SCRIPTURE: AMOS 9
ISRAEL TO BE DESTROYED (vs, 1-10)
HOW GOD DESTROYED ISAREL:
- Though they dig down to the depths of the grave, from there my hand will take them. (v. 2a)
- Though they climb up to the heaven, from there I will bring them down. (v. 2b)
- Though they hide themselves on the top of Carmel, there I will hunt them down and seize them. (v. 3a)
- Though they hide from me at the bottom of the sea, there I will command the serpent to bite them. (v. 3b)
- Though they are driven into exile by their enemies, I will command them sword to slay them. (v. 4 )
- All the sinners of Israel will die by the sword. (v. 10)
THE POWER OF GOD:
- He touches the earth and it melts, and all who live in it mourn. (v. 5a)
- The whole land rises like the Nile, then sinks like the river of Egypt. (v. 5b)
- He builds his lofty palace in the heavens and sets its foundation on the earth. (v. 6a)
- He calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out over the face of the land. (v. 6b)
- He brought Israel up from Egypt, the Philistines for Caphtor and the Arameans from Kir. (v. 7)
- He will shake the house of Israel among all the nations and not a pebble will reach the ground. (v. 9)
ISRAEL’S RESTORATION (vs. 11-15)
HOW GOD WILL RESTORE ISRAEL:
- I will restore David’s fallen tent, repair its broken places and build it as it used to be. (v. 11)
- I will bring back my exiled people Israel and they will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them. They will plant vineyards and rink their wine, make gardens and eat their fruit. (v. 14a)
- I will plant Israel in their own land, never again to be uprooted from the land I have given them. (v. 15)
Judgment begins at the house of the Lord. When the people were having hypocritical worship, He will destroy the sanctuary at Bethel including the worshippers. Nobody can ever escape. However, He would sift out the true from the false and keep a remnant. Then He will restore them and they will return to their Lord. They will enjoy the blessings of God again.
THOUGHTS:
No one can escape God’s judgment. Whether we go to the most top or the bottom of the sea, God will find us and judge us for our deeds. Amos pictured the judgment of the Lord as a sea serpent pursuing the condemned. But for God’s followers, the judgment brings a new earth of peace and prosperity.
God would never completely destroy Israel. But he did not withhold punishment if necessary. His discipline is a sign of his love in order to correct them. Sinners will not get away and the faithful will not be forgotten.
In that day, Messiah will renew the spiritual kingdom which will include both Jews and Gentiles. Then God will renew and restore the fortunes of the new Israel. They will reclaim all the lands that were once under David’s rule. There will be abundance of crops that the people would not be able to harvest them all.
Amos’ message did not only apply to the Jews during his days. It also applies to us. We must not assume that going to church is enough. God expects our belief in Him to affect all areas of our conduct. We should not feel carefree and comfortable by refusing to help others in need. Let Amos’s words inspire us to live faithfully according to God’s desire.