Amos: Seek The Lord and LiveExemplo

Verses 12 and 13 conclude the first two judgment oracles beginning ‘Hear this …’ (3:1 and 4:1). The Lord has said that Israel placed their security in their fortresses of wealth (3:9–12) and in their self-centred worship (4:4–5). They have also ignored God’s warnings. ‘Therefore this is what I will do …’ declares God (v. 12). 

The ‘this’ is a reference back to 3:11 and the fact that Israel would be invaded by Assyria. This did indeed happen, leading to Israel’s destruction in 722 BC. 

At this conclusion the Lord emphasises His mastery over all creation. It’s what He does repeatedly throughout the book of Amos. It’s as if He is saying, ‘You do realise that I am the creator God who controls all the elements? You do realise that you are tiny creatures and I am the Almighty one?’ Here and another eight times in the book He describes Himself as the Lord God of Armies (3:13; 4:13; 5:14–15, 16, 27; 6:8, 14; 9:5). It may be translated as ‘Lord God Almighty’ or ‘Lord, the God of hosts’, but it has a military tone. You cannot resist Him. 

Back in yesterday’s section, it was almost as if the Lord had turned the events of the Exodus against the Israelites: they would experience famine (vv. 6–7); locusts (v. 9), plagues, (v. 10) and destruction (v. 11). Here in verse 13 it is a plague of darkness. 

We are foolish to think that we are anything more than little creatures. It is madness to resist the Almighty Creator who is God of Armies and can send the power of creation against us. 

And yet … there is a hint of hope in 4:12: ‘prepare to meet your God’. Israel may have abused and neglected their relationship with the Lord, but He still calls Himself ‘your’ God. Return to Him while there is time!

Reflection

How often do you reflect upon the overwhelming power of the Lord? It’s easy to blame, ignore or shrink down the Lord. Take time to meditate upon His overwhelming power.