circumstance cannot provide refuge (Amos 9:4a–c)? Why (verse 4d)? How great is His power on the earth (Amos 9:5)? And in the heavens (Amos 9:6)? What Name implies this power (verse 6e)? For what nations has He providentially cared (Amos 9:7)? And how does He repay sinful nations (Amos 9:8–b)? But to whom will He not completely do this (verse 8c–d)? What is He doing, instead, with their judgment (Amos 9:9)? What is He preserving in all of this (verse 9d)? But who will not be preserved (Amos 9:10a)? And by what sort of thinking can these be identified (verse 10b)? 

How sure is the destruction of Israel? Amos 9:1–10 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the destruction of Israel is as sure as the glory of YHWH, but His saving the elect is equally as sure.

Whether people think it “out loud,” or simply operate as if it were the case, many live as if the judgment of God will not overtake or confront them (Amos 9:10b). But, in the light of what He has said in His Word (like in this passage), or made known in our hearts (cf. Romans 1:32), thinking this way is not just ignorance, but rebellion. 

The Lord’s judgment cannot be evaded either by religion (Amos 9:1), location (Amos 9:2-3), or intervention (Amos 9:4). There is no escape. And this is especially because of Who it is that has “set His eyes upon them for harm” (verse 4d). It is “the Lord YHWH of hosts” (Amos 9:5a) […] “YHWH is His Name” (Amos 9:6e). He is supremely sovereign over all creation and providence, as especially demonstrated in the flood (verse 6, cf. Genesis 7:11). And there is no nation, except that He has raised it up (Amos 9:7), and no wicked nation except that He will destroy it from the face of the earth (Amos 9:8).

What is amazing, here, is that although they are acting according to the name Jacob (Amos 9:8c), He will not utterly destroy them, but rather treat them according to the name Israel (Amos 9:9b). He will produce among them those who are good grain (verse 9c), and not the least of them will be lost (verse 9d). He shows saving mercy! And it is just as impossible that this mercy would fail to save the elect as it is that judgment would fail to fall upon the wicked. And these wicked can be identified by their thinking in Amos 9:10b: they willfully ignore the coming judgment, even though the Lord has plainly told them.

How does the certainty of the judgment of the wicked help you against sin? How does the certainty of mercy to the elect help you against despair? To Whom do both of these point you for safety and holiness?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we deserve for You to command the sword to slay us—for You to set Your eyes upon us for harm and not for good. Truly, You are the almighty Judge, Whose Name is YHWH. So, Your almighty mercy is our only hope, and we pray that, when You sift Your visible church, You would be pleased to preserve us as good grain. Do not let us be those Who deny Your coming judgment, but save us in it, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested Songs: ARP51A “God, Be Merciful to Me” or TPH51C “God, Be Merciful to Me”