Today's Reading:

Amos 1
Amos 2
Amos 3
Amos 4
Amos 5

In Amos 3:2, the Lord spoke the words against Israel, “You only have I chosen of all the families of the earth; therefore, I will punish you for all your sins.” God chose you (Israel), to be in a special relationship with Him. You will be punished as you are set to a higher standard than the other nations.

God singled out Israel, not because they were any better, or worse, but because of the covenant He made with them (Genesis 12). He created the relationship with them out of pure grace. With that comes responsibility. God showed Himself to them, brought them out of Egypt, gave them the Law, and set the bar. Now God holds them to that higher bar because they know Him, because they were delivered, and because they had the Law. Their sins were more serious due to the covenant and blessings. God was disciplining them out of love, not rejection.

Have you ever been held to a higher standard because of the position, privileges, or blessings you’ve been given? Or have you ever set someone else to a higher standard; maybe a child, employee, student, or fellow believer, and watched how they responded? Which feels harder, being held to a higher standard yourself, or holding someone else to one?

Here is a simple way I remember the book of Amos:

AMOS was a shepherd who sat under a FIG tree. FIG reminds me of Fig Newtons (cookies), and that makes me think of FAMOUS AMOS Cookies. The wealthy Israelites were all trying to become “famous” by getting rich at the expense of the poor. Sin has consequences, and Amos was told to tell everyone to seek God, not evil.

Like the last book, Jonah, the Northern Kingdom was under the reign of Jeroboam II. The prophets think he was the worst king, greedy and full of idolatry. The kingdoms had split, and Amos lived as a shepherd in the southern kingdom under the reign of Uzziah. Amos was sitting under a fig tree when he was called to go prophesy to the Northern Kingdom.

There were 8 nations addressed by Amos. The first six were gentile nations that surrounded the Northern Kingdom: Damascus (Aram/Syria), Philistine (Gaza), Tyre (Phoenicia), Edom (Esau’s descendants), Ammon, and Moab. Amos then addressed both Judah and Israel. He started off preaching to the surrounding cities and nations. They were called out for war, slavery, and cruelty. The wealthy were ignoring the poor and there was moral corruption.

Then Amos turned to Judah, who should have known better.

Finally, Amos turned to the Israelites. God’s chosen people who brought such disappointment. With the privilege of knowing God, brings blessing, and with that comes responsibility. This is the family of God.

God rescued them from Egypt, which should make them feel more guilty in their sins. He will only allow a tenth to become the remnant and be saved.

Chapter 3 had rhetorical questions based on cause and effect to make people think. Amos was saying to look at the world around them; nothing happens by accident. Especially not God’s judgment. Israel was doing things for show and bragging. They gave their sacrifices, but nothing more. God brought about famine, and there was no repentance. God brought a drought, and there was still no repentance. God destroyed the crops and yet, still no repentance. The Israelites kept ignoring Go’s minor judgments (famine, drought, and crop failure); a final punishment was now coming. He said, “to be prepared to meet God” (4:12). There would be severe judgment and annihilation. There would be dread and suspense, and the time for negotiation had run out. The phrase, “Be prepared to meet God”, was not a warm greeting; this was terrifying. A battlefield challenge. God would judge.

Amos then insulted the Israelite wealthy women, calling them “cows of Bashan.” The upper-class women were compared to cows, spoiled, fat, and pampered due to their greed and entitlement. He said they will be taken away by “hook,” led with chains like a prisoner, from their nose or lip. Your luxurious lifestyle is about to end. The elite think they are untouchable, but even God’s name will feel dangerous on their lips.

God does not want songs, festivals, or religious rituals that are empty and without heart. He wants their hearts to pursue justice and righteousness. The people of Israel were excited and looking forward to the “Day of the Lord,” thinking it would bring victory, blessing, and triumph over their enemies. But they need to be careful about what they wish for; it will be darkness and judgment. He reminded them that there was not a Temple or continual sacrifices during the 40 years of the wilderness. God declared that they would be exiled.

Today's Discussion question:

Have you ever been held to a higher standard because of the position, privileges, or blessings you’ve been given? Or have you ever set someone else to a higher standard, maybe a child, employee, student, or fellow believer, and watched how they responded? Which feels harder, being held to a higher standard yourself or holding someone else to one?

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