Thus says the Lord: “For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment…”
Amos 2:6

Amos, a prophet from Judah, went north to prophesy in Israel. He began with pronouncements of God’s judgment on Syria, Philistia, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, and Moab (1:1-2:3). The inhabitants of Israel were probably happy to hear of God’s displeasure with their pagan enemies. In 2:4-5 Amos pronounced God’s judgment on Judah. This probably pleased the folks in Israel even more. Everybody loves to hear what’s wrong with “the other guy,” and we secretly enjoy contemplating them getting their “comeuppance.” After all, “other people” are the problem in the world, aren’t they?

Then beginning in 2:6, through chapter 6, Amos unleashed a litany of God displeasure and judgment on Israel. (Note how much more ink is devoted to Israel’s pending judgment than on God’s anger with her neighbors.)

We Americans had better be careful about contenting ourselves that we are better than our international enemies, or even our political adversaries at home. We in America have received far more of God’s blessing than any other nation currently in existence. We are, therefore, far more accountable. And yet, wallowing in our supposed prosperity (that is floating on debt that we cannot repay), we expel Christ and the gospel from our public institutions, worshiping the creation instead of our Creator.

Might we be a bit presumptuous in asking God to bless America, when what we deserve is His judgment? Maybe the blessing we should be asking for is the blessing of the gift of repentance—before God sends an Amos our way.