Today’s reading was a little different, it covered two books. While they were short, they had different, but similar messages. The prophets are still warning that judgement is coming or has arrived and both Israel and Judah refuse to listen. In Joel, Israel has nothing left, the locusts have eaten everything, but are given hope in the future because one day, the Lord will restore Jerusalem to its holy and protected status. In Amos, a shepherd is sent to warn Israel and Judah that their behavior will result in their destruction, but one day the Lord will restore the house of David. Even when the prophets, who were unlikely prophets, were sent to warn the people, they come with hope. Yes, your behavior has consequences, you will face the wrath of God, but one day, I will restore Israel and Jerusalem, it will be a holy city forever. Even in the dark, they were given a light to look for. The Lord uses the most unlikely people to wave flashlights in the dark, shouting return to Me, come home! How is God using you to shine His flashlight to others? If you currently have no flashlight and are discouraged, whose flashlight is leading you home to Him?
Passage:
Joel & Amos
Discovered:
Joel
- The locusts have eaten everything: cutting, swarming , hopping, the destroying kind.
- Mourn for a nation has come against us, there are no offerings available.
- Be ashamed, the harvest is gone!
- Assemble everyone and call upon the Lord for His destruction is here.
- There is a darkness spreading, a fire devours everything, leaving nothing – the people are in anguish.
- Repent Israel: fast, gather together and mourn.
- The Lord took pity on His people and removed their oppressor.
- Be glad and rejoice: the Lord will make green pastures, bring rain, send a great harvest.
- He will restore everything and you will praise His name.
- The Lord will judge the nations for they have taken His treasures as their own.
- Jerusalem will be holy and protected, inhabited forever.
Amos
- Amos was a shepherd.
- Pronounced judgement on Israel’s enemies: Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, Ammonites and Moab.
- Judgement on Judah: rejected law of the Lord.
- Judgement on Israel for they turn away from me even though I (Lord) have delivered them many times.
- Lord: I do nothing without telling the prophets.
- You will be surrounded, defenses destroyed and everything taken.
- I sent warnings: drought, famine, blight, pestilence and the sword, yet you did not return to me.
- Seek the Lord, the food, so that you may live.
- Those who have idle hands, who lie at ease will be first into exile for their pride.
- Lord gave Amos warning visions: locusts and fire, but Amos pleased for Israel, but God will lay waste for the citifies, Jeroboam will be killed.
- Amaziah accused Amos of conspiring against King Jeroboam.
- Would face consequences: wife a prostitute, children will be killed and die in exile.
- Days are coming where my people will wander searching for me, but I will not be found.
- I will destroy Israel, a sinful kingdom, bring it to the ground, but I will not destroy the house of Jacob.
- One day, I will restore the house of David and restore the fortunes of my people, and they will return.
Help me to remember:
the Lord uses people from all walks of life for HIs will, including a shepherd, Amos.
Lord, I ask that . . .
I heed your warnings
Heavenly Father, I am thankful for . . .
the example and guidance Your Word gives us.
