Saturday, November 21
Read Amos 9
Think About It:
What a book! We can be sure His Word is true! Amos is a mighty prophet who tells truth and also gives hope.
A.W. Tozer correctly says, “The essence of idolatry is the entertainment of thoughts about God that are unworthy of Him.” The people of Israel created their gods in their own image and held such a low view of Jehovah that they thought He would approve of their sinful ways. Amos reminded them of the greatness of the God they thought they were worshiping. He is the God of creation, who can melt the earth with a touch and make the land rise and fall like the swelling of the Nile River. He controls the heavens, the earth, and the seas, and no one can stay His hand.
Jehovah is the God of history, who showed His great power by delivering the Jews from the bondage of Egypt. He claimed them for His own people, His special possession. Yet they turned against him and went their own way. Therefore, He will have to treat the Jews as he treats the Gentiles! The self-confident sinners, who don’t expect to be punished, are the ones who will be slain by the sword (verse 10).
In contrast to God’s destroying the Israelite house of false worship, God will raise up the “hut” of David, thereby assuring a bright future for the people of Israel and Judah. Like a rickety shack, David’s dynasty was about to collapse. And from the Babylonian captivity to this present hour, there has been no Davidic king ruling over the Jews; and though a Jewish nation has been restored, they had no king, priest, temple, or sacrifice.
But one day, the LORD will restore, repair, and rebuild the dynasty of David and establish the kingdom He promised. When Jesus Christ comes again, the breach between Israel and Judah will be healed, and there will be one nation submitted to one king. God will bless the land and the people, and His people shall live in peace and security. It will be a time of peace and prosperity to the Glory of the LORD.
Amos ends his prophecy with a wonderful promise that Israel shall be planted, protected, and never again pulled up from her land “says the LORD your God”. Your God! What a great encouragement for the Jews to know that, in spite of their unbelief, their God will be faithful and keep His covenant promises. COME LORD JESUS, COME!!
Family Time:
- Where will people try to escape? (verses 2-3)
- What promise was given to Israel? (verses 14-15)
