SEPTEMBER 9 AMOS 3-5

Amos 3-5

Farmer Amos is finished with the nations around Israel, in these chapters He speaks with spiritual force to Israel, the idolatrous northern kingdom.

God says: “Israel does not know how to do right,” (3:10); nevertheless, the Israelites themselves may be saved (3:12), while their idols and idolatrous altars in Bethel (3:14) and Gilgal (4:4) will be destroyed. God mocks the wealthy women of Samaria by calling them the “cows of Bashan.” “Go worship at your idols,” He tells them in so many words, “See what good it will do you!” (4:4f)

God says, “I tried to reach you again and again, yet you have not returned to me.” (4:11) “Therefore...prepare to meet your God!” (4:12)

We can tell, as we read, that God does not want to bring judgment upon His people. In chapter 5, He continues to call out to them:

• “Seek me and live!” (5:4)
• “Seek the Lord and live! (5:5)
• “Seek good, not evil, that you may live! (5:14)
• “Hate evil, love justice! (5:15)

“Perhaps the Lord God Almighty will have mercy...” (5:15) The opportunity to return to the Lord, to repent of our sins, and to receive the fresh life of His Spirit is still there. Take advantage of it before it is too late. Or, as Isaiah said, “Seek the Lord while he may be found.” (Isaiah 55:6)

What if, after all this, Amos’ listeners are complacent and unmoved? We’ll find out tomorrow!

Your fellow pilgrim through the Prophets,

Pastor Gary