Daily Encouragement Day 190 – Amos 1

Although Amos lived in Judah (Tekoa was 12 miles south of Jerusalem), he was sent by God as a prophet to the northern kingdom of Israel.  “I am not a prophet, nor am I the son of a prophet; for I am a herdsman and grower of sycamore figs.  But the Lord took me from following the flock and the Lord said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to My people Israel’” (7:14-15).

Amos, like James in the New Testament, does not mince his words, but delivers a series of sharp and incisive declarations and images that arouse the conscience and require a response.  This book is relevant to our times, because it was addressed to a materialistic culture that fostered greed, injustice, and arrogance.  It is a word of warning that such a culture cannot continue for long without being diminished by divine judgment.

READING of AMOS 1

Prayer:

Lord, I serve an awesome and holy God, and I must order my steps before You in repentance and righteousness.  May I make a difference in my time by expressing Your righteousness in the way I live and relate to others.

Meditation passage for today: verse 2