Hear this Word… (3 sermons)

• 1^st – Hear this word – to the children of Israel… vs. 1-15
  • 1^st – Israel was chosen… vs. 1-2
    • Amos had a message from the Lord – for the ‘whole family’ brought up from Egypt…
      • Amos will direct 3 sermons (chapter 3-5) mainly to the Northern Kingdom…
      • But he encourages Judah to also pay attention – because although they were not as bad…
      • They were on the same path and were in danger of sharing the same fate!
    • God chose Israel alone from all the nations of the earth…
      • Israel is special – because it was through them the Messiah came – Genesis 22:18
      • But Israel felt that their special place in the plan of God – came with special benefits…
      • They were the ‘chosen people’ – they alone were the descendants of Abraham!
      • They had the commands / Law of God – they knew about the Lord!
      • Matthew 3:9 – “Do not think to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.”
      • James 2:19 – “You believe that there is one God… Even the demons believe…”
      • If you ask most people – they will tell you they are a Christian / American (no difference)…
      • They will say they believe in God – may even be proud of their ‘belief’ in God…
      • Turns out being equal to a rock or a demon – is not enough to get to heaven!
    • In fact Israel was under the greater judgment – because they knew the Word of God…
      • They knew what God expected of them – the difference between right and wrong…
      • There are many who break the law of God – but do not know any better – Romans 2:12
      • Those who know what God expects – know the truth of His word…
      • And still choose to sin – that is rebellion against the Lord – and is far greater sin!
      • Luke 12:48 – “Much is required from those to whom much is given, and much more is required from those to whom much more is given.”
  • 2^nd – The credentials of Amos… vs. 3-8
    • No doubt the credentials of Amos were being questioned by Israel…
      • Who are you to tell us that we are under the judgment of God – who gave you the right…
      • No one wants to be confronted about their sin – it is easier to dismiss the messenger!
      • If you get an unwanted bill – you do not blame Google mail / or Yahoo / or AOL…
      • It is not their fault if your bill is too high – they are just the messengers!
      • Yet people seem to like to attack those who bring them the truth…
      • Cause it is far easier to blame others – than to admit to our own faults!
    • So Amos gives them 4 rhetorical questions to prove the point God had sent him!
      • Can 2 walk together unless they ‘agree on where to meet’?
      • Back in the days before cell phones – if you wanted to meet up with someone…
      • You had to give instructions to them before hand on when and where to meet
      • God had given instructions to Israel – on how they were to ‘walk’ so they could meet God…
      • He sent his instructions through the prophets – like Amos…
      • But they had ignored His instructions – therefore they would end up missing each other!
      • God has made the instructions for salvation simple – just believe – Ephesians 2:8
      • God did not make salvation hard – He wants everyone to be saved – II Peter 3:9
      • But at the same time – it is our choice – heaven or hell / life or death…
      • We choose which whether to walk our own way / or ‘meet up’ with God!
    • Will a bird fall from the sky without a snare catching it?
      • Or will a snap trap spring closed – without catching whatever tripped it…
      • The picture is powerful – like a spring loaded bear trap – snapping shut on its prey…
      • God had laid a trap for the nation of Israel – to catch them in their iniquity…
      • Amos was the trap – the Lord had sent him to see if the people would rebel or repent…
      • And they had sprung the trap – and there would be no escaping the judgment that followed!
    • Will the trumpet be blown in the city – without causing panic?
      • In days of antiquity the ‘alarm’ for a city of an approaching enemy was a trumpet…
      • When the people heard the blast – it was a warning great danger was at the gates!
      • Amos was the trumpet – he was sounding the alarm – God was at the gates…
      • Israel had made Him an enemy – and He was there to bring calamity!
    • Will a lion roar when he has no prey?
      • Lions stalk their prey – they do not announce their position unless they were attacking…
      • And young lions will not come out of their dens unless their parents caught their prey!
      • The Lord does nothing without first revealing it to His prophets…
      • The Lord had roared who could not fear – He had spoken how could Amos not prophesy!
      • God has spoken to us as well – we know His Word – we know the Truth…
      • We know there is only one way to get to heaven – and only one alternative – hell…
      • Knowing the truth – how can we hold back from sharing – how can we keep silent!
      • Jeremiah 20:9 – “His word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am weary of holding it in!”
  • 3^rd – The judgment of Samaria… vs. 9-15
    • God calls on the nations to come and learn a lesson…
      • Publish in the palaces of Egypt / Ashdod (Philistines)  – come to the mountains of Samaria…
      • Come look down on the destruction of Israel – because they do not know to do right!
      • God would send an enemy to surround the city – Assyria – II Kings 17:5 
      • As a shepherd recovers only pieces of the sheep from the mouth of the lion (leg / ear)…
      • So only a remnant of Israel would survive – a scant few make it out alive!
