Bubble People
One Year Bible: Dec. 12
Amos 7:1-9:15
Bubble People
Does God ever “Change” his mind? Have you ever contemplated this question?
If He does change his mind, what would prompt him to do such a thing as He is perfect “In all His ways”?
If you think about it, God doesn’t need HINDSIGHT. After all, he has a view of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. God is preeminent, all-knowing, and sovereign over all.
So, why would God “repent” or “relent” of something?
The word “repent” means “a change of direction,” and God tells us directly in today’s passage that He did just that. This is certainly worth taking a closer look at…
Here is what Famous Amos, the prophet, tells us, “In my vision, the locusts ate every green plant in sight. Then I said, ‘O Sovereign LORD, please forgive us or we will not survive, for Israel is so small’.” (7:2)
So the Lord RELENTED from this plan. “I will not do it,” he said. (7:3)
Then Amos saw another vision about God’s people being punished with a great fire. The fire had burned up the depths of the sea and was devouring the entire land. So Amos, who is famous for beseeching God, prayed once again, “O Sovereign Lord, please stop or we will not survive, for Israel is so small.” (7:5)
“So, the Lord RELENTED from this plan, too. ‘I will not do that either,” said the Sovereign Lord.” (7:6)
Twice the Lord extended mercy and postponed judgment to the people of Israel at the request of Amos. He gave them more time to repent, but did they?
Next, the Lord held out a plumb line and measured his people by measuring a wall. Was it aligned correctly?
After this, God showed Amos a basket of ripe fruit. Then the Lord said, “Like this fruit, Israel is ripe for punishment! I will NOT DELAY their punishment again!” (8:2)
So, why did God “RELENT” or postpone judgment just because Amos prayed?
There is an interesting passage in the New Testament that gives us an inside glimpse into the Lord's timing on his promises…
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
Another version says that He is not slow “as some count slowness.”
God is looking for righteousness, and He extends grace to give all time to repent, and yet his timetable is also measured with accomplishing His sovereign purpose and plan for the entire world.
Galatians 4:4-7 gives us insight into God’s perfect timing. It is called “The fullness of time.”
“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.”
Do you recall the part about how God held up the PLUMB LINE to measure the wall representing His people?
They didn’t measure up. God gave them prophecies, interventions, miracles, and grace upon grace, but they still sought their own way.
But, in “the fullness of time,” God made a way for his people to “line up” perfectly with His will, not through their own merit but because of the cross.
What does this mean for you and me today?
First, we must realize that even now, God is “RELENTING” in judgment so that more people may come to His gift of grace.
Secondly, He is “RELENTLESS” in love and seeking of his people. In that day, He sent Amos, and today He sends each of us… To pray, to repent, to seek mercy and forgiveness, and to boldly stand until “The fullness of time.”
I used to work with a friend who called me “A Bubble Person.” I really wasn’t too sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing when I first heard it, but then she described it to me…
Have you ever seen a level? If something is anchored and straight, the line matches up perfectly, centered in the middle. It doesn’t move from side to side or waver up and down with emotions and circumstances. It stands firmly lined up with the PLUMB LINE.
God is still looking for people today to aligned with His Word, His Will, and His Ways. We are to pray while there is still time. He is still looking for “Bubble People” like you and me!
