February 14: LOVE IN HIS EYES
“For surely I will command, and will sift the house of Israel among all nations, As grain is sifted in a sieve; Yet not the smallest grain shall fall to the ground.” Amos 9:9
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. 2 Chronicles 16:9a
It is only the gracious and undeserved love of God behind the scattering of Israel — with their knowledge of salvation’s plan — among the heathen nations. The causative form of the verb translated sift refers to the turbulent afflictions inevitably prevalent among the pagans. While being tossed about with various challenges and persecutions, there were some who humbly recognized their own disobedience to God and desired to return to Him. Such an individual becomes the smallest grain in the loving eyes of the Omniscient One.
In the sieve of trials, it is determined who are the loyal followers of the LORD. It is often a specific crisis serving as a “fork in the road” that presses a soul into making a conscious choice. Scripture informs us that the vast majority will actively choose to cleave to heathen ways (Matthew 7:13-14). They will refuse to come out of the “captivity” of sin’s prison house, and by default, will fall deeper into rebellion. Many will blame God for their woes. But all who desired to return to the LORD have been a witness for Him among the nations.
Amos was called to the unpleasant duty of pointing out Israel’s sins, that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will (2 Timothy 2:26). But it was his joy to close his writings with positive notes revealing clues as to the ultimate benefits of redemption. Israel’s failure was caused by their own refusal to submit to the simple restrictions and requirements of God (all of which were the Creator’s protection mode for their physical and spiritual safety). Nevertheless, a small remnant would escape into the coming kingdom of Glory.
During the lifetime of Amos, Israel was reveling in heady clouds of national optimism. With nearby military enemies subdued and Assyria not yet considered any sort of threat, the likelihood that their most courageous men of might . . . would flee naked (2:16) seemed absurd. The genuine love in the heart of Amos for his brethren was a reflection of the love of God. It gave him no pleasure to highlight the dangers of moving away from the Source of life, even though he did it in love. By contrast, it was with anticipatory joy that he reminded them of future pleasures God would have in lavishing the riches of abundant life upon all who would choose Him.
On that day I will raise up . . . repair damages . . . rebuild . . . bring back the captives . . . I will plant them in their land, and no longer shall they be pulled up From the land I have given them,” says the LORD your God. Amos 9:11,14,15