Three strikes - and four, YOU'RE OUT!

Current morning devotion finds this believer in the book of Amos. 

When reading Amos 3.3, the familiar words begin to take on new meaning.  

Well, "CAN two walk together, except they be agreed?"  
(Amos 3.3)


This verse is sandwiched between the following:
"For three transgressions...and for four...I WILL NOT turn away..." 
(Amos 1.3, 6, 9, 11, 13; 2.1, 4, 6)

Most preach/say that Amos 3.3 is meant for repairing fellowship between Christians.  While that makes for good preaching, this voice is moved to dig a little deeper.
The verses quoted in parenthesis occur before and after Amos 3.3.  
In  vulgar vernacular terminology, "fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice shame on me."  So, whattya do with the third and fourth "transgressions?"

Well, lets look a bit at the meaning of numbers in scripture:

1. Unity, Beginnings 
2. Union, Division, Witnessing 
3. Resurrection, Divine Completeness 
4. Creation, World, Worldliness
   

Looks pretty simple to me:

One -    the One, the only Triune God is always right

Two -    Maybe one didn't comprehend the error/sin the first time.  Then, preaching of the  Word (which "does not return void (Isa 55.11) should move correction/repentance in the heart of the believer.  That is  "in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established."  (Mt 18.16, 2 Cor 13.1, Deu 19.15) 

Three -  If you have to be told a third time, then judgment will be "complete," swift and sure. (I Pet 4.17)  If judgement begins at the house of the Lord, i.e., if one repents and makes any restitution necessary to set all aright, then the severest punishment may be stayed.

Four -    If, a fourth warning is sounded, the only hope is by way of the grave.  The Lord will never allow His Name to be reproached by sinful behaviors in the believer.  (Mk 3.29), Thus stubborn, stiff-necked rebellion is "without remedy." (Prov 29.1)  


Conclusion:  This heart believes the familiar verse in Amos 3.3 refers to the relationship
between the Lord and His people.  If all scripture is given for "...doctrine and reproof," a whole new light is shed on this passage.  The only relationship of importance is that between the Father and His children.  If that relationship is right, others will follow suit or fall away because of the truth.  In any case, to God be the glory for His Word, Truth and Will!

	XXX X, you're OUT! Unlike the human heart, the Heavenly Father is slow to anger and full of mercy to allow such stubborn,  stiff-necked behavior.  However, heed the warning in (Deu 6.16); "Ye SHALL NOT tempt the Lord your God..."  Because, "the wages of sin IS death..." (Rom 6.23)