Day 177, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): 2Kings 14:23-28; Amos 1–6
A Coming Storm
Dark clouds occasionally form on the horizon of our lives. We may hear thunder and see lightning but still not pay attention to lurking danger. The same may be true for economic, health, or financial storms—some ignore the signs.
Many people in this world have shaky shelters. Excellent health, a good paycheck, stocks and bonds, insurance, property, a promising career, and comfortable inheritances are things they may count on to secure their lives. When they feel self-assured, they may no longer fear (have reverence for) the LORD. Perhaps they still attend church and make a show of their religion but do not truly love him. The poor may be disgusting to them; they live self-indulgent lifestyles. Does this describe any of us? Does God care? Will he judge or discipline us?
In today’s Bible reading, the northern tribes of Israel and the southern tribes of Judah are experiencing the benefits of the long prosperous reigns of King Jeroboam II (north) and good King Uzziah (south). The surrounding nations are weak in military strength, so the whole area around the land of Israel is at peace.
Peace provides false security
Peace brings prosperity. Prosperity often leads to a self-indulgent lifestyle and abuse; the rich get richer, and the poor get poorer. In these two nations, injustice reigns, and slothful living is the norm (both physically and spiritually). The people have a false sense of security with no need for God,... or so they think.
An earthquake warning
Two years before a mammoth earthquake rocks the Middle East in 760 B.C., Amos prophesies God’s wrath. The LORD is compared to a lion ready to pounce on the nations surrounding Israel and Judah. Israel’s neighbors have acted or will soon work directly or in cooperation with other countries against her. Her world will be shaken.
Judgment of Nations
Israel is wicked, and the surrounding nations are God’s disciplining arm. However, these nations are still responsible for their vile acts against Israel, the LORD’s chosen people. Their judgment will come when Assyria and (later) Babylon rake through their land for most countries. They will loot and burn their towns and cities, savagely kill their people, and exile many into captivity.
After speaking judgments against the surrounding nations (for three sins, even for four means that God has had enough), the prophet Amos pronounces seven of the harshest sentences against Israel) (more...)
This is what the LORD says: “For three sins of Israel, even for four, I will not turn back my wrath. [1]They sell the righteous for silver, and the needy for a pair of sandals. [2] They trample on the heads of the poor as upon the dust of the ground and [3] deny justice to the oppressed. [4] Father and son use the same girl and so profane my holy name. [5] They lie down beside every altar on garments taken in pledge. [6] In the house of their god they drink wine taken as fines, … made the Nazirites [devoted followers of God] drink wine and [7] commanded the prophets not to prophesy” (Amos 2:6-8,12, NIV).
God is offended because Israel is the nation he formed of one insignificant middle-eastern family.
Hear this word the LORD has spoken against you, O people of Israel-- against the whole family I brought up out of Egypt: “You only have I chosen of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your sins.
See the great unrest within her and the oppression among her people. They do not know how to do right,” declares the LORD, “who hoard plunder and loot in their fortresses.” Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: “An enemy [Assyria in 722 B.C. and Babylon in 586 B.C.] will overrun the land; he will pull down your strongholds and plunder your fortresses” (Amos 3:1-2, NIV; for an explanation of the name Sovereign LORD
While Israel lies at ease, living a hedonistic lifestyle, there is an impending storm of trouble coming to her. God has already disciplined Israel with plagues of drought, famine, hunger, slaughter in military battles, and even with fire. Still, Israel is proud and obstinate and will not turn away from her sins to God for forgiveness. Therefore, Amos prophesies that only one-tenth of Israel will remain after their enemies ravage her (Amos 5:3). What is she to do about it?
How can Israel avert judgment? How can we?
This is what the LORD says to the house of Israel: “Seek me and live; do not seek Bethel, do not go to Gilgal, do not journey to Beersheba [places where they worshipped Baal and Ashteroth, fashioned gods set up by King Jeroboam, son of Nebat]. For Gilgal will surely go into exile, and Bethel will be reduced to nothing.”
Seek the LORD and live, or he will sweep through the house of Joseph [another name for the northern kingdom of Israel] like a fire; it will devour, and Bethel will have no one to quench it” (Amos 5:4-6, NIV).
Have some of us not sought Christ for eternal life and peace? Are we waiting until it is almost too late? God's answer is the same: Seek me and live! Today is the day of salvation (more).
Are some of us obstinate Christians? Do we refuse to turn to the LORD away from our sins? If God disciplined Israel for her wickedness, do we think we will escape? The LORD wants everyone to turn from their sins and live.
Israel feels secure because she is religious, i.e., she still observes the required feasts. This is God’s response:
I hate, I despise your religious feasts; I cannot stand your assemblies. Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them.
Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream! (Amos 5:21-24, NIV)
In summary, God says to Israel: I hate, despise, and can’t stand false religion. I love real Christianity, absolute righteousness, and genuine love.
If we are irreverent in the way we live, we must take the message of Amos seriously. God offers us forgiveness, peace, and spiritual life, but only if we turn to him from our sins and are obedient. Beware the coming storm!
If we are reverent, let this message from Amos be an encouragement. God will not discipline but favor us if we keep seeking the LORD and act with justice and mercy toward others. We can live an abundant life of joy and peace, even if there is turmoil in our family or society.
Discussion:
What warnings does Amos have for Israel? What can we learn from that?
Is there danger in prosperity? How?
Is God against some forms of religion? Why? When is he pleased with our worship?
Focus Verse
Micah 6:8 (NIV) “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
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Looking Ahead: God has had just about enough of Israel's idolatry, wickedness and complacency, but still he is merciful. This is good news if we still need to change. What should we do When God has had Enough? Find out in our Next Lesson.
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