[:en]SCRIPTURE: AMOS 1
INTRODUCTION:
Amos means “burden” or “to be burdened”. He was a shepherd called by God to be a prophet in the north cities of Israel during times of riches and prosperity in the northern kingdom.
Amos warned that God was sending judgment to Israel because the people turned away from God and were cruel to the poor by living selfishly. The day of dom was coming and the people had to prepare for it. However, he also had a word of hope. The kingdom of David would be re-established and God’s people will be restored.
“The Lord roars from Zion and thunders from Jerusalem; the pastures of the shepherds dry up, and the top of Carmel withers” (Amos 1:2)
JUDGMENT ON ISRAEL’S NEIGHBORS:
Israel’s neighbors and their sins:
- Damascus – brutality (1:3)
- Gaza – slavery (1:6)
- Tyre – disregard the treaty of brotherhood (1:9)
- Edom – anger and revenge towards his brother (1:10)
- Ammon – violence (1:13)
- Moab – cruelty (2:1)
GOD’S JUDGMENT TO THE GENTILE NATIONS:
Because of their sins, God will send fire to consume their fortresses. Their king will be destroyed and go into exile.
LESSON:
God is long-suffering but He is also holy and just. We cannot get away our sins unless we repent and ask for forgiveness from God. Otherwise, our sins will eventually catch us up with God’s judgment.[:]