A Famine of Hearing the Words of the Lord

“The days are coming,” declares the Sovereign Lord, “when I will send a famine through the land-not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the Lord (Amos 8:11 NIV).

The Bible says that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Therefore a famine of hearing the words of the Lord can be devastating. And we are almost at the verge of it. 

Today God’s Word is preached to those with itching ears (Read 2 Timothy 4:3-5). Truth is not a popular commodity today. In fact, it never was. So, we are actually beginning to experience a famine of hearing the words of the Lord.

The surprising thing to note is that this famine is God-ordained. Now why would God do that?

He does so when men reject the truth for popular teachings. People go for popular teaching because it makes them comfortable.

But God’s Word always demands change. The truth confronts, rebukes, corrects and also disciplines. That is sometimes painful. It reveals our sins.

And the Holy Spirit uses God’s Word to bring conviction of sin. That is why it is the Sword of the Spirit. So, when people resist His Word, God sends a famine.

A famine causes hunger and thirst to set in. The next verse says that “Men will stagger from sea to sea and wander from north to east, searching for the word of the Lord.” The result is also predicted: “But they will not find it.”

What a tragedy! Take warning today. Do not take for granted the opportunities that you have to read and study God’s Word for a famine is coming. Take time to hide God’s Word in your heart (Psalm 119:11) and meditate much on it (Psalm 1:2, 3).

Who knows what changes can happen tomorrow, that will deny you the opportunities to read and study God’s Word?

Finally, the Bible warns to allow you to take wise action. Joseph was given the interpretation of a dream. It concerned a famine yet to come.

But God also gave him wisdom to find a solution. He stored grain during the plenty. This stored grain lasted during the famine sustaining the lives of many.

You can also do so today. Store God’s Word in your heart today; that you may have an abundance even during the famine.

More Manna:

But When It Lifted, They Would Set Out

I Will Punish Those Who Are Complacent

A Sudden End

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