Amos 4:12 Therefore thus will I do to you, O Israel: and because I will do this to you, prepare to meet your God, O Israel. Is this to be considered the language of irony or of seriousness? We view the words seriously. Not as an insultation over their weakness, but as an expression of kindness designed to hinder the misery it foretold. The Divine threatenings are always conditional; either stated or implied. If God ever takes a sinner by surprise, it is after the rejection of a thousand warnings addressed to him. God strikes before He destroys, and He speaks before He strikes. I. GOD IS COMING. Coming to apprehend, and to punish, without repentance. This may be applied to any of His awful dispensations. To destroy nations, in ways of spiritual judgment. God's coming to judgment is rendered reasonable and probable by the testimony and terrors of conscience. And this coming to judgment is rendered certain by the Word of God. Here is an event in which we are not to be mere spectators, but parties deeply concerned. II. WE OUGHT TO BE PREPARED TO MEET HIM. Attend to three questions. 1. Can you escape? 2. Can you contend with Him? 3. Can you endure Him? III. THERE IS A PREPARATION WHICH WILL ENABLE US TO MEET HIM IN SAFETY AND PEACE. The Bible tells us what we should do, and assures us of full provision for all that we are required to do. 1. You must go forth with the world behind your backs. 2. With tears in your eyes, 3. With ropes upon your necks. 4. With a petition in your hand. 5. With Christ at your side.Go forth thus to meet Him, and He will fully pardon you and welcome you. (William Jay.) Parallel Verses KJV: Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel. |
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