Key word: Prepare
One of Israel’s last kings was Jeroboam II. Under his leadership, the nation reached its zenith militarily and economically. The people experienced a wide level of prosperity and peace. But as is often the case, prosperity led to disastrous spiritual consequences. Instead of humble thanksgiving to God, they congratulated themselves and sank into a life of luxury, cruelty and deceit. To such a people, God sent a shepherd/farmer with a message. Amos was not a prophet, but for a brief moment, he stepped out of his country lifestyle to warn Israel that their sins had not gone unnoticed by the Lord, despite their prosperous circumstances.
Israel compared itself with the nations around them and came off looking good (chapters 1-2). Being self-deceived, Israel needed God to tick off their sins such as harming the poor, immorality, idolatry, rejection of God’s word (2:6-12). They had become so hardened by sin that they no longer knew how to do right (3:10). Through prophets such as Amos, God called the nation to repentance, “Yet you have not returned to Me”, declares the Lord, repeated five times in chapter four (4:6, 8, 9, 10, 11). Therefore, because they refused to return to God, they must now “prepare to meet your God” (4:12). No longer would they encounter God’s judgments indirectly, they will now have to face God Himself. And just in case they did not understand the severity of the situation, Amos reminds them of the greatness of God (4:13).
The remedy to their spiritual mess and its consequence is simple and direct, although often resisted. It is found in our key verse (see also 5:4, 14). Israel had deceived themselves into thinking they were pretty spiritual when all along they were seeking self-pleasure and pursuing sinful behavior to that end. Amos message is to the point: return to the Lord and seek Him if you want real life. If you do not, prepare to meet your God.”
Key verse: Amos 5:6 – “Seek the Lord that you may live.”
