We rarely read the prophetic books of the Old Testament, or if we do read them, we read only the “hopeful” portions. The majority of them just seem irrelevant—weird, cranky preachers talking about obscure places and events, mentioning the anger of God and foretelling horrific judgment. But if we look closer, these books still speak to us. Amos is a great example. A prophet sent to a highly religious and affluent society to show them how God truly felt about them is an apt wakeup call to American Christians today. Will we listen?
Part 1: A Shot Across the Bow
The Israelites of Amos’ time thought that God’s judgment was for everyone but them. But God sent Amos to give them the hard message they needed to hear. Are we open to hearing how God truly feels about us?
Amos is a hard book to read (and preach), but there is also grace in this message. In chapter 9, God promised to…
The visions God gives to Amos help us better understand how God’s judgment works. It’s not the result of God “losing His temper” or us getting on His last nerve. He gives us…
Israel was still devoutly religious, but God wasn’t impressed. Here’s why: He demands both justice and righteousness…
Amos preached against the “cows of Bashan,” wealthy women who perpetuated injustice in that society. What are the…
We rarely read the prophetic books of the Old Testament, or if we do read them, we read only the “hopeful” portions. The majority of them just seem irrelevant…