This Is the Old Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book or two of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture. This week, we’ll continue looking at the Minor Prophets.
What Is Amos? The book of Amos uses poetic verse, in the form of oracles and visions, to proclaim God’s justice and judgment against Israel and Samaria.
How Amos Fits Into the Story: By proclaiming justice against both Israel and Samaria, the book of Amos reminds us of the sovereignty of God and His involvement with His people. Amos emphasizes the coming Day of the Lord, a day when all people will be held accountable, while also boasting in the hope and glory of Christ’s return.
Reflection Questions:
1. Reflect on what today’s three passages say about the difference between good and evil. What is God’s reaction to what He hates? How does your own reaction to sin compare with His?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
Hi Jody Lynn
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Kenya, I completely agree with you. It’s been on my heart lately to sponsor a child through compassion.com , and I’m wondering if anyone has experience with this organization? I feel very fortunate that my husband and I are both working, and that our children have what they need; and I would love to extend our blessings to a child that may need help. It’s a Christian based program that not only supplies the children with medical and school needs, but also teaches them about Jesus. I would love any insight if anyone has worked with this organization in the past. Thank you!
I pray that I would hate sin as the Lord does and run from it.
Two things really stood out to me from the passage in Amos 5. Verse 11 says “Therefore, though you have built stone mansions, you will not live in them; though you have planted lush vineyards, you will not drink their wine.”
How often am I focused on building “my kingdom” and maintaining my comfort and securing my material possessions? Those things are temporary when my heart should be on what’s eternal. How often does my pursuit of those things come at the cost of loving another?
Like Taylor mentioned, I was really struck by God’s heart for justice. It’s all too easy to look at our world and to see the ways that we have oppressed, sinned against, and marginalized people. That runs completely counter to God’s will. Addressing evil and wrongdoing is central to redemption. God wants us to pursue what’s true, maintain justice in the courts, and protect the rights of the poor and oppressed. Praying God would show me the ways in my life, big or small, that I can work toward justice for all people.
Oh my goodness! The Lord put Philippians 4:8 on my heart yesterday after I was talking about a couple of my friends in a bad way. I’ve been reminded this morning that just because I have been a Christian for a long time does not mean that I am above accountability or any sin by any means. We are preparing for the Lord’s return, let’s keep striving!
The minor prophets like Amos bring just as powerful message as the major prophets do. According to the timeline in the study book Amos and Jonah were written or were alive about the same time. He’s prophecies were also before Daniel, Isaiah and Jeremiah. I think I will do what one of the podcasts suggested and read them in chronological order. I will write down their order and read them that way this will help with making more sense of what happened before Christ.
Sisters, I’m asking again for prayer for my sister, Carol, but this time it’s for wisdom concerning my nephew’s dog. I went to her house this weekend to take her out and had to go in and help her find her glasses. While I was in the house the dog nipped me twice. She doesn’t want to board the dog while he is in jail but not very many people can get into the house with the dog in there. Money isn’t the problem because the rest of the family is willing to help pay for it. Thank you.
God bless SRT sisters.
1. God hates sin And He’s asking us to turn away from it and to seek good and not evil. Yet He is compassionate, loving and waits for us to turn from our sin. My reaction to sin? We live in a sinful world, full of sinful people and I’m one of them. May I catch myself and ask for forgiveness when appropriate. 2. My God is compassionate is ready to forgive
Thank you Arina, Not Aroma. This new phone is autocorrecting and driving me a little crazy. But thankful I am learning to navigate better.