Homilist Amos 4:6-11 And I also have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and want of bread in all your places: yet have you not returned to me… In these verses the Almighty describes the various corrective measures which He had employed for effecting a moral reformation in the character of the Israelites. I. THE CHASTISEMENTS ARE OFTEN OVERWHELMINGLY TERRIFIC. 1. He sometimes employs blind nature, famine, drought, blight, pestilence, sword. 2. He sometimes employs human wickedness. II. THEY ARE DESIGNED FOR MORAL RESTORATION. 1. Men are alienated from God. 2. Their alienation is the cause of all their misery. See the benevolence of all these chastisements. They are to restore souls. III. THE CHASTISEMENTS OFTEN FAIL IN THEIR GRAND DESIGN. "Yet have ye not returned unto Me." This shows — 1. The force of human depravity. 2. The force of human freedom. Almighty goodness does not force us into goodness. He treats us as free agents and responsible beings. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: And I also have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and want of bread in all your places: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD. |
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