Amos: Seek The Lord and LiveSample

This section of Amos divides into three ‘judgment oracles’. Three times Israel is told,‘Hear this word...’ (3:1; 4:1; 5:1). 

One difficulty with applying the book of Amos is that the nation of Israel was both a political body (a nation) and a spiritual body (the people of God). This side of the cross, the church is only a spiritual body as the people of God. We are not a political nation. So we’ll have to work hard at some of the social and political comments Amos makes. 

By way of introduction: 

The Nation of Israel

Could never lose God’s covenant promises completely (9:8–9). 

Could lose the blessings of the covenant in life (lose the land; lose crops; be invaded).

Israel was mixed – some individuals were true believers; others were not. Amos is preaching so that even though judgment is coming, there may be a remnant of true Israelites who would remain faithful. 

The Christian Church

Can never be defeated or overcome. 

Can lose the blessings of salvation in this life (Heb. 12:6). God may discipline a church or an individual to bring them to repentance. 

The church is mixed – some are true believers; others are self-deceived (Matt. 7:21–23). Even in gospel churches there are those who were never truly converted and will fall away, and those who are faithful. 

In 3:3–8 Amos adopts a little series of riddles. The answers are clearly: no (v. 3); no, no (v. 4 – lions don’t reveal themselves needlessly); no, no (v. 5). Then the shift comes in verse 6 where the response is yes. Yes, people do tremble when a trumpet warns them of attack. And yes, disaster comes because the Lord calls it. In verses 7–8 Amos declares that he cannot hold back from warning the people of God’s judgment now that it has been revealed. 

Reflection

What about you? Did Jesus warn of God's judgment? Yes. Did He die so that whoever believes in Him may not perish but have eternal life? Yes. Have you spoken of this to others?