- What is the function of prophecy:
Prophecy means, “the inspired declaration of divine will and purpose”, “the foretelling or prediction of what is to come, something that is declared by a prophet, especially a divinely inspired prediction.” Prophecies are mainly the messages of God that are sent through his chosen people. These messages have mainly been about the Good News, Hope and Salvation through Repentance. It can also be understood as something that has either been fulfilled or still continues to be fulfilled. We can also say that Prophets were enforcers of the Divine Will. The prophecies being discussed here are based on God’s promises to Moses regarding His blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience.
- What is the main point of Amos:
In the Amos era, the sins of people increased extensively and they fell prey to neglecting the Word of God. The Covenant of God was forgotten and people began to worship idols, and corrupt leadership indulged in immense greed for worldly possessions. Amos’ ministry takes place while Jeroboam II reigns over Israel, and Uzziah taken over Judah. He spoke with the people with authority, “And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the Lord thy God” (9:15). The main principles in his prophecy are that God presented the big Picture and the time of exilic of Israel.
- What does Amos allude to Deuteronomy, and where does he point us forward to Christ and his gospel?
We observe Amos preaching in the Northern Kingdom to the Israelites while Israel was in exile and the Kingdom was divided into two nations, the Northern and the Southern parts. He begins by giving a series of speeches against Israel’s enemies where the main point was to give Hope of Deliverance to the people. It is similar to the New Testament where we see in Ephesians 1:7 “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.”
- How does the book of Amos affect you? Your behavior? Your beliefs?
I learnt that God can even use ordinary people like Amos who was a shepherd in a small village. Amos was not a learned person or well versed in worldly affairs but he had the heart for the poor and oppressed. I have witnessed in this book that Amos was a brave man of God because he not only challenged the privileged Israelites but also spoke against the Northern Kingdom of Israel and its surrounding nations. Amos holds God’s people accountable for their sinful behaviors and bad attitudes towards others.
The lesson that I derive is that we should not feel shy to witness God, even if we have a dearth of resources or lack an influential position in this world. All that God really looks for is a good and generous heart which has passion for His people. The Almighty grants us courage to speak His word; bestows upon us His resources so that we may reach out to the needy and provides us with wisdom to stand up against corrupt governments and nations with authority. In order to hear the divine voice of the Lord we need to spend more time in reading and understanding His Word and praying for His guidance in our lives.
