7/27/2012
Amos 7
-The LORD shows Amos what He intended to do with the
Northern Kingdom under the wicked king Jeroboam. The first two things, a
locust-swarm and fire from the deep, were dismissed on account of the prophet’s
pleading with God on behalf of the smallness of Jacob. The LORD did relent of
these judgments, but He showed Amos a plumb line (a tool to measure and ensure straightness
especially for walls, a crooked wall will mean instability to the building and
eventual collapse). God was about to put a plumb line on His people and spare
them no longer (Amos 7:8). Sin had so infected this people that the LORD could
not and would not stand for it any longer. With the sword the Almighty will
rise up against the house of Jeroboam (Amos 7:9). *Application* First, we
should understand the heart of Amos in pleading for his countrymen before the
LORD. As righteous individuals it is our duty and responsibility to pray for
and intercede for the leadership and well-being of our respective nations (1
Timothy 2:1-4). We, like Amos, at times will be called to stand up and point
out unrighteousness as well as things that go against the sovereign will of
God. It is in those times that we must be courageous but loving as we stand for
the principles of the Heavenly Kingdom that we as Christians would and should
pray for by command from Jesus Himself (Matthew 6:10). If any nation truly
could follow the LORD’s righteous commands it would be perfect and for this we
pray knowing that one day King Jesus will return and install His righteous
reign (Revelation 19:6). Second, the plumb line for us is a reminder that the
LORD is perfect and wants us to be holy as well (Leviticus 19:2). Sin makes our
path crooked and it is the LORD’s desire for us all to come clean before Him
through repentance and faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. Meditate on His Word,
confess your shortcomings humbly before His gracious throne, and walk
continually in His Spirit. These are the keys to a right relationship and
fellowship with God.
-Next we see that Amos encounters persecution from Amaziah, the
priest of Bethel (in the Northern Kingdom). Amaziah tells King Jeroboam of the
prophet’s pronouncement of judgment upon him (Amos 7:11). Amos is told to leave
and flee back to the land of Judah (where he was from, Amos 1:1) and do his
prophesying there (Amos 7:12). Amos’ response was witty. He claimed he was
really no prophet by pedigree, but a simple herdsman and grower of sycamore
figs (Amos 7:14). But, and this is the key, the LORD took him and said to him, “Go
prophesy to My people Israel (Amos 7:15).” It was God who was speaking and had
nothing to do with Amos’ thoughts, initiatives, or agenda. He finished with a flurry
of strong prophetic words given by the LORD about certain destruction at this
point. *Application* How do we handle the naysayers and persecutors when we
know we’ve given a word directly from God? With the true in love, that’s how
(Ephesians 4:15). As we see here in Scripture, Amos is firm, secure, and strong
with his words. He does not back down; he does not capitulate to the false
prophet. His announcement is steadfast, but he doesn’t fight in his own
strength. He simply gives the word of the LORD and leaves it at that. If you
know the LORD is telling you to deal with a specific circumstance that you know
is wrong, go in power and authority from the most High and love those you must
rebuke with the same love He demonstrates to us. Remember, God’s judgments and
warnings are for corrective purposes. If the sinner is warned and still
rejects, His wrath will come because of their own doing and we should feel
remorse for their bad decision, not bitterness and hatred.
Verses to Memorize:
Amos 7:8, 15
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