Amos (By Rev. Deacon Margaret Friesen)

OBSERVATION
The Bible Project video on Amos is a great summary of this prophet’s message. For the most part, Amos speaks judgement on the nation of Israel. The judgement prophecies are based on:
Chapters 1&2 – A judgement on all Israel’s neighbour nations because of their harsh treatment and violence against Israel; followed by a judgement on Judah and Israel because their harsh treatment of their own people.
Chapters 3-5 –Judgement against Israel because they worshipped false gods, and subsequently oppressed the poor among them, treating them with unkindness and injustice.
Chapters 6-9a – Continued judgements on Israel for their unkind treatment of the poor and needy in order to add to their own wealth.
Chapter 9b – The final restoration of Israel.
 
INTERPRETATION
Amos uses many similes and metaphors to describe the judgements against the wealthy and those who followed after other gods. For example:  Disobeying God’s laws of righteous living and justice is as wrong as “horses running on craggy ground”, or as “fruit being infiltrated by worms” or “using oxen to plow the sea”.
It seems that no matter what behaviours are brought to try to justify themselves before God, God is saying, “It’s no good, you’re acting from the wrong premise. First you have to believe and trust in the one true God, and to follow God’s commands. Your heart attitude and direction is what really matters to me. As you love and follow me (see John 13:31), you are to love and act with true love and justice towards your neighbours.”
 
 APPLICATION
Again, we are reminded and even driven to our knees to repent of our rebellion against God. And our lack of love for our neighbours.
Please do take this admonition to heart and let the HOLY SPIRIT search your heart. When we confess and receive forgiveness, God Will flood our hearts with praise and with joy. See song “Let your living water flow”.
 
QUESTION
How do you worship God? With your heart? With your mind? With your body? With your spirit?
 
PRAYER
“Our Father in heaven… may Your will be done on earth as in heaven” – in my heart as in my actions.
 
SONG – Let your living water flow