Amos 7:1-9:15; 2 Kings 14:28-29; 2 Kings 15:8-29; 2 Kings 15:6-7; 2 Chronicles 26:22-23; Isaiah 6:1-13
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Old Testament - Today we finish up the book of Amos! Today in Amos we read about Amos & Amaziah's interactions, visions of Locusts, Fire & a Plumb line, Ripe Fruit, God at the Altar, and then finish up the book with a Promise of Restoration. I like the beginning of Amos chapter 7 a lot. Here we see Amos praying for the forgiveness of Israel's sins and asking God to forgo the visions of Locusts & Fire. This is a good reminder to each of us to pray for others, and not just only for ourselves.
Also, in chapter 7 verses 14 & 15 stood out to me when Amos was speaking with the priest Amaziah: ""I'm not one of your professional prophets. I certainly never trained to be one. I'm just a shepherd, and I take care of fig trees. But the LORD called me away from my flock and told me, `Go and prophesy to my people in Israel.'" This reminds me of something I actually heard from Mac Powell, the leader singer of Third Day, at one of their concerts. Mac reminded us all that sometimes we think that the only way we can really be serving God and others in big ways is if maybe we are pastors or missionaries. And Mac reminded us that this is not the case - all of us, no matter what our profession or walk of life, can serve God and others in big ways! We are all pastors and missionaries in the kingdom of God! I like that. And here's Amos saying, "hey - I'm not a professional prophet. I'm just doing what God asked me to do." What might God be asking you to do in your life to love and serve Him and others?
Amos chapter 8 verses 11-13 are a great reminder of how fortunate we are to have the opportunity to read God's word, the Bible - where not everyone in our world today has this blessing. Actually, I have to admit - these are some of the most breathtaking verses for me in all of the Bible. For some reason I pay attention so acutely every time I hear these verses... this is scary stuff to consider... "The time is surely coming," says the Sovereign LORD, "when I will send a famine on the land--not a famine of bread or water but of hearing the words of the LORD. People will stagger everywhere from sea to sea, searching for the word of the LORD, running here and going there, but they will not find it. Beautiful girls and fine young men will grow faint and weary, thirsting for the LORD's word." Is it possible that we self-impose on our own lives famines? Famine's from hearing and reading God's word? If you are in the midst of a famine from God's Word, the Bible, will you seek out an opportunity to read God's Word each day? Do you thirst for God's Word? Will you drink from it?
Amos chapter 9 verse 11 is a great Messianic foretelling of the coming of Jesus: "In that day I will restore the fallen kingdom of David. It is now like a house in ruins, but I will rebuild its walls and restore its former glory." And verse 13 a foretelling of a Garden of Eden-like paradise to come: "The time will come," says the LORD, "when the grain and grapes will grow faster than they can be harvested. Then the terraced vineyards on the hills of Israel will drip with sweet wine!" Are you looking forward to this time? Do you want to be part of the restored kingdom of David?
YouTube: Today's readings in Amos reminds me of the NeedToBreathe song "Washed By the Water:"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMAmTLXJG2U
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Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless,
Mike
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