Amos 2:6-10, 13-16, Psalm 50:16-23, Matthew 8:18-22
My Beloved, when we sin with impunity, when we shut our ears and are deaf to the cries of the poor as we trample them underfoot, when the lust of the flesh supersedes every other impulse; when our pastimes involve outdoing the other with the depravity of our sins and we hurtle headlong into the deadly abyss of illicit pleasure and desire, then Verses 13 - 16 warn that You will strike and the punishment will be swift and You will exact just retribution for the wages of sin is death. Sinners defy God at their own peril.
Psalm 50:16-23
My Beloved, in verse 22 You speak clearly about what will happen to one who deliberately and purposefully chooses evil over good. You will tear them to pieces but those who offer thanksgiving and who walk in innocence in the way You have marked for us will be saved. The evil doer will receive swift, just and fitting punishment but the children of the light You will keep close to You.
Matthew 8:18-22
My Beloved, You remind us that we cannot take the call to discipleship lightly. It entails commitment and sacrifice. Each receives a different call to serve according to Your will. You know the heart of men for nothing is hidden from You. The crowds pressed around You for only what they could get - their hearts remained from You and fromt he Kingdom that You came to establish.
The teacher who asked to follow You was warned that he would have to give up all creature comforts and embrace a life of austerity. The disciple who made excuses when You invited him to follow You was advised that there was no turning back once he put his hand to the plough.
We must embrace the call to discipleship generously and without conditions only then is it pleasing and acceptable in Your sight.
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