Daily Bread for Sep 24, Amo 6-9

Today’s readings are Amo 6-9.

There were several errant concepts that had gained influence in the culture into which Amos and Hosea spoke. Knowing some of these may help us understand their prophecies a bit better. By the mid-seventh century BC, both kingdoms, Israel and Judah, had come to believe:

• God was a uniquely powerful God among other gods, able to expand the territories of the Promised Land but having little influence outside its borders.
• God was exclusively interested in Israel and Judah. He had little to do with other countries.  
• God was bound, by His promises, to protect Israel and Judah without regard to their moral conduct. 
• God has nothing to do with pagan nations other than to fight against them for Israel and Judah. His strength was gauged by how well those battles went.
• God was fully satisfied by the ceremonies, sacrifices and feasts that were observed by Israel and Judah. There were no moral or behavioral requirements beyond the religious practices prescribed. 
• There was no reason for Israel or Judah to fear Assyria. Egypt and Syria were opposed to Assyria and the Assyrians were not powerful enough to defeat all four nations.

Keep these concepts in mind as we finish reading through Amos.

It's easy to see that Israel has become corpulent and complacent, taking God for granted and misunderstanding the fullness of His holiness.

Amo 6 continues with the woes prophesied upon Israel for their lack of godly character and their worldliness. The extent of the judgment is so great, the reader must keep reminding himself that these warnings are levied against the people of God. Of course, Israel's fall is equally great and spectacular. Judah is not far behind.

Amaziah attempts to persuade Amos to leave and prophesy against Judah in Amo 7 as if there was a way for Israel to escape from the word of God. That effort leads to an even harsher prophecy. God will not be minimized nor will He be sent away.

Amo 8 is sobering and devastating. Tremendous mourning will come upon Israel. The land will be littered with dead bodies. Israel will account for their pride and arrogance. They will pay a hefty price for idol worship. God will not tolerate blatant disregard for His word. He is a God of grace. But that grace will be withheld from those who marginalize Him.

This becomes painfully clear in Amo 9, where Amos prophesies the destruction of Israel. Still, God is faithful and true to His promises. There will be a remnant and Israel, represented by a small number of people spared out of Judah, will be restored and reunited.

Knowing what we know about the culture at the time and the extent of Israel's fall, God's grace can be breathtakingly forgiving and loving. We who call upon the name of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord are the beneficiaries of that same level of grace. The people of Israel have not only made the mistake of redefining God based on their perceptions of who He is, but they have lost their focus on Him. God is no longer supreme in their hearts and minds. He’s taken a seat so far back in the bus that there are those who refuse to speak His name. Furthermore, they seem to have lost their capability to treat those around them with the kind of grace they so freely received. We should be cautious not to make the same mistake.