7/29/2012
Amos 9
-The LORD is seen standing beside the alter (more than
likely referring to the Temple in Jerusalem, which was and is the center of His
activity on this earth) pronouncing inescapable judgment and captivity for His
people (Amos 9:1-4). *Application* Where can we go to hide from the LORD (Psalm
139:7-10)? Of course we know that answer is nowhere. He is omnipresent
(everywhere) and omniscient (all-knowing), which leaves us completely at His
mercy in all situations. Going against Him and His will should strike fear and
even terror for the unrepentant and unbelieving.
-The LORD’s attributes are extolled again by the prophet with
clarity, power, and authority (Amos 9:5-7). This is a stanza of praise for His
wondrous works and majesty. The Name of the LORD is magnified and exalted as it
should be.
-*Application* The phrase, “Behold, the eyes of the Lord GOD
are on the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy them from the face of the earth;”
should bring all to shutter at the prospects of living with a culture that has
turned its back on God and His ordinances (Amos 9:8). He will not tolerate
iniquity forever. He is just and will bring every unrepentant act into righteous
account. His knowledge is, once again, supreme and exacting on the disobedient.
His warnings are to be taken seriously. His purpose is for turning back to Him
before destruction happens.
-“Nevertheless” is a sharp contrast word here in the middle
of verse 8 that takes the message of the Word of God in a new direction for the
rest of the book. God’s reveals His plans to preserve and not completely
destroy (or wipe out) a remnant of the house of Jacob. This refers to the
entire nation of the Jews. He will “shake” them out as grain “among the nations”
and eventually have the kernels that are not sieved return to repopulate and
raise the country back up to its glory (Amos 9:9-14). At this point, which I
believe we are now witnessing in our modern age, they will not be uprooted
again from their land which the LORD has given them (Amos 9:15). There is also
reference to the spiritual Kingdom set up by the Messiah (the time of Jesus
Christ), which is the fallen booth of David raised up (Amos 9:11). *Application*
God’s promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is still intact (Genesis 12:3; 27:29).
The blessings of the LORD are on those who bless His people and conform to His
image through faith. Do not lose sight of what is going on in the land of
biblical prophecy. Our modern newspapers tell of the glory of our Great King as
Israel develops and prospers. All of these prophecies are currently being
fulfilled in our time! How exciting is that?!
Verses to Memorize:
Amos 9:8, 15
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