Amos

This is written by Amos, a shepherd in Israel. The chapter talks about coming judgment for cities, nations, and people that have either kept sinning against Israel or against God in general.

Principles: God sees the actions of all people.

Amos again shares prophecies of judgment of both nations other than Israel and Judah and Israel and Judah based on their sin.

Principles: God is fair in judgment and does not play favorites.

Here God is calling out Israelites in Samaria that are following false gods. God is telling that he has tried to use negative circumstances to bring them back but they wouldn’t come back. So God is pointing towards more negative circumstances like captivity.

Principles: God wants us for Himself.

This chapter is a call to repentance. It outlines what happens when they don’t repent and what God wants His people to avoid doing.

Principles: God wants true worshippers.

This chapter gives a picture of the popular/beautiful/arrogant people that have been living the life with no real purpose or meaning and their coming destruction.

Principles: The parallels to this generation are striking. Pray for the United States.

Amos is given several visions from God about what God was going to do to discipline Israel. For the first two Amos prays and asks God not to do them and God relents and says He won’t do them. The third one he doesn’t ask God not to do. Then a priest in the area accuses Amos of plotting against the king and tries to get Amos to leave Isra and go back to Judah. Amos responds to the priests with a word of judgment from God for the priest.

Principles: God hears and responds to our prayer.

Amos is given another vision comparing Israel to a ripe bowl of fruit. Israel is ripe for judgment.

Principles: God gives warning of His judgment.

God gives Amos a vision of striking the top of the Temple so that the foundations will be shaken. God is bringing judgment against Israel. God points out that no matter where they try to hide, judgment will come for them. God asks if they think they are more important to Him than others in the world. He points to examples of His delivery of other nations. His focus is on drawing people back to Himself.

Principles: God loves all people and wants a relationship with them.