Amos Chapter 9

Scripture Reading:  Read Amos Chapter 9. 

Christians by Birth:

Amos 9:9-10 - “For I will give the command, and I will shake the people of Israel among all the nations as grain is shaken in a sieve, and not a pebble will reach the ground.  All the sinners among my people will die by the sword, all those who say, ‘Disaster will not overtake or meet us.’”  (NIV)

Have you ever heard of a professional athlete who was born into it?  The truth is, there is no such thing as an athlete who has been born as an athlete.  They may come from a family of athletes with a bent of athleticism, but they must pursue the endeavor to become one. 

I’ve heard some in the church say they were “born Christian.”  Unfortunately, this concept is just not biblical.  Of course, we can be born into a Christian home and raised in the ways of the Lord; that is a very good thing.  However, no one has ever been born as a follower of Christ. 

Amos challenges the people of Israel who are living in sin. The fact that they were born into the Israelite family doesn’t mean they’re walking in a relationship with the Lord. No, most of these Israelites were far from God. The same is true for Christians today; to be Christian means to believe in the Lord Jesus and walk in obedience. 

Prayer:  I pray, Lord Jesus, that you would elevate my understanding of what it means to be a Christian.  Help me, Jesus, to be part of the faithful remnant, sincerely committed to following you.