Words of Warning Through a Shepherd

Words of Warning Through a Shepherd

Date: Aug. 16, 2014

Passage

Amos 1:1-15 (ESV)

1 The words of Amos, who was among the shepherds of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel, two years before the earthquake.

2 And he said:

  “The LORD roars from Zion
    and utters his voice from Jerusalem;
  the pastures of the shepherds mourn,
    and the top of Carmel withers.”

3 Thus says the LORD:

  “For three transgressions of Damascus,
    and for four, I will not revoke the punishment,
  because they have threshed Gilead
    with threshing sledges of iron.
4   So I will send a fire upon the house of Hazael,
    and it shall devour the strongholds of Ben-hadad.
5   I will break the gate-bar of Damascus,
    and cut off the inhabitants from the Valley of Aven,
  and him who holds the scepter from Beth-eden;
    and the people of Syria shall go into exile to Kir,”
      says the LORD.

6 Thus says the LORD:

  “For three transgressions of Gaza,
    and for four, I will not revoke the punishment,
  because they carried into exile a whole people
    to deliver them up to Edom.
7   So I will send a fire upon the wall of Gaza,
    and it shall devour her strongholds.
8   I will cut off the inhabitants from Ashdod,
    and him who holds the scepter from Ashkelon;
  I will turn my hand against Ekron,
    and the remnant of the Philistines shall perish,”
      says the Lord GOD.

9 Thus says the LORD:

  “For three transgressions of Tyre,
    and for four, I will not revoke the punishment,
  because they delivered up a whole people to Edom,
    and did not remember the covenant of brotherhood.
10   So I will send a fire upon the wall of Tyre,
    and it shall devour her strongholds.”

11 Thus says the LORD:

  “For three transgressions of Edom,
    and for four, I will not revoke the punishment,
  because he pursued his brother with the sword
    and cast off all pity,
  and his anger tore perpetually,
    and he kept his wrath forever.
12   So I will send a fire upon Teman,
    and it shall devour the strongholds of Bozrah.”

13 Thus says the LORD:

  “For three transgressions of the Ammonites,
    and for four, I will not revoke the punishment,
  because they have ripped open pregnant women in Gilead,
    that they might enlarge their border.
14   So I will kindle a fire in the wall of Rabbah,
    and it shall devour her strongholds,
  with shouting on the day of battle,
    with a tempest in the day of the whirlwind;
15   and their king shall go into exile,
    he and his princes together,”
      says the LORD.

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Daily Bread

Introduction to Amos

Amos was one of the twelve Minor Prophets. This book was written to Northern Israel during the reigns of Jeroboam ll of Israel and Uzziah (Azariah) of Judah (760 to 750 BC.) Its purpose was to pronounce judgment upon Israel for their complacency, idol worship and oppression of the poor. Soon Israel would be conquered by Assyria and the rich oppressors would themselves become slaves. Their destruction would come forty years later after God's prophecy through Amos.

But God tried to reach out to the people of Israel one more time, through a servant of God like Amos. Amos came from humble beginnings, for he tended sheep and fig trees. But he was called to speak God's word to the people who were living extravagant lives. He preached repentance, calling for justice and righteousness. He is an inspiration for all who came from humble beginnings and are called by God to speak truth to their generation. His message rings true for every generation tempted by materialism and idols.

The following is a short summary of the book of Amos...

(i) Judgment on the Gentiles (1:1-2:3)

(ii) Judgment on Israel (2:4-16)

(iii) Israel's guilt (3:1-6:14)

(iv) Five visions: Locusts, Fire, Plumb Line, Basket of Ripe Fruit, The Lord by the Altar (7:1-9:10)

(v) Israel's restoration and God's hope (9:11-15)

Key Verse: 1:2

And he said:

  “The LORD roars from Zion
    and utters his voice from Jerusalem;
  the pastures of the shepherds mourn,
    and the top of Carmel withers.”

First, Amos was called from humble beginnings (1-2). He was not a professional but a shepherd and a fig grower. He was a lay minister, called to give God's word to the people. God uses people from ordinary backgrounds and rural settings in his work. We may not feel that our position is important, but it is of utmost importance to God if you are where God wants you to be. God can work through you in many unique and wonderful ways.

Second, God reveals his plans (8-10). Amos told of what God would do, to whom and why. The first nations harassed Israel from ancient times. The other nations were related to Israel. But they, too, were enemies. God would call them to task for their inhumanity and lack of regard towards those with whom they had a special relationship. God would judge their crimes, roaring like a lion. Nobody can get away with wickedness. God sees and cares. He looks from heaven on the weak and the downtrodden. He is mighty to save and deliver.

Prayer: Lord God Almighty, thank you for working through lay ministers. Help us to deliver your word faithfully.

One Word: The Lord roars because he cares

In the Eyes of the Lord

2 Kings 15:17-38

Key Verse: 15:34

And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that his father Uzziah had done.

Today's Question

What is the first commandment?

See answer and references

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