RTW 2023

Note: At 4:09 I meant to say “South” instead of “North.” 🙂

They trample helpless people in the dust
and shove the oppressed out of the way.
Amos 2:7a

‍

“My people have forgotten how to do right,” says the LORD.‍“Their fortresses are filled with wealth‍    taken by theft and violence.‍Therefore,” says the Sovereign LORD,‍    “an enemy is coming!‍He will surround them and shatter their defenses.‍    Then he will plunder all their fortresses.”Amos 3:10,11

We are called to care for one another, to help those in need, to maintain justice, and to love one another as God loves us.

History of Amos:

• Lived in Tekoa, 12 miles south of Jerusalem
• Described himself as a shepherd and as one who cares for sycamore-fig trees
• Prophesied during King Uzziah’s and King Jeroboam’s reign, and he dates his writing 2 years before an earthquake
• Directed most of his prophecies to the Northern Kingdom of Israel, even though he lived in Judah
• Quotes taken from the Archaeological Study Bible

Other important notes:

• Amos addressed the over-indulgent and morally corrupt living of Israel, with one of the major themes being that of social justice.
• Kings and rulers were often commanded to care for the poor in the ancient Near East; it was a very inhospitable time historically for the poor, widow, orphan.
• Israel was experiencing a time of prosperity but they did not steward things wisely, and the prosperity didn’t last.
• John 13:34-35 “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
• We are called to care for one another in the Church, and to be an example to the world of what God’s social justice looks like.

‍

Do what is good and run from evil‍    so that you may live!‍Then the LORD God of Heaven’s Armies will be your helper,‍    just as you have claimed.‍Hate evil and love what is good;‍    turn your courts into true halls of justice.‍Perhaps even yet the LORD God of Heaven’s Armies‍    will have mercy on the remnant of his people.

‍Amos 5:14-15