September 22
Read Amos 1
In Today's
Judgments pronounced on
Amos was only a farm laborer from the
Since the people of
Amaziah, the paid non-Levitical priest of King Jeroboam II, was quick to get word to the king about this disagreeable prophet from the southern kingdom. He inaccurately interpreted the words of Amos to mean that Jeroboam would die by the sword; but the prophet had only stated what God had said: I will rise against the house of Jeroboam with the sword. . . . Amaziah said unto Amos . . . go, flee . . . into the
The prophecy against the house of Jeroboam was fulfilled when Zachariah, Jeroboam's son, was assassinated by Shallum after reigning only six months. Shallum took his place, but he only reigned for one month before he, in turn, was murdered by Menahem (II Kings 15:8-10,13-14).
God often uses ordinary people like Amos to proclaim His message. It is not the talents we possess, nor how popular we may be, but how obedient we are that qualifies us to be used by the Lord.
Ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world . . . base things . . . which are despised . . . That no flesh should glory in His presence (I Corinthians 1:26-29).
Christ Revealed:
As the Creator of the universe (Amos 5:8). By His Son . . . He made the worlds (Hebrews 1:2-3; also Revelation 4:11).
Word Studies:
2:13 pressed = burdened; 3:5 gin = trap; 3:14 visit = punish; 4:1 kine of Bashan were the fat cows, raised in the best pasturelands; but here, it is used figuratively in referring to self-gratifying, sensual, influential women; masters = husbands; 4:3 breaches = breaks in the city wall; 4:9 blasting = blight; 5:21 smell = be pleased, take delight; 5:23 viols = harps.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Mr. Ken Mars · Staff: Bernice Rathbone · Government Officials: Rep. Bob Beauprez (CO), Rep. Bob Goodlatte (VA), Rep. Dan Lungren (CA), and Rep. John Tanner (TN) · Country:
Memory Verse for the Week: Titus 2:13