(REFLECTIONS ON Amos 2:1-16)

Amos now turns to Judah and Israel. For three transgressions of Judah/Israel and four, the Lord says, “I will not revoke its punishment.” If Judah and Israel got any satisfaction from the judgment of the nations, they quickly discovered that the same pattern of wickedness in the nations, was also in their own hearts as well.

None is found worthy of the Lord.

12 “But you made the Nazirites drink wine,
And you commanded the prophets saying, ‘You shall not prophesy!’

The Nazirites were set apart and devoted to the Lord. Their abstinence from wine was part of their consecration to Him. Israel was taking what had been consecrated to the Lord and attempting to pull it back toward ordinary, worldly desires. Israel also commanded their prophets to not speak the Word of God. They silenced their prophets, even to the point of death.

Turning what was holy devoted to the Lord, and the Word of the Lord, away from God led to the transgressions of Israel. Yes, none is found worthy of the Lord.

And that is why Israel, the Jews, the entire world needs a Savior that is worthy. But who is worthy? Worthy is the Lamb of God, the Lamb that was slain, the Son of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Worthy is the Lamb!

And that is why we come to the cross, where Jesus Christ died for our sins, for our unworthiness. That is why we can’t save ourselves, because neither the nations nor the chosen people of God could save themselves. Let us use this song, “Worthy is the Lamb,” to worship and thank God for Jesus Christ.

He is worthy, because none is found worthy of the Lord.

Pastor Michael Lu
Enduring Word Bible Commentary: Amos 2