A remnant

Scripture:

Amos 3:12 Thus says the Lord: “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, with the corner of a couch and part of a bed.

Observation:

The shepherd was responsible for all of the sheep. If any were lost, the shepherd would have to pay the owner for that loss. Therefore, when a lion attacked one of the sheep, the shepherd would try to retrieve the left-over parts to prove to the owner that there had been an attack and that the shepherd would not have to pay for the loss. That’s why a shepherd would rescue a couple legs or the piece of an ear. Just a little bit — but unfortunately, not the whole animal.

God’s people had moved to places of relative safety and some were dwelling in Samaria and beyond. They may have settled into lives of oriental luxury which may have been the reference to the couch and the bed.

God’s people may have been trying to save themselves by cozying up with the world. Sadly they were placing themselves within the grasp of the lion. A remnant would be saved, but just enough for the master to be able to prove that yes, these truly were his children. But because of their folly and their wanderings many would be lost.

Application:

God’s people didn’t want to listen to the words of the prophets. They wanted to fit in with the rest of the world and so they gave up their first love and spent themselves with the things of the world. The warning was for God’s people then and God’s people now.

Jesus would come to save the remnant. In the advent season we find hope in these words. For those who do not seek out a place of safety among the temporal things of this world will be saved.

It’s tempting to find peace and safety among the things that the world has to offer but Jesus has promised that he will care for us. As we walk through this season of anticipation and the hope that we find in the coming Savior, may we continually seek his face and draw closer to him. Pray to resist the temptation to recline on the luxurious couches the world has to offer and instead, recline in our blessed Savior who has promised to love and care for us.

Psalm 119:1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the Lord!
2  Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,
who seek him with their whole heart,
3  who also do no wrong,
but walk in his ways!

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for your blessed promises. Amen.


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