Amos (Part 2) | Resources
Introduction to Amos
Amos is the first of the four eighth-century BC prophets, which also included Hosea, Isaiah, and Micah. Along with Hosea, Amos’s ministry was to Israel even though he was from Judah. He was a layman who did not consider himself a professional prophet (7:14–15). Through words and visions, Amos spoke against the superficial religious institutions of his day.
Duane A. Garrett, “Amos,” in CSB Study Bible: Notes, ed. Edwin A. Blum and Trevin Wax (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2017), 1377.
Memory Verse
“Seek the Lord and live, or he will spread like fire throughout the house of Joseph; it will consume everything with no one at Bethel to extinguish it.” Amos 5:6 (CSB)
Bible Reading
Take time to engage with God’s Word this week. Answer these questions: What is the main idea of this passage? What’s something that stood out? How does this passage point to Jesus? How can I live out what I read?
– Day 1 — Amos 6
– Day 2 — Amos 7
– Day 3 — Amos 8
– Day 4 — Amos 9
– Day 5 — Revelation 4
Discussion/Reflection Questions
1) Summarize the story that is being told.
2) Where are you tempted to be guilty of injustice, idolatry, or immorality?
3) Why is helping the poor and vulnerable an essential way of expressing our love for the Lord?
4) What does this book teach us about God, ourselves, or the gospel?
5) How is the Holy Spirit prompting you to repent or obey?
Devotional
A few weeks ago, my wife wrote several Bible verses on a giant Post-it she had written in her journal over the past few months and stuck them all over the walls in our prayer room at our house. A few days later, I put my earbuds on and listened to worship music in the room. I began to pray over the difficult trial we are going through while staring at the walls, newly decorated with God’s Word and what He says about Himself to us.
As I listened to the music and stared at the walls, I felt grief, sadness, and hopelessness over our trial. At the same time, I was overcome with joy, security, and hopefulness in God’s faithfulness. Here are a few verses on our wall:
“Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from Him.” Psalm 62:5
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.” Psalm 94:19
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:17–18
“The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” Romans 8:26
“Come to me all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.” Jeremiah 17:7
When everything feels out of control, God is always in control. When we get surprised, God is never surprised. When we are confused, God is not. He knows why. And He is enough for your pain. He doesn’t just get you through the trial, He owns the trial. He will hold you through the whole journey.
Your trials are being brought for a reason. It is a blessing to bear them under the weight of God’s Word. Easy to say, hard to do. In the middle of your trials, afflictions, sin, and unfaithfulness, God is always faithful. In our hard moments, whether created by you and your sin, or circumstances out of your control, God is always a steady rock in your life.