      • The destruction would include their golden calves – the altars of Bethel…
      • As well as the wealthy and rich – those who dwelt in palaces of ivory!
        
    • God desired to use Israel as a light to the nations…
      • But in their rebellion they instead became a warning – showing the judgment of God!
      • The Lord desires to bless us – beyond what we could ever imagine – Ephesians 3:20
      • Yet that blessing is contingent on our willingness to obey – James 1:22
      • The Lord will use our lives either way – as an example / or a warning – our choice!
      • Joshua 24:15 – “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…”

• 2^nd – Hear this word – you fat cows…  vs. 1-13
  • 1^st – The dangers of prosperity… vs. 1-5
    • Amos was obviously single – there is no way he could have gotten away with this otherwise!
      • Amos likens the women of Israel to fat cows – (Bashan – known for healthy fatted livestock)
      • The women had become ‘fat’ from the oppression of the needy and poor…
      • They lived only for PLEASURE – calling out to their Lord (adonai) for more wine!
      • Therefore God would lead them away with a hook in their noses – like a fish on a hook!
      • They would be led out through broken walls – thrown out of their houses (harmon)!
      • Money is not evil – but there is a danger in prosperity – we forget what is most important…
      • We get caught up in the pursuit of things that do not matter…
      • The latest fashion – the newest movies – the best restaurants…
      • In our prosperity we spend less time with God – and forget all He did for us…
      • Forget God saved us from our sin for a purpose – so that we could live our lives for Him!
    • God warns them about continuing to live their hypocritical lifestyle…
      • They come to Bethel (golden calf) and worship – Gilgal to multiply transgression…
      • Gilgal – where Israel first entered the Promised Land – Joshua 5:10-15
      • They bring their sacrifices every day – their tithes every 3 years – Deuteronomy 14:28
      • Offer sacrifices – leavened thanks – free will offerings – which they love to brag about…
      • In other words they had all outward trapping of religion in place…
      • But they were only fooling themselves – judgment was at the doors!
      • Many Christians today think as long as they look good – then God is with them…
      • But the question is what do we get excited about / what do we talk about the most…
      • Plastic Christianity is only skin deep – the questions is what is in our heart!
      • Luke 6:24 – “Out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks…”
      • We cannot serve both Jesus and the things of this world – with a disloyal heart…
      • If we live for the things of this world – veiled by Christianese – we only fool ourselves!
  • 2^nd – The purpose of trials… vs. 6-11
    • In His grace – God did not stand by idly while Israel careened towards destruction…
      • He put 5 distinct roadblocks in their path – trials to get their attention…
      • But in spite of His best efforts – the result was the same each time – they did not repent!
    • 1 – God gave them clean teeth – meaning they had nothing to eat – but they did not repent…
    • 2 – God withheld the rain – just when the later rains were due (April/May)…
      • He made it rain on one city and not another – showing it was not a drought – but judgment!
      • People had to travel from one city to anther just for water – but they did not repent!
    • 3 – God blasted (hot east wind) their crops with blight and mildew…
      • And when their crops did grow – locusts came and ate it – but they did not repent!
      • The first 3 attempts by God to get their attention all focuses on food and water…
      • God knows how to get our attention – one of the best ways is food…
      • When we are full/in need nothing – we tend to get arrogant – ignore God…
      • So God will allows us to go through times of ‘famine’ – no food / no money…
      • God desires to teach us – His kids – how to live a pure and holy life!
    • 4 – God sent plagues on Israel – like He had done to Egypt…
      • Their young men were killed in battle – their horses were taken captive…
      • The stench of their dead filled the air – but still they would not repent!
    • 5 – God overthrew some of their cities like Sodom and Gomorrah…
      • Those who were not destroyed – were saved like a half burned stick pulled from the fire!
      • The attempts of God became more desperate the more Israel hardened their hearts!
      • Because sin is devastating – if we refuse to repent of our sin – it will destroy us…
      • That is why God is willing to do almost anything to get our attention…
      • If we do not listen to the tap on the shoulder – He will swing the BIG stick…
      • Because the cost of not repenting is to great – it is eternal separation from God!
      • Hebrews 3:13 – “Exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”
  • 3^rd – Prepare to meet your maker… vs. 12-13
    • Since Israel had rejected the prophets of God – and all attempts to get their attention…
    • God issues them a military challenge to come out to battle – prepare to meet your God…
    • Lets see how far your strength – and that of your gods – will help you against Him…
    • The one who formed the mountains – that created the wind – and turn morning to night!
    • The one who knows the inner thoughts of a man – the Lord of hosts is His name!
    • We might snicker at the idea of men being able to ‘fight God’…
    • But the truth is we often try to ‘fight the will’ of God in our own lives…
    • God wants us to live for Him – and we stubbornly insistent on doing things our own way…
    • Like Jacob when he wrestled with God – only to finding the blessing in his surrender! 
    • It is only when we are exhausted / defeated – that we finally look up and find the answer!

