Amos

WHEN we hear, “ he’s a man of God,” the images that most often come to mind are some famous evangelist, a “Reverend,” a missionary, or the campus minister – professionals, Christian workers, those who preach and teach the word as a vocation.

Surely Amos was a man of God – a person whose life was devoted to serving the Lord and whose life-style reflect this devotion – but he was a layperson. Herding sheep and tending sycamore-fig trees in the Judean countryside, Amos was not the son of a prophet; he was not a son of a priest. As a humble shepherd, he could have stayed in Tekoa, doing his job, providing for his family, and worshipping his god. But God gave Amos a vision of the future (2:1), and told him to take his vision to Israel, the northern kingdom (7:15). Amos obeyed, and thus proved that he was a man of God.

Amos’s message has had an impact on God’s people throughout the centuries, and it need to be heard today, by individuals and nations. Although they were divided from their southern brothers and sisters in Judah, the northern Israelites were stills God’s people. But they were living beneath a pious veneer of religion, worshipping idols, and oppressing the poor. Amos, a fiery, fearless, and honest shepherd from the south, confronted them with their sins and warned them of the impending judgment.

The book of Amos opens with this humble shepherd watching his sheep. God then gave him a vision of what was about to happen to the nation of Israel. God condemned all the nations that have sinned against him and harmed his people. Beginning with Aram, he moved quickly through Philistia, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, and Moab. All were condemned, and we can almost hear the Israelites shouting. “Amen!” And then, even Judah, Amos’s homeland, was included in God’s scathing denunciation (2:4, 5). How Amos’s listeners must have enjoyed hearing those words! Suddenly, however, Amos turned to the people of Israel and pronounced God’s judgment on them. The next four chapters enumerate and describe their sins. It is no wonder that Amaziah the priest intervened and tried to stop the preaching (7:10-13). Fearlessly, Amos continued to relate the visions of future judgment that God gave to him (chapter 8;9). After all the chapters on judgment, the book concludes with a message of hope. Eventually God will restore his people and make them great again (9:8-15).

As you read Amos, put yourself in the place of those Israelites and listen to God’s message. Have you grown complacent? Have other concerns taken God’s place in your life? Do you ignore those in need or oppress the poor? Picture yourself as Amos, faithfully doing what God calls you to do. You, too, can be God’s person. Listen for his clear call and do whatever he say, wherever it leads.

VITAL STATISTICS:

Purpose: To pronounce God’s judgment upon Israel, the northern kingdom, for their complacency, idolatry, and oppression of the poor.

Author: Amos

To whom written: Israel, the northern kingdom, and God’s people everywhere

Date Written: Probably the reign of Jeroboam II of Israel and Uzziah (Azariah) of Judah ( about 760-750 B.C)

Setting: The wealthy people of Israel were enjoying peace and prosperity. They were quite complacent and oppressing the poor, even selling them into slavery. Soon, however, Israel would be conquered by Assyria, and the rich would themselves become slaves.

Key Verse: “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (5:24).

Key People: Amos, Amaziah, Jeroboam II

Key Places: Bethel, Samaria

Special Features: Amos uses striking metaphors from his shepherding and farming experience - a loaded cart (2:13), a roaring lion (3:8), a mutilated sheep (3:12), pampered cows (4:1), and a basket of fruits (8:1,2).

MEGA THEMES:

Theme	Explanation	Importance
Everyone answers to God	Amos pronounced judgment from God on all the surrounding nations. Then he included Judah and Israel. God is in supreme control of all the nations. Everyone is accountable to him.	All people will have to account for their sin. When those who reject God seem to get ahead, don’t envy their prosperity our feel sorry for yourself. Remember that we all must answer to go for how we live.
Complacency	Everyone was optimistic, business was booming, and people were happy (except for the poor and oppressed). With all the comfort and luxury came self-sufficiency and a false sense of security. But prosperity brought corruption and destruction.	A complacent present leads to a disastrous future. Don’t congratulate yourself for the blessings and benefits you now enjoy. They are from God. If you are more satisfied with yourself than with God, remember that everything is meaningless without him. A self-sufficient attitude may be your downfall.
Oppressing the poor	The wealthy and powerful people of Samaria, the capital of Israel, had become prosperous, greedy, and unjust. Illegal and immoral slavery came as the result of over-taxation and land-grabbing. There was also cruelty and indifferent towards the poor. God is weary of greed and will not tolerate injustice.	God made all people; therefore to ignore the poor is to ignore those whom God loves and whom Christ came to save. We must go beyond feeling bad for the poor and oppressed. We must act compassionately to stop injustice and to help care for those in need.
Superficial religion	Although many people had abandoned real faith in God, they still pretended to be religious. They were carrying on nominal religious performances instead of having spiritual integrity and practicing heartfelt obedience towards God.	Merely participating in ceremony or ritual falls short of true religion. God wants simple trust in him, not showy external actions. Don’t settle for impressing others with external rituals when God wants heartfelt obedience and commitment.

