Contemplative Bible Reading

Amos 2:4 (New Living Translation)

This is what the Lord says:

“The people of Judah have sinned again and again,
and I will not let them go unpunished!
They have rejected the instruction of the Lord,
refusing to obey his decrees.
They have been led astray by the same lies
that deceived their ancestors.

In his book of prophecy, Amos declares the wrongs of nearby nations and now discusses Judah. What is the primary sin of Judah?

They have rejected the instruction of the Lord

Several English translations use the phrase “law of the Lord.” I like the one shown above and the word “instruction” instead of “law.” God was teaching His people how to live well, not just giving them a written set of laws with prescribed fines for violations.

How do I live today? Do I allow the fruits of the spirit to surface? Do I suppress God’s gifts and instructions? What is wrong with me? Please God, help me in my unbelief.