Amos was called to preach to the ten tribes in the time of Jeroboam II. Jeroboam’s time was a prosperous time. Economically speaking Israel was doing very well. That in itself was fine and good, but the people were more and more becoming self-secure and proud of what they were able to achieve and do. They completely forgot that, apart from God, we cannot even move a finger or do anything—let alone secure our own security.
So how are we doing today? Are we proud of our accomplishments? Do we feel self-secure because of what we have managed to do or because of what we have managed to build up for ourselves? It is one thing for our unbelieving neighbour to be proud; it is much worse for us to become proud! Our God abhors the pride of Jacob!
If he abhors the pride of Jacob,
(and he most certainly does!), what does he love?...The answer is: thankfulness! Our God takes great delight in us when we count all our blessings (blessings that he freely gives to us as we work and apply ourself day after day, month after month, year after year) and express to him our thankfulness for them.
8 The Lord GOD has sworn by himself, declares the LORD, the God of hosts: “I abhor the pride of Jacob and hate his strongholds, and I will deliver up the city and all that is in it.”