Amos 9:9 For, see, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as corn is sifted in a sieve… I will sift the house of Israel. I. IT IS A DIVINE SIFTING. The Oriental mode of sifting illustrates the Divine method. 1. The primary reference is to the Jews. 2. Then to the Church of God as a whole. 3. Also to individual members of the Church. II. THE MANNER OF SIFTING. "As corn is sifted." 1. The sifting suggests a mixed condition of character and condition. The mixed condition of things in the Church of God necessitates a sifting process. And the mixed experience of individuals necessitates various Divine siftings. Happy would a Church, family, or individual be, if it could be said to be altogether wholesome grain and pure. 2. The sifting of corn must be done prudently and patiently. Some grains require a finer sieve than others. 3. Sifting discriminates between chaff and corn. It does not create either chaff or corn, but makes each manifest. So all deceits and mere appearances are exposed by God's siftings. There is no such thing as permanent concealment of character in the moral world. 4. The sifting is thorough. There is an individual discrimination as well as a Church sifting. Each grain is severely subjected to this sifting. III. THE MEANS WHEREBY THE DIVINE SIFTER SIFTS THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL. 1. By the manifold changeful experiences of life. 2. A faithful ministry is a Divine sieve by which the great Husbandman sifts the grain. 3. Temptations of the devil. IV. THE DESIGN OF THE DIVINE SIFTINGS OF LIFE. There is then a call to submission, gratitude, patience, hopefulness, and searching inquiry. (Anon.) Parallel Verses KJV: For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth. |
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