Justin Houtz

Amos 4-6; Psalms 86, 87; Titus 1

DateVersionReading Plan
June 29, 2026ESV (2016)ESV Life Journal Plan – 2026

Amos 4-6

Observation & Interpretation

God speaks to the Israelites a swears by Himself that they will be cast out into Harmon (an unknown location) (Amos 4:3). The LORD did many things for them, yet they did not return to Him (Amos 4:6-11). Therefore, God frighteningly declares to them to prepare to meet their God (Amos 4:12). The LORD is the one who forms the mountains and creates the wind, declaring to man what is his thought. The LORD makes the morning darkness and treads the heights of the earth. The LORD, the God of hosts is His name (Amos 4:13).

God tells the Israelites to take up this word over them in lamentation (Amos 5:1). “Amos presents Israel with a funeral dirge lamenting its future destruction (Amos 5:1–3). He follows the lament with a renewed call to repentance, which is filled with warnings of judgment and accusations of sin.” (FSB). Amos declares a woe, describing the day of the LORD, how He despises their feasts and tells the Israelites to take away from Him the noise of their songs (Amos 5:18-24). God tells them that they shall take up Sikkuth their king and Kiyyun their star-god and images they made for themselves and God will send them into exile beyond Damascus (Amos 5:25-27).

The woes continue into chapter 6, woes to those who are ease in Zion (Amos 6:1) and who lie on beds of ivory (Amos 6:4). The LORD has sworn by Himself that He abhors the pride of Jacob, hates his strongholds and will deliver up the city and all that is in it (Amos 6:8). Animal metaphors are used to “highlight the ridiculous and unnatural nature of Israel’s rejection of Yahweh’s justice and righteousness.” (FSB). The LORD declares that he will raise up a nation against them (Amos 6:14).

Application

God is holy, righteous and just in all His ways. Humanity, by stark contrast, is sinful, wicked and rebellious. God is fully just to mete out His judgment for the sin of His people, which He does in due measure. And yet, He so chooses to manifest His grace to restore and redeem the saints in the sending and sacrifice of His Son. How undeserving we are to receive so great a mercy.

Titus 1

Observation & Interpretation

Paul opens his letter to Titus with a greeting, calling Titus his “true child in a common faith” (Titus 1:4). Paul describes the reason why he left Titus in Crete: so that he might put what remained into order and direct elders in every town as Paul directed him (Titus 1:5). Paul then gives the attributes that such elders are to have. They are to be above reproach, the husband of one wife, children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery (Titus 1:6). An overseer is to be above reproach, not quick-tempered or a drunkard, violent or greedy for gain (Titus 1:7). He is to be hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined (Titus 1:8). He is to hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, able to give instruction in sound doctrine and rebuke those who contradict it (Titus 1:9).

Paul speaks of how there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party (Titus 1:10). These are to be silenced because they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach (Titus 1:11). Paul then describes the Cretans as perpetual liars, evil beasts and lazy gluttons (Titus 1:12). Paul tells Titus to rebuke them sharply that they may be sound in the faith (Titus 1:13). The Cretans profess to know God but they deny Him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for any good work (Titus 1:16).

Application

Another contrast is given in this opening chapter of Titus, that of the qualified elder and the Cretans. The former are to demonstrate themselves worthy of the office of elder, pastor, overseer through their healthy fruit of faith and the latter whose character is entirely impoverished. May it be for us to take to heart Paul’s words in the appointment of leaders in the church, that they exemplify the qualities of uprightness and shepherd Christ’s bride toward Him in repentance and faith.

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