November 8, 2015 February 14, 2016

Shoot Not The Messenger November 8, 2015 February 14, 2016 Amos Introduction – or Shoot Not The Messenger

Timeline of Old Testament Prophets

Amos (Strong; Burden Bearer)* Author Amos – rancher; farmer Date 767 – 753 BC Theme Even though the nation would be destroyed, God would still preserve a repentant remnant and one day this remnant will be restored Christ in this book Christ is the One who will rebuild David’s dynasty; the One who will restore His people * Prophet to Israel (N. kingdom)

1The words of Amos, who was among the sheepbreeders of Tekoa...

“The men of Tekoa look out upon a desolate and haggard world.” Dr. Adam Smith

God was to use the things Amos learned as a sheep breeder and “fig pincher” to good purpose.

two years before the earthquake. 1The words of Amos, who was among the sheepbreeders of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel, two years before the earthquake.

(Syria) (Jereboam) Tekoa (Uzziah)

Both Israel and Judah were at peace with their neighbours, which meant that their wealth and energy could be used for developing their nations instead of fighting their enemies. Both kingdoms were prosperous; their cities were expanding rapidly; and a new wealthy merchant class was developing in society. W. Wiersbe Tekoa

The Kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam World power Great wealth Luxurious living Physical security Arrogant Tekoa

The Kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam Formal worship of false gods Morally decadent Oppressing the poor Tekoa

…God had to bring Amos from way down south in the southern Kingdom in order to get a man who would give the kind of message [that the northern Kingdom needed to hear]. The paid preachers up there in Bethel and Samaria were saying only what the people wanted them to say. J.V. McGee Tekoa

Shepherd Prophet

Accuser

Fearless Messenger

Amos’ Messages Message 1 (3:1-15) Excessive Luxury Message 2 (4:1-13) Exploitation the poor and religious hypocrisy Message 3 (5:1-17) Legal injustice

Legal Injustice Turning aside the needy at the gate

Legal Injustice Turning aside the needy at the gate Closing the courthouse to the poor

Legal Injustice Turning aside the needy at the gate Closing the courthouse to the poor Accepting bribes to pervert justice

Amos’ Messages Message 4 (5:18-27) Religious hypocrisy Complacency and self indulgence

Twenty-one times, we read phrases such as: “Thus says the LORD…” “Hear the word of the LORD…” “This is what the LORD showed me…

Chiastic Structure of the Book of Amos Chiasm A repetition of similar ideas in the reverse sequence

Chiastic Structure of the Book of Amos A Judgment of the Land (1:2) B. Judgment of the Nations (1:3–2:3) C Judgment of Judah and Israel (2:4–9:10) C ́ Restoration of Judah and Israel (9:11) B ́ Restoration of the Nations (9:12) A ́ Restoration of the Land (9:13–15)

“For three…and for four” A total of eight times in the book. “N and N+1” Also used in other ancient Near Eastern cultures Often the second item is enumerated Context of “enough, more than enough”

“For three…and for four” 1,2 – (Job 33:14; Psalm 62:1) 2,3 – (Job 33:29) 3,4 – Proverbs 30:15; 18; 21; 29) 6,7 – (Job 5:19; Proverbs 6:16) 7,8 (Micah 5:5)

“For three…and for four” “16 These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: 17 A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, 19  A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren. Proverbs 6:16-19

The words “transgress” and “transgression” occur 12 times. Key Words The words “transgress” and “transgression” occur 12 times. This highlights one of the key elements of the book, the judgment of God on Israel for her sinful ways. A key phrase of the book is “I will not revoke its punishment because . . .” J. Hampton Keathley III

Key Verses Hear this word which the LORD has spoken against you, sons of Israel, against the entire family which He brought up from the land of Egypt, “You only have I chosen among all the families of the earth; Therefore, I will punish you for all your iniquities. Amos 3:1-2.

Key Verses “I overthrew you as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and you were like a firebrand snatched from a blaze; Yet you have not returned to Me,” declares the LORD. “Therefore, thus I will do to you, O Israel; because I shall do this to you, Prepare to meet your God, O Israel.” Amos 4:11-12.

to seek the word of the LORD, but they will not find it.” Key Verses 11 “Behold, days are coming,” declares the Lord GOD, “When I will send a famine on the land, Not a famine for bread or a thirst for water, but rather for hearing the words of the LORD. 12“And people will stagger from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east; They will go to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, but they will not find it.” Amos 8:11-12

Key Chapter Chapter 9 is a key chapter because of its focus on the restoration of Israel. Set in the midst of the harsh judgments of Amos are some of the greatest prophecies of restoration of Israel anywhere in Scripture.

Key Chapter Within the scope of just five verses (11-15) the future of Israel becomes clear, as [all of] the [Lord GOD’s] covenants are focused on their climactic fulfillment in the return of the Messiah. J. Hampton Keathley III

The LORD will be faithful to keep all of His covenant promises! What Next? The LORD will be faithful to keep all of His covenant promises!

What Next?

What Next? “…prepare to meet your God!”

What Next? Can you say, “I am not going to stand before Him as -----------! I am in Christ, and God is going to see Christ. I have been made acceptable in the beloved.”??