AMOS: Prophet of Justice and Righteousness -- Chapter 9 and last in series.

              AMOS:  PROPHET OF JUSTICE and RIGHTEOUSNESS         

Amos 9, the fifth vision is of the Temple, is real for us living in earthquake territory.  Note the message of v.1-4.  V. 7 God would not treat Israel differently than other nations.  God is not just the God of Israel and Judah, but sovereign over all nations, and the universe.

 Amos’ message is not only judgment but also a promise of restoration and prosperity v. 11-15. Amos ends with a sense of hope.  Interwoven throughout Amos is God’s warning but also an appeal for Israel to turn from her selfish lives and return to God.  In the midst of judgment there is opportunity for escape.  Israel did not change her ways until it was too late.  Israel failed to hear God’s promise of one day returning to the land from which they were taken and rebuilding the society that once existed.  Amos spoke in a time of prosperity and peace.  They couldn’t believe they would lose it all.  Maybe while in captivity, seeking for answers as to why,  Amos 9:11-12 was discovered.

The promise was not fulfilled by an earthly political ruler, but by the Messiah.  The Apostle James quoted this verse, Acts 15:16-17, finding the promise fulfilled in Jesus’ resurrection and the presence of Jews and Gentiles in the Christ’s church.       

V. 13-17 describes a time of prosperity.  God is Just and will not tolerate evil.  Judgment will come at one point or another.  However, there is always hope of forgiveness.

Amos:  Prophet of Justice and Righteousness, called people to a “right relationship” with God and each other.  Israel exchanged her relationship with God for relationships with other gods.  The consequences: the poor were neglected and self-satisfaction dominated.  What looked like a healthy society on the surface would soon collapse.  All the prophesies were fulfilled.

What is the purpose of studying Amos and what does it have to do with Jesus and us?  Scripture does not condemn wealth.  When wealth is shared with those in need The Heart of Jesus is revealed.            

The Keyword/image of the plumb line and Amos 5:24 remind us of Amos’ message.

Prayer:

Pray that God will show you how to equitably use the resources God has given you in ministering to those in need.  Pray also that you are in a right relationship with God and are living according to His plumb line and His Word.  Continue praying for those in leadership of our nation.

AMOS: Prophet of Justice and Righteousness -- Chapter 8

              AMOS:  PROPHET OF JUSTICE and RIGHTEOUSNESS         

The plumb line is great way of remembering the message of Amos.  Read Amos 8, which has another vision.  What does this vision have in common with the three in Amos 7?   How is it different?  

Several years ago, before the drought, our plum tree was abundant with fruit.  We picked them before the squires, birds and yes a coyote ate them, as they had the previous year.  Our purpose was to give them to neighbors and take some to church.  First, we would enjoy some of the delicious fruit and make jelly etc.  Because of busy schedules, by the time we were ready to give away the fruit, it was overripe, not the fresh not as beautiful as when they were picked.  There was terrible smell.  We learned many lessons and were heartbroken that others were not able to enjoy the fruit because of our preoccupation with other things.

Note the specific charges in this vision.  What does it say about the condition of Israel?  Hear this v. 4-14.   Is spoken, to among others, wealthy merchants who rob the poor and trample down the needy!,        who kept the religious festivals but not in the right spirit:  Can’t wait for the Sabbath day to be over …  We are only in the first week of Lent, yet some Christians who are required to fast or avoid eating certain foods are likely saying:  “I miss …”  Lent is not so much about “giving something up … as doing something for someone, listening to a person or demonstrating the heart of Jesus.  Ritual without a genuine spirit of serving God is a sham and meaningless.

Apathy towards God’s Word would result in famine.  Not food or water but in not hearing the words of the Lord.  People will stagger … searching for word of the Lord, but will not find it.

Imagine if you had no access to a Bible or worship services, would you stagger searching for God’s Word?  Give thanks to God for the freedom and opportunity of reading the Bible, God’s Word.

Prayer:

Give thanks to God for His Word.  Pray for those who are forbidden from reading the Bible or have never heard of the transformative love shown through the heart of Jesus.                                                 Pray that the Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) will be evident in your life. 

