This book will preach! What a great book in so many unexpected ways. Although yes, it is a book of judgment and some harsh realities. But what a warning, an inspiration, and more.
Ch 1 – The Gentile nations will be judged for their sin and how they treat Israel
Ch 2 – Israel will be judged for their sin and how they treat God
Ch 3 – The LORD reveals his plans to his prophets; They do not know how to do what is right
Ch 4 – The LORD sent calamity to wake them up. They hardened their hearts. “Prepare to meet your God, O Israel”
Ch 5 – Seek me and live, not religion or its practices; Maintain Justice in the Courts; Let justice roll on like a river
Ch 6 – Woe to the complacent
Ch 7 – The King told him to Shut Up Speaking Judgment; Amos told him to Listen Up with what God Says.
Ch 8 – There will be a Famine of the Word of God
Ch 9 – Israel will be Destroyed, but they will be planted once again, never to be uprooted
I’m genuinely surprised that more preachers do not preach from the book of Amos. In fact, I don’t think I have ever heard a sermon message out of this book. But what great truths.
What we Learn about God from the book of Amos:
- God doesn’t just use those in ministry, he even uses farmers who are courageous and obedient to him
- Obedience to God could cost our lives, but it is better to obey
- God desires righteousness and justice. He HATES injustice. He hates courts that do not give justice but sway their verdicts based on other factors.
- God is fierce in his love for the poor and needy. Beware if you think you can bring harm to them or cheat them and get away with it because they are poor
- God never brings judgment without an exhaustive number of warnings – through the prophets, through calamity, through His Word.
- There comes a line when God says enough is enough. He will bring His judgment upon nations
- How we treat God matters. How we treat Israel matters.
- Israel will always persist as a nation. Many would love to see them completely annihilated, but it will never be. It’s not because they are a holy nation of themselves, but they are a covenant holy nation before God. We as Gentile believers are his grafted in ones.
- God’s restoration is abundant. When God says he will restore Israel, it won’t be just a little bit but in greatness.
