Chapter 830 of 1163

AMOS 5

Lamentation (1–3). This is a funeral dirge for a nation that was dead and left unburied. The Assyrians would come, and Israel would be taken captive. Israel thought she was a lovely virgin, but she was only a fallen corpse, left to rot. No wonder Amos wept!

Invitation (4–15). But God still gives His gracious invitation: “Seek Me and live” (vv. 4, 6, 14). The people flocked to their holy places with their sacrifices, but that would not save them. The nation would not listen to the Lord’s servants (v. 10), so the Lord told them to be quiet (v. 13). God knows our sins, and yet in mercy He calls us to come to Him for cleansing. What a gracious God!

Condemnation (16–27). Amos saw the day of the Lord approaching, a day of judgment, darkness, and despair. The people had a false confidence that “the day of the Lord” would bring blessing to the nation (vv. 18–20), not unlike some believers today who think of the return of Christ only as an escape to heaven. God would send judgment in spite of their religious activities and generous gifts of sacrifices (Isa. 1:12–23). God still wants obedience and not sacrifice.

Jesus’ Coming

When you pray, “Thy kingdom come,” be sure that you mean it. Do you really want the Lord Jesus to return today, or will His coming upset your plans? Some of God’s people will be ashamed when they meet Him (1 John 2:28), while others will welcome Him with joy (1 Thess. 2:19–20).

The joyful anticipation of His coming is a great motivation for holy living (1 John 3:1–3) and faithful service (Luke 12:35–48).

Justice

Amos 5:24 is a key verse in the book. There was gross injustice in the land as the rich exploited the poor and the religious leaders did nothing about it. God wants justice to be like a mighty river that cleanses society of evil and refreshes everything it touches.

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