1. Amos 1:1, 7:7-17
How Could amos do it?

2. Amos Amos speaks to 8 separate nations.
Israel didn’t mind hearing of doom for Gaza, Tyre, Damascus, Ammon, Moab, Edom, & Judah. (Ch 1 & 2)
Circle around them, then bullseye on Israel in 2:6.

3. How could amos do it? Amos 7: 7-17
James E. Smith says: “The noose of judgment was tightening around the neck of the covenant people.”
Amos’ audience were exploiting the poor, they were greedy, ornery, rude, mean, and irreverent!
Like other prophecies before and after, God pronounces judgment and offers grace.
Today we’ll focus on the messenger a bit.
Word for ‘shepherd’ suggests ‘herdsman’, maybe Amos a ‘specialist’, also raised figs v. 14
Tekoa small town ~12 miles south of Jerusalem, ~6 miles south of Bethlehem.

5. How could amos do it? Amos 7: 7-17
Amos not of the court (Isaiah) or a priest (Jeremiah.)
Amos sent to northern kingdom, not Judah.
He was inspired, the message is from the LORD.
Amos was humble and meek, able to ‘stand’
Plumbline showed Israel ‘out of line’ with Law and Truth of God, he’s now “had it” with them!
God uses his people to carry out missions.
Who could face the angry High Priest of Bethel?
Amaziah ‘told king on Amos’ and shouted “Get out!"

6. How could amos do it? Amos 7: 7-17
NET:“Leave, you visionary! Run away to the land of Judah! Earn your living and prophesy there! Don’t prophesy at Bethel any longer, for a royal temple and palace are here!” (Amos 7:12b-13)
Scarey! What did Amos do? Run back to Judah?
Amos calmly replied “…it’s not about me, this message is from the LORD!”
Capable= have the qualities to do something, have the power, ability, competency to do it…
God made His servant capable, he had faith!
Amaziah in Amos’ face, so heard a word from God for him personally. OUCH!

7. How could amos do it? Amos 7: 7-17
(NOT good idea to try to shut up God’s word!)
How did he do it? By faith, humble & obedient.
Could you do it if called?
Has God called you to special assignment?
Are you willing to go?
Christian life an adventure, finding beauty & joy?
Always rely on God to cover and complete us
Pray we will be strong, brave, faithful, and obedient.
Like Amos!