“The LORD repented for this: This also shall not be, saith the Lord GOD” (Amos 7:6).
TEXT — Amos 7:4-9
Message
A mother once approached Napoleon seeking pardon for her son. The emperor replied that the young man had committed a certain offense twice and justice demanded death. “But I don’t ask for justice”, the mother explained. “I plead for mercy”. “But your son does not deserve mercy”, Napoleon replied. The woman cried, “Sir, it would not be mercy if he deserved it, and mercy is all I ask for.” “Well, then”, the emperor said, “I will have mercy”. And he spared the woman’s son.
God indeed was slow to punish Israel for their sins. The secret communications between the Most High God and Amos – a herdsman and sycamore fruit gatherer – revealed the depth of love and concern the heavenly Father had for Israel. Amos, a compassionate prophet, was persistent in his intercession until Israel got a reprieve. Each time God spoke of an impending judgment that would befall Israel, the prophet came up with a plea for Israel, repeatedly asking from God, “by whom shall Jacob arise? for he is small”.
That we have people standing in the gap and praying for us does not mean we should continue in sin that grace should abound. As God’s people, we must not indulge in sin and rebellion. Prophet Amos’ intercession went on even though the Israelites of the northern kingdom who benefitted from his pleas did not show remorse. Instead, they and their priest, Amaziah, cooperated in persecuting Amos, who came from the southern kingdom of Israel; a God-sent prophet who warned them of the coming danger.
Today, we must ensure we do not frustrate the grace and mercies of God which Christ our Saviour bestows. While divine mercy speaks on our behalf, we must ensure we appropriate all the favours and benefits it brings.
Thought for the day
Do not frustrate the mercy that speaks on your behalf.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
Giod morning and thanks to God for the development of this platform. More grace in Jesus name.
I wish to request that the audio line should be adjusted to make it more user friendly. The audio track should be interactive, such that user would not only be able to replay the whole but should be able to locate the particular portion s/he wishes to listen to again. Thank you for your usual quick response.
You are doing grate work.
Todos merecemos da misericórdia do senhor Jesus Cristo.amem
Giod morning and thanks to God for the development of this platform. More grace in Jesus name.
I wish to request that the audio line should be adjusted to make it more user friendly. The audio track should be interactive, such that user would not only be able to replay the whole but should be able to locate the particular portion s/he wishes to listen to again. Thank you for your usual quick response.
God bless you for all you are putting this. It is good to have the audio version.
“…the depth of love and concern the heavenly Father had for Israel.”
The mercy of God is heart-melting .
Thank daddy.i want more of morning devotional