An Insignificant Man With a Significant Job

O. T. #2094  "An Insignificant Man With a Significant Job"

Dec. 27, 2021

The words of Amos, who was among the herdmen of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel, two years before the earthquake. (Amos 1:1)

Introduction to Amos

The Author:

The meaning of this minor prophet of God, Amos, means Burdensome, in the Hebrew language, according to Strong's concordance. Commentaries say it means burden-bearer.

It was a sacrificial time for this sheep breeder and herder to leave his hill country of Tekoa, a village located about 10 miles south of Jerusalem. He was not a prophet by vocation. I like how J.Vernon McGee described Amos, "The Country Preacher Who Came to Town." Amos grew long wool for the cold wintertime.

Also, Amos was a gardener of sycamore trees, a fig grower if you please. This farmer would have been very rustic in appearance, a clumsy bumpkin sort of man, turned country preacher.

Setting:

Amos was a contemporary with Jonah and Hosea, who were prophets in the northern kingdom of Israel, and with Isaiah and Micah, who were prophets in the southern kingdom of Judah. He prophesied in the eighth century BC, during the reigns of King Uzziah (792-740BC) of Judah and King Jeroboam II (793-753 BC) of Israel.

The village where Amos was born and grew up, Tekoa, was located on a hilly ridge overlooking a desert wilderness that continue along the edge of the Dead Sea. Wild animals howled at night and the scenery was not a resort sort. Nomads and vagabonds of the desert moved through that area.

Historically, a woman from Tekoa had helped reconcile David and his rebellious son, Absalom. (2 Samuel 14)

Purpose:

Amos was sent with a message from God to awaken Israel and its surrounding nations to show them that they were responsible and accountable for their sins.

Outline:

1. Introduction to the Prophecy (1:1-2)
2. Judgment upon the Nations (1:3-2:16)
3. Four Messages of Condemnation (3:1-6, 14)
4. Five Symbolic Visions of Judgment (7:1-9:10)
5. The Vision of Summer Fruit (8:1-14)
6. the Vision of the Lord Standing by the Altar (9:1-10)
7. The Conclusion of the Prophecy: The Restoration of the Davidic Kingdom (9:11-15)

[Resource: Liberty Bible Commentary]

 

Spiritual Lessons:

Although Amos raised sheep, which was not a particularly spiritual job, became a channel of God's message to others. Do we feel our job is insignificant nor successful? It is as vital when we work in the place God wants us to be. He can work through us to do extraordinary things, no matter how ordinary our occupation.

Are we faithful in teaching God's Word to children week after week? Do you take care of grandchildren? It is essential part of Kingdom work. Don't forget it, dear believer.