When The Word Is No Longer Welcome
At Claremont community, we’re preparing to launch a bilingual church in September, hoping to reach the Hispanic community. Recognizing the language barrier faced by second-generation families, Pastor Abel Rivera invites prayer and guidance for this exciting journey. In his recent sermon, Pastor Rivera shares a powerful message from Amos chapter 7—a timely word about judgment, mercy, and the urgent call to repentance when God’s word is no longer welcome.
Finding True Security: Lessons from Amos
Pastor Rivera begins by recalling the Titanic disaster, highlighting the story of John Harper, a pastor who didn’t scramble for safety but instead swam from person to person sharing the hope of the Gospel. This historical example sets the stage for Amos’s role in ancient Israel—standing in the gap to intercede as the people faced imminent judgment while refusing God’s warnings.
Main Idea: When God’s word is no longer welcome, His patience gives way to judgment, and only those who respond in repentance will stand.
Four Key Points from Amos 7 & 8
1. Mercy Delayed, Not Denied (Amos 7:1-6)
In two visions—locusts and fire—Amos sees devastating judgment. But he intercedes, pleading “Oh Lord God, please forgive. How can Jacob stand?” God relents, not because the people repent, but because one man appeals for mercy. This highlights God’s patience, which should not be mistaken for permission to continue in sin.
Pastor Rivera compares God’s warnings to the flash of an overheated engine light—a grace-filled signal to pull over and prevent further damage. Ignoring these signs leads to consequences, not because the warning is the problem, but because the chance to act has passed.
Takeaway: If you sense God’s conviction or correction, don’t ignore it. His patience is an opportunity to turn back before true damage occurs.
2. Measured and Found Wanting (Amos 7:7-9)
God shows Amos a plumb line—a tool to measure straightness. Israel is out of alignment with God’s holiness, “crooked and not straight.” The plumb line does not move to fit the wall; it reveals how far we are from God’s standard.
God still uses His word—His “plumb line”—today to measure us by truth and faithfulness, not by worldly achievements or other standards. When placed against our lives, what will He find?
Takeaway: God’s judgment is purposeful, meant to correct and draw us back to Him. Evaluate your life against His Word and respond to His warnings.
3. The Messenger Is Rejected (Amos 7:10-17)
Amaziah, the priest, opposes Amos, telling him to stop prophesying in Israel. Despite the rejection, Amos stands firm: “I was no prophet…I was a herdsman,” but God called him to deliver the message.
Faithful preaching doesn’t avoid hard truths, and rejection must not silence God’s message. It is dangerous to hear and suppress God’s truth—not just ignoring, but actively rejecting His warning.
Takeaway: Your job isn’t to save people, but to faithfully speak the truth in love. God changes hearts—keep shining the light, even if the world rejects it.
4. The End of the Line (Amos 8:1-3)
In the final vision, God shows Amos a basket of ripe summer fruit—a symbol that judgment is imminent and patience has run out. Israel ignored every warning. Now, the time for mercy is past, and consequences are unavoidable.
Acts 17:31 reminds us that God has fixed a day when He will judge the world. The question for us: Who are you interceding for before it’s too late?
Takeaway: Don’t wait to speak to those you care about. Share the hope of Christ, our great intercessor, while there is still time.
Living the Message Today
Pastor Rivera challenges us to stand in the gap—for our families, friends, and even enemies. Jesus, our eternal intercessor, took the judgment we deserve and now intercedes for those who repent. Will we keep ignoring God’s warnings, or surrender to Christ and share His truth with urgency?
In 1912, John Harper used his final moments to plead for souls before the Titanic sank. In Amos’s time, the people ignored every warning until it was too late. Today, let us ask ourselves: Will we listen? Will we speak? Will we stand in the gap?
Action Steps:
Take inventory of your life using God’s Word as your guide.
Pray and intercede for those you care about.
Speak truth in love, even if it risks rejection.
Trust Christ—our hope, righteousness, and refuge.
Prayer:
May God grant us hearts to plead for the lost, lips to speak truth, and faith to proclaim the Gospel with urgency. Let us walk in faith, trusting in Christ alone.
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