A DIRGE/AMOS 5

Amos shares a funeral dirge with Israel while they were still alive (v.1). A dirge is a song or poem that expresses grief or mourning. Amos is letting Israel know, in advance of their demise, what he is going to say about them when they are dead. His hope, in doing so, is to bring them to repentance for their sins against God and God’s people. Let’s listen in and see what we can glean from this that may bring us to repentance and salvation, or that may bring us to repentance and abundant life in Christ. We will be approaching this chapter differently than we have the ones before. We start with ...

I) A LIST OF SINS THAT BRING GOD’S JUDGMENT

A) Amos lists a number of sins in this chapter that brought God’s just judgment upon Israel. He announced in the funeral dirge: "She has fallen, she will not rise again ..." v.2. What brought this fall is then explained in many verses in the chapter. The first sin to note is found in verse 7–Israel had no regard for justice. They did not defend or stand up for the rights of the poor among them, which translates into no concern for others–a provision of God’s covenant with them. In verse 10, they were guilty of hating godly counsel and those who were people of integrity. Though the majority in Israel ignored or rebelled against God’s rule, a remnant of them remained faithful to God’s rule/law. And, it was these who were hated. What resulted from a disregard for justice was a taking advantage of and mistreating the poor for personal gain (v.11). They also showed hostility toward the righteous–those living according to God’s standards–and they accepted bribes (v.12). The righteous were vexed (annoyed, irritated, riled) by such behavior. And, then in verses 21-26, we find them offering God worship as He prescribed, but God was not pleased with their offerings. Why? Their hearts were not singularly committed to the worship of the One True God. They were guilty of idolatry. While doing what God required their allegiance was to other gods, gods of their own making (v.26).

B) There is much for us to learn here as well. Without trying to sound simplistic, Christians should distance themselves from such things as we just listed. The same God who spoke to Amos is the same God that speaks to us today in Christ. So, we must be people who are concerned about others by defending the rights of the poor. We need to speak up about, and even against, social injustice. Yes, this takes great wisdom in a culture that pushes unbiblical agendas–gay marriages and homosexual rights (special rights). We need to speak to others about injustice, and we must vote on such issues as well. We desperately need wisdom to live in this day and age. Also, we must be sure that we are not guilty of idolatry ourselves–making a god in our own image. God will not accept our offering no matter how biblically correct it may appear to be, if our hearts are far from Him cf. Mark 7:6-7; Matthew 7:21-23.

C) One final thing here. There is a day of judgment coming, and it is called "the day of the Lord" (vv.18,20). The Israelites believed, wrongly, that their privileged relationship with God, and all the seeming blessings/prosperity would keep them from judgment. They were looking for "the day of the Lord" to vindicate them, to deliver them from any danger or enemies. Yet, the day they looked for was really their day of judgment on their sins. There would be no escape (v.19). How will you fare on the day of the Lord still to come? Do you have the wrong impression of what will happen on that day? Either your sins are already dealt with in Christ, or you will be left to bear the punishment for your sins alone. Trust Christ today, and be assured that the day of the Lord will be a day of joy! Now to ...

II) WHAT WE LEARN OF GOD

A) Here is our hope, as it was the hope of the remnant in Amos’ day. First, we note in verses 4,6, & 11, God is gracious. He offers to all deliverance, but there is a condition–"Seek Me!" The idea of seeking is to completely trust in God evidenced by obeying His commandments. If you have or are seeking God, then it is because He has or is seeking for you (John 4). In verses 8 & 9, we are to understand that God is the Sovereign God of creation and of human history. In verse 12, we are to understand that God is all-knowing–He knows our many and various sins. We can hide nothing from God–no thought, no mumbled word. In verses 14 & 15, God gives us the "how-to" of a life that pleases Him–"Seek good and not evil;" "Hate evil, love good." Keep in mind here, lest we think that being a moral person is what pleases God, God determines what is good and evil. And, it is important to know that we can only do good deeds that bring life, if we are considered good because we are in Christ. Good is to be positionally understood. And, finally, we find God as the One, who alone, always keeps His Word (vv.18-20,27). Friends, this God saves and keeps those who come to His Son as Savior: no matter what sins you have committed, and no matter what will come tomorrow, personally or globally! Are you seeking this God? Have you found Him? Seek Him today and live!!