AMOS: Prophet of Justice and Righteousness -- Chapter 7

              AMOS:  PROPHET OF JUSTICE and RIGHTEOUSNESS         

What is a plumb line?  What is it used for?  Read Amos 7.  There are three visions in this chapter.  What are they?  What are the consequences of each of the visions?  Vs. 7-9 is a vision of a Plumb line.  What do you learn about the plumb line?  Today we may also use a level or laser for the same purpose.  

A plumb line is a “A cord from which a metal weight is suspended pointing directly to earth’s center of gravity;  used  to determine the vertical from a given point.”   (Dictionary, Farlex)                            In other words, it is a device used to ensure the straightness of a wall.  A wall that is not straight will eventually collapse.  God said:  I will test my people with this plumb line.  I will no longer ignore all their sins.  How do you determine whether something is in plumb with God’s Will?

The “Center of Gravity”  ensures the plumb line is perfectly vertical and the measurement is trustworthy.  So too it is God’s Word/Law:  gives us a foundation and measure that it trustworthy.   When followed we are plumb with the Heart of Jesus.  Visiting the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas we learned how Astronauts have to “adjust “ to the lack of gravity.  At first it is “fun,” then energy is used looking for something to hold on to.  It impacts how food is prepared and eaten and how to get rid of waste.   There is a deterioration of the bones.  NASA is preparing to send people to Mars.  Before then, there will need to find a solution for osteoporosis.  I am sure there are many you hoping that will be soon.  Are we grasping for solutions other than God’s Laws as illustrated by gravity?   Are we like Israel, leaving God’s Law and turning to other gods?     

Notice Amos’s pray to God on behalf of Israel, v. 2 & 5.  What did God do?  Do we intercede for our nation, family and friends?  V. 10-17 illustrates how people may react when we talk about God’s plumb line.       

Prayer:

Prayer is a powerful privilege.  Let us pray for our Nation, it’s leaders in Government , Business and Education that they would follow God’s plumb line.  Pray for your family and friends that they may know and follow God’s Word.  (Read Psalm 119:1-9)      

AMOS: Prophet of Justice and Righteousness - Outline

The Title                                                                                       (1:1)
     Identification of Amos ("burdened bearer") and
             location in Israel's history (Pre-Exile, 760-753 B.C.)
     The Voiced of Yahweh (God)                                                 (1:2)

I.  Oracles Against the Nations (Circular Condemnation)           (1:2)
          A.  Prophecies against neighboring states                          (1:3-2:3)
                     Syria (Damascus)  Phoenicia (Tyre)  Ammon
                     Philistia (Gaza)      Edom                   Moab
          B.  Prophecies against Judah and Israel                              (2:4-16)

II. Judgment Against Israel                                                           (3-6)
         A.  "Your election does not absolve you from guilt."          (3:1-2)
         B.  "Judgment part of the Covenant."                                   (3:1-18)
         C.   Sins of Israel and their rewards.                                     (3:9-4:5)
                    "Perverted Righteousness" and "Playing Religion."   
         D.   Yahweh's repeated warnings have fallen on deaf ears.  (4:6-11)
         E.    The way of escape.                                                        (5:4-17)
         F.    "Day of the Lord -- Not what you expect!"                   (5:18-20)
        G.     "Playing at Religion -- nauseating worship."                (5:21-26)
        H.      Final Rewards -- luxurious living condemned.            (5:27-6:24)

III. Five Visions of Coming Judgment                                           (7:1-9:10)
                        -- Brief biographical note.                                       (7:10-17)
        A.  Locust swarm                                                                    (7:1-3)
        B.  Divine fire                                                                          (7:4-6)
        C.  Plumb Line                                                                        (7:7-9)
        D.  Basket of summer fruit                                                       (8:1-3)
                        ("Hear this" -- against wealthy merchants.)             (8:4-14)
        E.  Stricken Temple                                                                  (9:1-4)

IV. Promise of Restoration and Prosperity                                      (9:11-15)
                        "Never to be rooted out ..."

V.  Key word for Amos is Plumb Line to remember theme.

VI. Verse to memorize:  Amos 5:24 (New International Version)
                        "Let justice roll on like a river,
                          righteousness like a never-failing stream."