Punishment or Discipline?

Amos: "Burden-bearer". Doesn't sound like a book you're just dying to read, huh? I wonder if his parents had any idea of the prophesy his name foretold. We aren't given a lot of personal information about this prophet, but that doesn't make him any less important. God called Amos from the fields to proclaim His message to the people, and if God is speaking....I wanna listen!

Why do you discipline a child? For his own good, right? I tell my children that if they obey their parents, they will live longer! Hear my laughter in this, as you remember the first commandment that was given with a promise, Exodus 20:12: "Honor your father and mother, that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you." See, it's biblical! But seriously, why do we want loved ones to turn from bad habits that hurt them or others? Why do I need to break bad choices that lead me to an addictive lifestyle? Can I learn from the mistakes of others? Is there a wake-up call??? YES! And that is the very reason we should read a book like Amos, and glean the truth of it.

Read these definitions taken from Merriam-Webster's Dictionary:

Punishment: 1. the act of punishing 2. suffering, pain, or loss that serves as retribution; a penalty inflicted on an offender through a judicial procedure 3. severe rough or disastrous treatment

Discipline: 1. training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character 2. a rule or system of rules governing conduct

Which do you think your heavenly Father is more interested in, punishment or discipline? Have you ever considered there being a difference? Negative consequences are a very good learning tool! But, I have to constantly remind myself in raising my children that I am training for future behavior, NOT punishing for past crime just to somehow "get even" with them for disturbing my peaceful life. This also goes for us, as Christians. If we have confessed Christ as Lord, then we have entered into a covenant relationship with God. We are His people, and are responsible to obey His word and not live as the world does. When we refuse to repent, He has every right to discipline us as Hebrews 12:10 says, "God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness."

Sinful actions do not go unnoticed by our God, Who never sleeps nor slumbers. The first two chapters in this book deal with the coming judgment for Israel's neighbors. Sometimes we wonder about His timing, but we should never doubt the length of His arm. Evil neighbors aren't the only ones He watches. Amos tells us that he prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah in Judah, and Jereboam in Israel. The kingdoms lived in peace with each other at this time, but the northern kingdom of Israel had turned it's back on God. Amos reminded them of the consequences for this, and prophesied that they would be given over in exile to the Assyrians if they did not repent. That's what prophets do, they remind the people of their covenant obligations. King Uzziah was blessed, as long as he sought the Lord.

What is He saying to you? God tells His people in chapter 3, that He fully intends to have their obedience in the covenant relationship. The Message says it like this: "You alone have I chosen of all the families of the earth; therefore I will hold you responsible for all your sins." What about us? Do we need to repent? Have we become complacent in our relationship with God? Have we become so much like our lost friends at work, school, and neighborhoods that we are no longer spiritually relevant? Or maybe we have lost sight of the message of hope He gives, amid all of the trials and discomforts of life? It is my prayer that we would all search our hearts and find out what God wants to show us.

As Joel said, "Rend your hearts, not your clothes."