Amos 3:6-7 - Judgment is God's prerogative

Scripture:

Amos 3:6-7
6 If a trumpet is blown in a city will not the people tremble?
If a calamity occurs in a city has not the Lord done it?
7 Surely the Lord God does nothing
Unless He reveals His secret counsel
To His servants the prophets.
NASU


Thoughts:

Whenever disaster strikes, whether it be in an individual's life or a community, there are often those quick to announce it as God's judgment.  However, I think we must be careful to take heed to these verses. 

Does God bring judgment?  Clearly, He has.  However, in the absence of prophets today in the Old Testament sense, He is no longer communicating any judgments, except for those yet to come.  Therefore, we must be careful in trying to associate calamity with God's hand.

Calamity in a person's life does not equate to judgment any more clearly than prosperity does to His favor.  After all, some of the most godly men and women of past ages had terribly difficult lives, whereas some of the most ungodly, seemed to have a life of ease.  In my view, we are best to leave the pronouncements to God, and keep watch instead over how we live our own lives, day by day.


Prayer:

God, help me to not jump to conclusions regarding what You may or may not be doing in the lives of others.  Help me instead to keep my eyes focused on You.  Following as You lead me, no matter the disaster or abundance that may be in the lives of others.

Amen

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.