• 3^rd – Hear this word – the lamentaion of Israel… vs. 1-27
  • 1^st – Seek the Lord and live … vs. 1-15
    • Amos final sermon is a dirge – a song – sung for a forsaken nation… vs. 1-5
      • The virgin of Israel has fallen – she lies forsaken on her land – no one to help her up…
        • Israel would be devastated in battle – left like a little girl helpless on the ground…
        • A city that sent 1000 people men into battle – would only see 100 return…
        • The city that sent 100 men – would only see 10 come home!
      • The solution was so simple – SEEK the Lord and live – 3 times He will give this command…
        • Do not seek Bethel – golden calves – because false idols could not save them…
        • Do not seek Gilgal – the past glory – because the past could not help them…
        • Do not seek Beersheba – Judah – because their brother was just like them!
        • Sadly – we tend to look everywhere but to the Lord in times of trouble…
        • We put our confidence in banks / 401ks / social security – to provide…
        • We run to friends / family / Facebook – Instagram and Twitter – for advice…
        • Confused and frustrated by the trials of life – and our constant failures… 
        • We long for yesterday – rather than trust in the Lord tomorrow…
        • All the while God patiently waits saying – just SEEK the Lord and live! 
    • SEEK the Lord and live – before He consumes you with a fire… vs. 6-11
      • You who twist justice into bitterness (wormwood) – casts righteousness to the ground…
      • The Lord is the one who made the Pleiades (seven sisters) and Orion (constellation)…
      • The Lord who makes night into day – and turns day to darkest night…
      • Who calls the waters of the sea and pours them out on the face of the earth – water cycle!
      • He will rain down ruin upon the strong / proud – crushing their defenses…
      • Upon the ones who hate those who correct them – despise those who speak the truth!
    • Therefore – because you trample and steal (tax) the poor… vs. 12-15
      • You will build stone houses – not live in them / plant vineyards – not drink from them…
      • Because God sees your MANY MIGHTY sins – you silence the upright…
      • You take bribes – and keep the poor from being able to get justice at the gate of the city…
      • So that even the wise keep silent – because they know it is an evil time!
      • SEEK good (the Lord) and not evil – that you may live / so the Lord will be with you…
      • Hate evil and love good – and God may yet be gracious to the remnant of Israel!
      • There is no end to the variety of challenges and tribulations that we face in life…
      • If we asked around – every one of us could share our own story – trial…
      • No matter what the question – the answer never changes – turn from the world (hate evil)…
      • And SEEK Jesus – His grace is more than able to save us from our troubles!
  • 2^nd – The Day of the Lord… vs. 16-20
    • From the cities (streets) to the county (vineyards) there will be wailing…
      • Call everyone (farmers to professionals) to come and wail – because the Lord is coming…
      • Woe to those who desire ‘the Day of the Lord’ – thinking God will be an answer…
      • It will be like a man who fled from a lion – only to meet a bear!
      • It will be like a man who fled into the safety of his house – only to be bit by a snake!
    • In other words if those who lived though the judgment of Assyria – but still did not repent…
      • Would only live to face a hasher judgment – the Day of the Lord!
      • I fear some people think they have ‘escaped’ judgment when they survive the trials of life…
      • I read an article about a women who was happy that his husband cheated on her…
      • She used it as motivation to loose over 100 pounds – and now is a motivational speaker…
      • The story struck me – because it completely missed the point…
      • The trials of life are not judgment – they are meant to be opportunities to repent…
      • Because if we do not repent now – we face the wrath of God on the Day of the Lord!
  • 3^rd  – The hypocrisy of Israel… vs. 21-27
    • God despised the feasts of Israel – He would not accept their offerings…
      • He refused to listen to the noise of their songs – closed His ear to their music…
      • What He wanted was a flood of justice – and a mighty river of righteousness!
      • But Israel had always been rebellious – from the beginning – 40 years in the wilderness…
      • Even there they blended their worship of God with their idols…
      • Sikkuth your king (Sak-kut / Saturn – Babylonian God) – Chiun your star!
      • Steven – standing up boldly for the truth – quotes this very passage in Acts 7:43
      • Using the Septuagint translations of the names Moloch (king) and Remphan (star)…
      • Showing that Israel would continue to be rebellious all the way into the NT!
    • Therefore God would send them into captivity beyond Damascus (Assyria)…
      • The problem with people – is that it is very hard to change…
      • Like Israel it is easier to question the messenger – than to examine ourselves…
      • It is easy to think because the outside looks good – the heart does not matter…
      • It is easy to justify the trials we are going through – ignore the warning…
      • It is easy to forget that the one lesson God is trying to teach us – is to SEEK HIM…
      • But the truth is there is no more important lesson we will every learn…
      • Because eternity is guaranteed to everyone – where we spend eternity is the question…
      • The Day of the Lord is coming – today is the day to change!