Background:
- Amos was a sheep breeder and farmer from Tekoa (town 10 miles south of Jerusalem).
- Amos was respected in his community.
- Amos lived at a time when things were good materially and the kingdoms were stable.
- Rich got richer and the poor got pooer.
- Morality was at an all time low. Slavery rose and standards fell.
- Religion flourished but Israel's relationship with God diminished.
The Lord God Almighty, the sovereign Ruler of the universe, would come as a Warrior to judge the nations that had rebelled against His authority. Israel in particular would be punished for her covenant violations against Him. Though the nation would be destroyed, God will preserve a repentant remnant from among the people. One day this remnant will be restored to political prominence and covenant blessing. And then, through them, God will draw all nations to His name. - The Bible Knowledge Commentary
Scripture
1 This message was given to Amos, a shepherd from the town of Tekoa in Judah. He received this message in visions two years before the earthquake, when Uzziah was king of Judah and Jeroboam II, the son of Jehoash, was king of Israel.
2 This is what he saw and heard:
"The Lord's voice will roar from Zion
and thunder from Jerusalem!
The lush pastures of the shepherds will dry up;
the grass on Mount Carmel will wither and die."
3 This is what the Lord says:
"The people of Damascus have sinned again and again,
and I will not let them go unpunished!
6 This is what the Lord says:
"The people of Gaza have sinned again and again,
and I will not let them go unpunished!
Observations
- God chose faithful farmer to deliver His message
- God revealed a detailed vision to Amos
- Amos pronounces judgment on the first of several cities
- God is patient to a point
- God's wrath is nothing to mess with
Applications
- Sound forth a warning of coming judgment
- Don't let material blessings mask a spiritual problem
- Thank God for pouring out His wrath on Jesus
- Run to Jesus
Prayer
God please reveal to me the importance of not valuing the material over the spiritual. Material, outward stuff is not the best indication of Your blessings. Thank You for using ordinary men to accomplish Your purpose and plan. Thank You for Your patience. Thank You that because of Jesus I don't have to experience Your wrath. I ask that You empower me to run to Jesus!
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