Slices
Prepare
Taking pleasure at another’s downfall can come easily to us. How do you respond when others are criticised?
Bible passage
11 This is what the Lord says:
‘For three sins of Edom,
even for four, I will not relent.
Because he pursued his brother with a sword
and slaughtered the women of the land,
because his anger raged continually
and his fury flamed unchecked,
12 I will send fire on Teman
that will consume the fortresses of Bozrah.’
13 This is what the Lord says:
‘For three sins of Ammon,
even for four, I will not relent.
Because he ripped open the pregnant women of Gilead
in order to extend his borders,
14 I will set fire to the walls of Rabbah
that will consume her fortresses
amid war cries on the day of battle,
amid violent winds on a stormy day.
15 Her king will go into exile,
he and his officials together,’
says the Lord.
2 This is what the Lord says:
‘For three sins of Moab,
even for four, I will not relent.
Because he burned to ashes
the bones of Edom’s king,
2 I will send fire on Moab
that will consume the fortresses of Kerioth.
Moab will go down in great tumult
amid war cries and the blast of the trumpet.
3 I will destroy her ruler
and kill all her officials with him,’
says the Lord.
4 This is what the Lord says:
‘For three sins of Judah,
even for four, I will not relent.
Because they have rejected the law of the Lord
and have not kept his decrees,
because they have been led astray by false gods,
the gods their ancestors followed,
5 I will send fire on Judah
that will consume the fortresses of Jerusalem.’
Explore
Multiple points ahead at the top of the league; the best and most gifted players around; a joyous fanbase confidently singing of their team beating all opposition with convincing ease. And yet, a few slips, some unfortunate injuries and a run of defeats can see the lead suddenly disappear and a clear league title fall away. This scenario can happen on the sports field and a similar sense of complacency and exceptionalism may well have set in within the hearts of the Israelites.
They’ve heard Amos blast their enemies but, as he continues his critique of Israel’s neighbours, Amos is getting unnervingly close to Israel herself as he speaks judgement over Judah, the ancient southern kingdom of Israel (2:4,5). Surely, he won’t bring a critique against Israel?
Judah’s sins are simple – they’ve stopped following God’s Law and have been ‘led astray by false gods’ (2:4). What false gods are you aware of around you, that might gradually sneak into your life? They may have the Temple and the holy city of Jerusalem, but these are secondary to obedience and faithfulness. Amos is clear that on these two fronts, Judah – his home nation – has badly failed.
Respond
We can think we’re above God’s displeasure; that our background, position or giftings mean we’re somehow accountable to different standards. Ask God to shine a light on anything which does not bring him glory in your life.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Song of Songs 5,6; 1 Timothy 5
Pray for Scripture Union
Shine Films (a partnership between SU movements in the UK and Ireland, Jesus Film project and Crown Jesus Ministries) produces videos enabling young people to share Jesus with their peers. The new series, ‘Way, Truth, Life’, has a focus on Jesus and is accompanied by a guide containing session plans, activities, games and Bible studies. Pray that this will help many young people to talk about Jesus.
A child has started following Jesus. Help them keep growing.
A child's decision to trust Jesus is a moment to celebrate, but it's also the beginning of a lifelong journey of discipleship. Journey to the Sacred Kingdom helps children aged 5–8 discover what it means to know God through his Word, grow in faith and walk with Jesus every day.
Following the adventures of Rock and River, children explore key Bible stories, discover who the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are and begin developing everyday faith habits through engaging reflections, colourful comics and interactive activities.
Give the young believers in your care a strong biblical foundation from the very beginning.
✓ Help new believers grow in God's Word
Introduce children to foundational biblical truths in a way they can understand, helping them build confidence in knowing God and following Jesus.
✓ Encourage faith that lasts beyond a single decision
Support children as they develop habits of prayer, Bible reading and trusting God, laying foundations for a lifelong relationship with Christ.
✓ A trusted discipleship resource for church and home
Perfect for parents, grandparents, children's leaders and churches seeking a biblically rooted follow-up resource after holiday clubs, children's ministry, family events, baptism or other moments when a child begins their journey with Jesus.
