Some seeds require fire, did you know? Scientists call them “serotinous cones.” That’s a fancy way of saying that some plants, like the lodgepole pine, seal their seeds in a tiny fortress, made impenetrable with sap. In an article by Melissa Petruzzello called “Playing with Wildfire,” she shares how their cones can only open after the heat of a fire melts the resin that protects them.
No fire? No life.
So it often is with the wrath of God. The final chapter of Amos records a terrifying vision. Earthquake. Sword. Captivity. Death.
The Lord, the GOD of Armies—
he touches the earth;
it melts, and all who dwell in it mourn.
—Amos 9:5
Picture the whole earth melting. Imagine the forest fire of grief caused by seeing our sin as the disaster it is. What can withstand the fiery heat of God’s righteous judgment? Only one thing can. Even as God’s anger engulfed the nation of Israel, there was hope—there is always hope.
However, I will not totally destroy the house of Jacob—
This is the LORD’s declaration.
—Amos 9:8
Lodgepole pines have another unique characteristic. Petruzzello shares that they are frequently the only trees growing in infertile soil. Disease or disaster doesn’t deter them. Their fire-tested seed mechanism can bring life, even where the stench of death still lingers.
Isn’t that like God? Telling the story of His intent through the world He has made.
God’s just anger is never futile. It is accomplishing something. Restoration. Repair. Rebuilding (v. 11).
Wherever there is sin, there must be judgment. The holiness of God demands it. Still, the book of Amos doesn’t end with a snapshot of a scorched earth. With the smell of smoke still on his clothes, the prophet stood among the ashes and declared, “Look, the days are coming—this is the LORD’s declaration—when the plowman will overtake the reaper and the one who treads grapes, the sower of seed. The mountains will drip with sweet wine, and all the hills will flow with it” (v. 13).
Sinful rebellion did not end in Amos’s day nor will the consequences. But take heart, sinner. Jesus made a way for your story to parallel the remnant of Amos’s day. Because God is good, hope is always on the horizon. Because He is gracious, the heat of His judgment releases something remarkable: Jesus bore God’s judgment for both the remnant then and believers now. Redemption.
@Sarah D praying for your decision and that you can come to one that feels best! Happy Friday ladies!
I have to admit this reading of Amos has been hard for me. I completed the study for lent and God’s judgment was so heavy in that study. Going into summer I wanted to read something more light hearted, but God’s judgment is something I can’t run from. His judgment is a part of his character just as much as his love and holiness are. I love how this study ends, worth God’s promise of redemption and restoration.
Thank you for this Bible Study,when I look around at this present age.The word of God comfort me and gives me hope.
I heard about the seeds of some evergreen trees in wild forests being multiplied only through fire. And the fire will burn up the old trees that are still standing but indeed just dead woods taking up space. It’s an amazing program how new seedlings are made as old ones get cleaned up. Wildfire has a twofold purpose. The imagery of the seed reminds me of the “incorruptible seed” that is deposited inside of us. And God is a consuming fire that will burn the outward covering to release the seed. May we be calm as the fire comes, knowing it’s not to kill us but to release something within us.
@HEIDI and @THERESA: praying for your passports and travel grace.
@MARI: praying for your easy adjustments at work.
@RHONDA: I hope you will have a wonderful family time. It was very bold of the man to stand and yell repent, often times people look at it as crazy. I have seen street evangelists that did that during a Pride parade. My own family too telling me the same that I am crazy (through indirect words), but when they go through calamity, I am the one they come to first for prayers and counsel. Ha! It bothers me at first but being the light of God has an attraction to it, there is a purity and power that is on us, there is beauty in being righteous and clean, and that’s why people of the world envies and would try to tear us down. The light in us bothers the demons in them. Let us not be weary in doing good. “Repentance is good thing”, that’s what I would say if I was in your shoes :)
Have a lovely weekend.
Be blessed dear she’s.
This was an important study for me, reminding me that God does forgive my sins, and if there is  hope after the dark times
I didn’t realize the book of Amos was so exciting!!! I discovered the 6 most terrifying words in the Bible in chapter 4:12,”Israel, prepare to meet your God!” I enjoyed this study, and every study so far, very much. On to the next!
You have loved righteousness
and hated lawlessness;
this is why God, your God,
has anointed you
with the oil of joy
beyond your companions. – Hebrews 1:9
This brought tears to my eyes! Yes, Lord! Thank you for joy in dark times. Thank you for the promise of heaven.
You have loved righteousness
and hated lawlessness;
this is why God, your God,
has anointed you
with the oil of joy
beyond your companions. – Hebrews 1:9