Welcome to the book of Amos! Amos is the 3rd of the twelve minor prophets in the Old Testament. The book of Amos was the first Biblical prophetic book written. Amos lived during the time of Hosea and Isaiah about 750 B.C. While he resided in Judah (where Uzziah was king), he was preaching to the northern kingdom of Israel. This book covers many important topics including God’s power and omnipotence, His judgement on those who disobey, and even some social justice issues. As a prophet, Amos was crying out against sin and begging people to repent while telling of God’s impending judgement.
We learn from verse 1 that Amos was a shepherd by trade, and lived in the town of Tekoa in Judah. God spoke to him and gave him the message he would deliver. The message from God came in visions 2 years before the earthquake mentioned in Zechariah 14:5.
The prophecy begins with God’s declaration against Israel. The LORD’S voice will roar from Zion and thunder from Jerusalem! A drought is coming (v.2). Then the LORD proceeds to proclaim judgement on 5 of Israel’s neighbors.
Damascus
The people of Damascus have sinned again and again (this shows God’s patience) and will not go unpunished (v.3). God said He would send down fire on the king’s palaces and on the fortresses. The people will be captured and go into captivity.
Gaza
The people of Gaza have also sinned again and again and will not go unpunished. God will burn their walls with fire and “slaughter” the people from Ashdod. The few Philistines left will be killed.
Tyre
Because of their sin, the people of Tyre will also be punished with fire and destruction.
Edom
The people of Edom sinned by showing no mercy, so God will burn and destroy their fortresses.
Ammon
The Ammonites attacked and brutally killed even pregnant women. God said he would use their enemies to destroy them like a whirlwind in a mighty storm and they would be taken into exile.
WOW! That’s a lot of destruction! Why? God is holy God and will not tolerate sin. What about mine and yours? We sin right? Yes, but if you’ve come into a relationship with God through Jesus, your sin has been dealt with on the cross. Jesus bore the brunt of God’s wrath for your sin.
Spend a moment today thanking Jesus for the cross and His payment for your sin. Confess any outstanding sin and deal with it before you get your day started.
By: Tim Parsons — Lead Pastor
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