©2002 Thomas Miles

Amos 3 & 4

Disaster often comes unexpectedly.  It can happen at any moment without any warning or it can come after many warnings.  The people of Israel were prosperous, egotistical and self-righteous.  They were heading towards disaster.  Their disaster was coming after many warnings.  Does this sound like anyone you know?  The Israelites were about to feel the judgment of God.  They felt as if nothing would come upon them after all they were God's chosen people. The Israelites were confident that Yahweh was their God and they were his chosen people. In reading chapter 3 try to view it from the perspective of those who were oppressed by the wealthy.  Think of how would you feel as you hear the words of Amos.

Please read chapter 3 before going on.

We find in verses 1-2 that the people misunderstood the call.  The Israelites had received favor from God and turned their back on Him.   They had a greater responsibility towards Him then the pagan nations that really didn't know Him.  “You only have I known,” God gave special favor to the Israelites and they took advantage of that special favor.

In verses 3-6 Amos asks several rhetorical questions. These questions are designed to show Israel how her sin has separated her from God.  They are basically saying that Israel stepped into the sin willingly.  Amos delivers these parable type questions to arouse a conviction in the people.  There was nothing done by God to entice them or lure them away from Him, they willfully walked away from Him to something they knew was not real or lasting.  God had sent prophets to warn Israel of its sins against God.  The Israelites seemed to be worry free about the impending warnings as if God would never allow anything to come against them HIS chosen people!  Would a “lion roar” warns the people that a lion only roars when it has its prey close enough in sight to capture.  God is warning the Israelites that they are close to punishment because of their sins.  God is warning the people that unless they turn from their wicked ways judgment will come upon them.  Israel has become so complacent in their living that they do not even hear the warning trumpet against them.  They show no signs of alarm even though God's messengers continue to prophecy God's word to them.

Verses 7-8 speak to us about obeying God's word and how can a servant of God but not follow the voice of God when it is heard!  The prophet when he hears the voice of God cannot do anything but prophesy if he is obedient.  This is the way it should be with all believers when you hear the Word of God you should do, as He wants.

Verses 9-10 speak about Israel's morals and way of life in contrast with the pagan nations.  Basically we see that it is the same or perhaps even worse.  They have stored up treasures gained by evil doings.  They have sinned against their own people.  They have sinned against God!

In verses 11, 12, & 15 we see that Israel's strongholds, its palaces will be brought down. Virtually what will happen to them is the same that they did to others! Amos prophesies that if any escape it will only be because of God's goodness.

Verses 13 & 14 speak of the horns of the altar, which according to the law, people in danger could find refuge by grasping the horns of the altar, which we can read about in 1Kings 1:50 “Adonijah feared because of Solomon; and he arose, and went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.” But, because of the sins of Israel, God was going to remove this avenue of escape!

Think about what this chapter has taught you about God's character.  God wants no other gods or forms of worship before Him.  God wants everyone to love Him and trust Him.  God will not look upon sin nor will He put up with sin! If you want favor with God then you better be willing to turn your life completely over to God.  Responsibility comes with privilege!

Amos 4
Prepare to meet your God brings to memory a sermon by Jonathan Edwards.  Jonathan Edwards preached a sermon in 1741 entitled, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” Edwards uses very vivid descriptions to pierce the hearts of non-believers.  He uses imagery that causes the sinners to sense the awfulness of their life.  He preaches that the sinner is under a sentence of life in hell.  He says, “Oh sinner, think of the fearful danger you are in.” Edwards concludes his message with this: “Therefore, let every one that is out of Christ, now awake and fly from the wrath to come. The wrath of Almighty God is now undoubtedly hanging over a great part of this congregation: Let every one fly out of Sodom: “Haste and escape for your lives, look not behind you, escape to the mountain, lest you be consumed.””  This sermon was a powerful message from God to awaken sinners in New England and God used a powerful message similar to this by the prophet Amos.  After warning Israel repeatedly to return to the Lord, he now declares: "Prepare to meet your God!"

Please read chapter 4 before going on.

In verses 1 to 3 we receive some insight into the lifestyle of the men and women.  To begin with the area of Bashan was noted for its fat, sleek cattle. Here Amos compares the powerful, meaningless, and tyrannical rulers of Israel, to the tough, and wanton cattle that came against the weaker ones.  The people were constantly wanting more and more.  They were treating people like animals and like animals they also would be treated.

According to 1 Kings 12:26-33 & Hosea 4:15 Bethel and Gilgal were centers of worship for the northern kingdom.  The people of Israel we see from verses 4-5 were worshipping false gods at these centers of worship.  The Israelites were far from God.  Verses 6-11 speak about judgments on Israel.  These words of prophesy from Amos were warnings but the Israelites failed to listen!  How often we also fail to listen when the Word of God is given to us.  How often we fail to heed the warnings that are given to us.

Verse 12 contains a very strong proclamation from Amos to Israel: “Prepare to meet your God!”  What type of meeting would you expect if your pastor said, “Thus saith the Lord, Prepare to meet your God?”  I think I would be ready to repent quickly.  This is what Israel should be ready to do.  God had given warning after warning to the people and they failed to listen to any of them.  God simply wants His people to return unto Him.  God has told them again and again if you do not turn from your evil ways these things will come upon you and now God is going to allow it to happen.

The last verse of chapter 4 gives a description of the God Israel is about to meet in judgment.  We see the words of the prophet proclaiming that if it were not for God NOTHING WOULD EXIST!

Think of how you can keep your devotions, your worship, your church services from becoming empty rituals like Israel's.  God is a God of tenderness and love.  In verses 6,8,9,10, & 11 we read these words: “yet you have not returned to me.”  Time and again God gave Israel opportunity to turn back to Him and Israel refused.  Don't turn from God when He comes to you with a warning.  Heed the Words and warnings of God and repent from your evil ways.  Seek the Lord and watch your life prosper and thrive.

Our next lesson will be on Amos 5 & 6!

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