Amos 3:1-2 — “You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.” We tend to go easier on the people we’re closest to when they mess up. We might even overlook or excuse their bad behaviour. This was not the case when it came to the LORD and His covenant people Israel. Instead, their special relationship was the reason why He was going to punish them for their sins.
Even though the New Covenant is significantly different to the Old, there is still an important message in this text for Christians. The LORD is very much concerned with our sin and what we do about it.