DEVOTION ~ AN EVIL TIME

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Theme: An Evil Time
Text: Amos 3:10-13

10 They hate the one who rebukes in the gate, and they abhor the one who speaks up rightly. 11 Therefore, because you tread down the poor and take grain taxes from him, though you have built houses of hewn stone, yet you shall not dwell in them; You have planted pleasant vineyards, but you shall not drink wine from them. 12 For I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty sins: Afflicting the just and taking bribes; Diverting the poor from justice at the gate. 13 Therefore the prudent keep silent at that time, for it is an evil time.



In our dispensation, we can say the times are evil. But what really makes it evil? That's what we will be looking at today in our devotion. Evil begins when correction or rebuke is frowned upon or seen as a disturbance. If the one who rebukes is hated for trying to bring order, then evil has taken root in those who stand up against such individual. So long as these evil men/women would not accept rebukes, their ears will never be attentive to listen to anyone who speaks uprightly about the issues of life.

Dear beloved in the Lord, when we fail to meet the needs of the poor in society, suppress the vulnerable (marginalized, orphans, widowed, poor) by usurping them of their just course, then we are acting contrary to God's will and plan. The manifold transgressions outlined; afflicting the just and taking bribes; diverting the poor from justice at the gate, must never be mentioned amongst us that serve the Lord. This is because, those who practice such evil act will not go unpunished.

God will cause them not to enjoy the benefits of their plunder; though they have built houses of hewn stone, yet shall not dwell in them; they have planted pleasant vineyards, but shall not drink wine from them. They shall know no peace and without peace of mind how would they delight in the things they have acquired? As evil abounds and the wicked will not listen to wisdom, the prudent becomes silent (not arguing with them) but direct prayer to God to speeedly bring justice unto the land.



Prayer: Dear God, open the eyes of my understanding to know how to live in this evil times. Empower me by the strength of the Holy Spirit to walk in Your precepts in all that I do in the name of Jesus Christ. AMEN! 

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