A Roaring Lion Has Our Back

O. T. #2095  "A Roaring Lion Has Our Back"

Dec. 28, 2021

Amos 1

LET IT GLOW

As I look back over the events of this year, sorrow and pain came (loosing 2 close brother preachers), blessings and good times were there (seeing our family together), as well as uncertainty. What a long year of waiting on the Lord to give specific directions as to where and what for us. Then doors crack open just a little bit. At times my faith was wavering, dangling from a thread. How about you, friend?

But God is faithful. He shares His strength to carry on, and we keep trusting that He knows what He is doing.  The Lord has not failed me yet. We cry out for help, and receive it with empty hands held up towards Him. Prepare us for what is on the read ahead, just around the bend.

Jesus shares His boundless love with no strings attached. We dig deeper in His Word and find love, His faithfulness. We lean on His everlasting arms wrapped around us. Help is on the way. We don't need to be afraid

We praise Jesus for coming to earth to be our Savior. Doing what we could not do for our self, saving us from our sins. 

God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. (2 Corinthians 5:19)

He is Good God Almighty. May we praise His name no matter what comes into our life. so we carry the light into a dark world; we take with us truth and the sword along our way wherever we go; we obey and follow the Savior, our peace; and joy swells up and spills over into a hurting world.; hope becomes real. Jesus is the answer to our whatever.

LET IT GROW

Hosea's message emphasized the love of God, but a God of love who also intends to judge. Amos spoke of the lofty justice and the inflexible righteousness of God which leads Him to judge. Although Amos was a country preacher from out yonder in the desert, he used the language of a Shakespeare. (McGee)

As mentioned previously, Amos was a shepherd and fig grower from the southern kingdom of Judah, but he prophesied to the northern kingdom of Israel. Israel was prosperous and powerful at that time. Idols were worshiped throughout the land, especially at Bethel, its religious center. God's people had descended into moral and religious corruption. Israel had cut themselves off from the temple in Jerusalem and worship of God. Around 60 years later, God sent Assyria to destroy Samaria and conquer Israel (722 BC). Jeroboam II reigned in Israel from 793-753 as king there.

Amos prophecies the judgments of God against 8 nations, including Israel. He shares the visions God gave him and the restoration to come.

How is God depicted in verse 2? He will roar as a lion from Zion, Jerusalem. The flock of sheep (people) in God's pasture was in danger. Israel needed to repent of their sins lest the Lion of Judah devours them.

A kingdom man can speak with boldness when he knows the source of his message. (Tony Evans)

Amos proclaimed the message God gave him. Are we doing the same? There is no need to fear when the Lion of Judah backs us up.

Is God shaking up your world, like He did two years later as an earthquake shook the land? (verse 1)

LET IT GO

Lord, You have our backs, so may we proclaim salvation in Jesus.

Jesus, be our strength and refuge.

Fill us with Your love, faith, peace, and joy.