“In that day I will restore the fallen house of David. I will repair its damaged walls. From the ruins I will rebuild it and restore its former glory. 12 And Israel will possess what is left of Edom and all the nations I have called to be mine.” The Lord has spoken, and he will do these things. 13 “The time will come,” says the Lord, “when the grain and grapes will grow faster than they can be harvested. Then the terraced vineyards on the hills of Israel will drip with sweet wine! 14 I will bring my exiled people of Israel back from distant lands, and they will rebuild their ruined cities and live in them again. They will plant vineyards and gardens; they will eat their crops and drink their wine. 15 I will firmly plant them there in their own land. They will never again be uprooted from the land I have given them,” says the Lord your God.” Amos 9:11-15 NLT
Lord God,
What an abrupt change from judgement: locusts, fire, a plumb line, fruit ripe for punishment. Then restoration is promised. You are a God or righteousness and yet mercy. Amos prophesied to a nation who would ignore him and suffer famine, war, death and be carried into captivity. Perhaps some of these promises are yet to come.
The Kingdom of Israel had forsaken the line of David. But we know that the promise was kept to Israel and Judah through Jesus. We see today the struggles of the countries in the Middles East to own the land still today. And I make no judgement but only pray that You, God will keep Your promises and one day men will dwell together in peace.
We have seen a restoration of relationship with You, God for all in Jesus. We know that in Jesus all the nations were called to be Yours, Father God. And a time will come when there will be a new heaven and a new earth. I hope we do get to plant and grow and care for a new creation where there are no poisonous or invasive plants! And we who know Jesus can never be uprooted He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.
We live in hope for the present and hope for the future. Like being in two places at one time. Keep us interceding for Your people Israel and Judah and the Middle East to make peace.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Thursday 10th July 2025
Every time I walk on cobblestone
I imagine streets of gold
And beyond this house I’m living in
There are mansions I am told.
I know there’s so much more to life
Than meets these human eyes
Seems I’m always in two places at one time.
Every time the wind blows through the pines
I hear the angels sing
And beyond the smokey mountain tops
There are surely grander things.
Chorus
Now I’ve been called a dreamer
A poor soul out of place
But my heart is firmly planted
In a field of endless faith.
Every time this world has ever
tried to offer me it’s best
I think about the place I’ll see
When I am laid to rest.
Chorus
Now I’ve been called a dreamer
A poor soul out of place
But my heart is firmly planted
In a field of endless faith.
I know there’s so much more to life
Than meets these human eyes
Seems I’m always in two places at one time
Lowell Alexander, Chuck Leonard
CD: Brush Arbor, The Way the River Runs, Benson Music Group.