Amos 9

                                                                           

AMOS  JUSTICE and RIGHTEOUSNESS         

 Amos 9, the fifth vision, is of the Temple and real for those of us who live or have lived 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.  

After this I will return and rebuild David's fallen tent.  I will rebuild and restore it, that the remnant of men will seek the Lord, and all Gentiles who bear my name, says the Lord, who does these things that have been known for ages. 

18known from long ago.[b]

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” (that is the meaning of Righteousness) 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.  Jesus said, "I AM the way the Truth and the Life.  No one comes to the Father except through me. " (John 14:6)

 

Amos' message applies to our nation.  Not only are we not following God's Plumb Line, (TRUTH), there is nothing on which to base "right" or "wrong."  The moto of the United States is "In God We Trust."  Is that true?  If not God, in whom or what do we trust?  In Amos' day, God's people wanted the "good life" and be like their neighbors worshipping gods made of stone, wood or metal."  Because they failed to live according to God's Law/ Plumbline, God allowed them to be conquered and scattered throughout the Mediterranean region.        

The Keyword/image of the plumb line and Amos 5:24 reminds us of Amos’ message.  Let Justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream. 

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.

                    (This is the last of my blogs on Amos.  I am going to take a break from writing for a while. I will indicate on my FB and Email when I will resume writing.)

(I have been asked if I could post an outline of Amos.  In the next post, I will publish the outline of Amos I used in preparing for writing the blogs on Amos.)