5^th February 2025

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

THEME: DETERMINED REBELLION

THEME SCRIPTURE: “Then Amaziah said to Amos: "Go, you seer! Flee to the land of Judah. There eat bread, And there prophesy. But never again prophesy at Bethel, For it is the king's sanctuary, And it is the royal residence." -  Amos 7:12-13 NKJV

PREPARATORY QUESTION

1.  How are men able to gather the courage to refuse to heed the word of the Most High?

“Oh no, I am not a professional prophet,” Amos sought to clarify. “I have no formal education. I am just a shepherd who looks after sycamore-fig trees. But the Lord took me from my flock and said, ‘Go prophesy to my people Israel,’” (Amos 7:14-15).

Yeah, Amos complied with the directives given to him by God. He departed from his residence and agricultural land located approximately 11 miles south of Jerusalem.

Amos journeyed northward to caution the inhabitants of the northern kingdom that their materialistic and idolatrous behaviors would invoke God’s severe retribution. The nation had entered a phase of remarkable affluence, attributed to the decline of their longstanding adversaries, the Arameans.  With the cessation of the requirement for a standing army, they redirected their resources towards commercial ventures, broadening their trade routes and reaping immense profits. Common citizens experiencing newfound wealth began to construct lavish residences that had previously been attainable only by the elite. Archaeological excavations from that era have revealed numerous instances of the extravagance which Amos condemned on behalf of God: “I will eradicate the splendid homes of the affluent ​ [their winter estates and their summer retreats], too all their palaces adorned with ivory” (Amos 3:15).

 In lieu of superficial religious displays and insignificant acts of devotion, Amos urged that God’s people deliver justice to the impoverished and compassion to the oppressed. “I desire to witness a powerful surge of justice,” he declared, “an unending stream of righteous living” (Amos 5:24). 

Unsurprisingly, those who were comfortable and self-satisfied were not receptive to his message. “Depart from here, you prophet! ” they insisted. “Return to the land of Judah, and earn your livelihood by prophesying there! Do not trouble us with your prophecies here in Bethel” (Amos 7:12-13). However, Amos continued to proclaim his message and the populace remained unresponsive.  

The significant shock occurred in 722 B. C., when the brutal Assyrian forces shattered the complacency of Israel, incinerating her cities, exterminating her warriors, and deporting the few bewildered inhabitants who remained in distant exile. 

Thus were realized the unwelcomed yet dependable prophecy of a fig-picking shepherd: “The time will come when you will be led away with hooks in your noses. Every last one of you will be dragged away like a fish on a hook! ” (Amos 4:2).

Beloved, the northern kingdom was determined in their rebellion. They refused to heed the warnings of God, chasing the material and worshipping riches. Today, there are some Christians still living in sin happily. They are unperturbed, continuing a life of fornication, adultery, ill-gotten riches, and all forms of evil. Their rebellion is no different from the people of the northern kingdom. Jesus is coming again and they can't be bothered.  "Behold, He comes quickly. His reward is with Him, to give to every man according to his works" (Rev 22:12). If you hear His voice today, beloved, don't harden your heart. Yield to Christ today and His stream of righteous living will flood your soul once again, to live for Him.

Remain blessed.

FURTHER READING:  Amos 7:1-15

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD

1. Are you living in sin, and have you become comfortable with it?

2. If Jesus should come today, where will you stand--on his left or right hand?

PRAYER

Precious Father,  I sincerely repent from any sin I have welcomed into my life. I receive forgiveness for my materialistic living. I yield to you, Holy Spirit of God. Surge in my heart the joy of righteous living, in Jesus' Precious name. Hallelujah!

One-Year Bible Reading Plan

Mark 8; Exodus 15-16; Psalm 36