Voice of God

What is my vocation? For what purpose was I sent into the world? These may be questions you will want to journal, because the obedience that comes out of listening to God puts us securely in our truest vocation.

It is a radical place to be - a place of freedom from the works of the world, the flesh, and the devil.

No longer slaves to sin, but alive to God's voice, we are brought into that spacious place of genuine creativity.

We are makers, ourselves made in the image of our Creative God."

by Leanne Payne in Listening Prayer

SOAP Amos 1:11,12

Scripture:

Thus says the LORD:
“ For three transgressions of Edom, and for four,
I will not turn away its punishment,
Because he pursued his brother with the sword,
And cast off all pity;
His anger tore perpetually,
And he kept his wrath forever.

Observation
The Edomites are the descendents of Esau, the first born brother of Jacob. When Jacob cheated him of his birthright, he was murderously angry. The animosity seems to have been past down the generations with an obsession with revenge and unforgiveness.
The inability to forgive their brothers has been eating them up. Example of the hostility and lack of charity can be found in some 400 years later when the children of Israel asked for permission to past through the Edomites territory on their way to the promise land. (Number 20:14-21)
The Edomites had also been the enemy of Israel during King Saul and King David's reign. Finally, when the judgment of God came upon the apostate Judah when Jerusalem was facing destruction by the Babylonians, the Edomite gloated and rejoiced at their misfortune. (Obadiah 11-14) v12 "Nor should you have rejoiced over the children of Judah, In the day of their destruction;
"
God wants us to not only to forgive but to love our brothers. The New Testament teaching of our Lord Jesus and many of the writings of the apostles affirm this simple but often neglected truth.

"He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now" (1John 2:9);

"Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law." (James 4:11)

Application & Prayer:

Unforgiving attitudes can past down the generations. Endless and often un-necessary feuds and quarrels can ensue. Tribal warfare among brothers is not of God. It is unhealthy and it will consume those who indulge in it.

Lord help me to watch for any unhealthy attitudes in my heart - if there is any. Search me O God, see if there is any wicked ways in me.

You promised to hold us accountable if we have any malice or ill-will against our brothers and sisters. I thank you for you are a God who is gracious and forgiving. You love justice and desire mercy. You ways are higher and your are awesome in glory, majesty, power, wisdom and might. I praise you Lord.