Amos – Be Still…

Amos 5:21-24 – What Does God Want?

Our reading may seem a bit obscure at first, so it’s helpful to have a little context. Amos was a prophet living in the time of the more well-known prophet, Isaiah, who was used by God to warn the Israelite people of coming destruction. Amos also brought this warning to the people, and just verses before, he was pleading with the people to repent.

Despite being part of a section warning people of the coming judgment, Amos speaks wisdom to us in support of our theme, “Living as God Desires.” What do we see in that regard? Just a few verses earlier, in verses 14 and 15, Amos says this in his cry to repent: “Do what is good and run from evil so that you may live! Then the Lord God of Heaven’s Armies will be your helper, just as you have claimed. Hate evil and love what is good; turn your courts into true halls of justice. Perhaps even yet the Lord God of Heaven’s Armies will have mercy on the remnant of his people.” Continue reading “Amos 5:21-24 – What Does God Want?”

Amos 9:11-15 – Restored!

Read Amos 9:11-15

Is there something you’re struggling with right now that you pray God will restore for you? Maybe it’s a relationship, maybe it’s a bank account, maybe it’s to ignite your faith. Whatever it is for you, imagine that it has been accomplished. The restoration has taken place.

The hope we read about in today’s reading speaks of a restoration that was prophesied about and then actually happened. God’s promise to rebuild is meant to give the Israelites hope. Even though they have had a hard time believing they are in for some disciplinary destruction, at least they will have these words to rest upon when they find themselves stuck in exile, feeling abandoned and alone.

Amos 9:1-10 – All Escape Routes Closed

Read Amos 9:1-10

We have the fifth and final vision Amos records for us. This one is special because of God’s presence seen by Amos at the altar. There are very few people who have seen God, so Amos is immediately set apart as belonging to a special class of God’s ambassadors. We can also be ambassadors for God in our own circles and beyond. What does that look like for you?

In this intimate encounter, God confirms all of the messages he has already given Amos. This vision is thought to be one Amos received at a time later than the other visions. Take a moment to just let these words settle. “Then I saw a vision of the Lord standing beside the altar.” Seeing God is an honor I can only imagine having. How will it feel?

Amos 8:1-14 – What Happens to Ripe Fruit?

Read Amos 8:1-14

What ripe fruit did you picture in the basket Amos saw? I pictured mangos. Our neighbor has as a gigantic mango tree, and there is no way anyone can get to the fruit near the top (without a crane). Eventually, the ground is covered with those forgotten ripe fruit. We’re in the season now where you have to watch where you walk in their yard; it’s like a mine field of fallen fruit.

What I loved about Amos’ vision is that he and God had a conversation about it. God wanted to make sure Amos understood the significance he was meant to take away. Even though the vision was telling of a very unpleasant outcome, the mere fact that Amos communicated with God must have been an exquisite experience. Can you just imagine what that would be like?

Amos 7:10-17 – Watch Out, Amos!

Read Amos 7:10-17

We get our first glimpse of potential danger for Amos when a priest from Bethel gets word of Amos’ declarations from God. This priest, Amaziah, is not at all welcoming and begins to stir things up for Amos. You’ve probably heard the phrase, “don’t shoot the messenger.” That’s a little of what Amos may be facing, yet we don’t see any threats of physical harm.

Amaziah wants Amos to go back and be a prophet in his own land. Amos stands his ground and said, “the Lord called me away from my flock and told me, ‘Go and prophesy to my people in Israel.’” Amos was being obedient to God. I’m sure there were plenty of times when Amos wondered why he had been chosen to speak to Israel when he was from Judah. He didn’t question God. Can you think of a time when you questioned God’s movement in your life?