In the ancient world, the Israelites stood alone in their monotheistic beliefs, surrounded on every side by nations who served many gods.
Neighboring cultures, such as the Egyptians, revered a multitude of deities. A prime example is the Egyptians’ worship of the Nile River, which they considered divine due to its vital role in providing transportation and irrigating crops.
Similarly, other religions gazed upon the stars, perceiving them as gods, while some viewed the vast ocean as a divine entity to be conquered.
Amos noted that God is not one God among many, but rather He is supreme and has authority over all powers in the heavens and on earth.
He is named by the word LORD, which is the English translation of Jehovah, the covenant name of God with His people.
The Lord, God of hosts,
he who touches the earth and it melts,
and all who live in it mourn,
and all of it rises like the Nile
and sinks again, like the Nile of Egypt,
Who builds his upper chambers in the heavens
and founds his vault upon the earth,
who calls for the waters of the sea
and pours them out upon the surface of the earth—
the Lord is his name. (Amos 9.5-6)
The phrase, “Lord God of Hosts,” contains everything Amos needed to say.
However, in case we miss it, he then describes what happens. For the powers in the heavens and on earth, God is in complete control.
He is not subject to the Nile River but controls its rise and fall. All that is in the upper chambers and on the waters reacts to His rule.
The last phrase is more than a name tag. Yes, the LORD is Jehovah, the one who formed a personal relationship with the Israelites.
More than that, He is characterized by who He is and by His behavior. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, and everywhere present, but He is also just and righteous.
Those last two categories, justice and righteousness, are what He demands of His followers.
In 2024, the world is engulfed in wars across almost every continent. Nations are allocating obscene portions of their budgets to amass weapons, intent on destroying each other.
This surge in warfare is driven by a lust for power over others or protection from other’s influence.
By contrast, God’s direction for His people is not to engage in this pursuit of power.
Instead, He calls us to strive for a life marked by justice and righteousness. This distinction sets God’s people apart in a world dominated by power struggles.
Misuse of Power
When God’s people become like all of the other nations and use their power to oppress the vulnerable, they place themselves in the same category as the other nations.
As a result, they must face God’s judgment.
In the Exodus, God freed Israel from Egyptian domination through His mighty power. However, when Israel chooses to oppress others, they subject themselves to that same powerful hand of judgment that once afflicted the Egyptians.
Are you not like the Cushites to me,
O people of Israel? says the Lord.
Did I not bring Israel up from the land of Egypt
and the Philistines from Caphtor and the Arameans from Kir?
The eyes of the Lord God are upon the sinful kingdom,
and I will destroy it from the face of the earth
—except that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob,
says the Lord. (Amos 9.7-8)
There are two ways we can learn God’s truths. The first is by listening to the prophet’s message, taking it to heart, and changing our behavior.
The second is by disregarding the prophet’s words, which leads to experiencing God’s judgment.
God has provided us with the prophets’ messages to help us avoid His judgment. These words are meant to encourage us to critically examine our lives and align them with God’s will, instead of following our self-centered desires.
It Can’t Happen Here
Since the conclusion of World War II, Americans have experienced a level of prosperity unmatched in history.
While the nation has faced its share of challenges, it has enjoyed conveniences, luxuries, and overall well-being to an extent unparalleled by any other nation.
The common assumption of the majority of Americans is that this prosperity will continue throughout their lifetime.
That was the same thought that was taking place in the 8th century BC Israel when Amos came to declare that God was about to change the situation. The reason for this impending change is crucial to understand.
God had expected the nation to use its power for righteousness and justice. However, they diverted it towards serving their own selfish interests, prompting God’s decision to alter their circumstances.
For I will command
and shake the house of Israel among all the nations,
as one shakes with a sieve
but no pebble shall fall to the ground.
All the sinners of my people shall die by the sword,
who say, “Evil shall not overtake or meet us.” (Amos 9.9-10)
Prophecy serves as a mirror, reflecting how God sees us. Its purpose is to guide us in making the necessary adjustments to align our lives with God’s will.
With this understanding, let us take action today. Let’s seek guidance from God by asking, “Lord, how can we better align our lives with Your will?”
YouTube Video
Rudy Ross and I discuss this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 