Micah

“I hate you!” she screams, and runs from the room. Words from a child, thrown as emotional darts. Perhaps she learned the phrase from Mom and Dad, or maybe it just burst forth from that inner well of “sinful nature.” Whatever the case, hate and love have become society’s bywords, almost tired clichés, tossed carelessly at objects, situations, and even people.

The casual use of such words as “love” and “hate” has emptied them of their meaning. We no longer understand statements that describe a loving God who hates sin. So we picture God as gentle and kind – a cosmic “pushover”; and our concept of what he hates is tempered by our misconceptions and wishful thinking.

The words of the prophets stand in stark contrast to such misconceptions. God’s hatred is real – burning, consuming, and destroying. He hates sin, and he stands as the righteous judge, ready to mete out punishment to all who defy his rule. God’s love is also real. So real that he sent his Son, the Messiah, to save and accept judgment in the sinner’s place. Love and hate are together – both unending, irresistible, and unfathomable.

In seven short chapters, Micah presents this true picture of God – the almighty Lord who hates sin and loves the sinner. Much of the book is devoted to describing God’s judgment on Israel (the northern kingdom), on Judah (the southern kingdom), and on all the earth. This judgment will come “because of Jacob’s transgression, because of the sins of the house of Israel” (1:5). And the prophet lists their despicable sins, including fraud (2:2), theft (2:8), heresy (3:5), injustice (3:9), extortion and lying (6:12), murder (7:2), and other offense. God’s judgment will come.

In the midst of this overwhelming prediction of destruction, Micah gives hope and consolation because he also describes God’s love. The truth is that judgment comes only after countless opportunities to repent, to turn back to true worship and obedience – “to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (6:8). But even in the midst of judgment, God promises to deliver the small minority who have continued to follow him. He states, “Their king will pass through before them, the LORD at their head” (2:13). The king, of course, is Jesus; and we read in 5:2 that he will be born as a baby in Bethlehem, an obscure Judean village.

As you read Micah, catch a glimpse of God’s anger in action as he judges and punishes sin. See God’s love in action as he offers eternal life to all who repent and believe. And then determine to join the faithful remnant of God’s people who live according to his will.

VITAL STATISTICS:

Purpose: To warn God’s people that judgment is coming and to offer pardon to all who repent

Author: Micah, a native of Moresheth, near Gath, about 20 miles southwest of Jerusalem

To whom written: The people of Israel (the northern kingdom) and of Judah (the southern kingdom)

Date Written: Possibly during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (742-687 B.C.)

Setting: The political situation is described in 2 Kings 15-20 and 2 Chronicles 26-30. Micah was a contemporary of Isaiah and Hosea.

Key Verse: “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (6:8).

Key People: The people of Samaria and Jerusalem

Key Places: Samaria, Jerusalem, Bethlehem

Special Features: This is a beautiful example of classical Hebrew poetry. There are three parts, each beginning with “Hear” or “Listen” (1:2; 3:1; 6:1) and closing with a promise.

MEGA THEMES:

Theme	Explanation	Importance
Perverting faith	God will judge the false prophets, dishonest leaders, and selfish priests in Israel and Judah. When they publicly carried out religious ceremonies, they were privately seeking to gain money and influence. To mix selfish motives with an empty display of religion is to pervert faith.	Don’t try to mix your own selfish desires with true faith in God. One day God will reveal how foolish it is to substitute anything for loyalty to him. Coming up with your own private blend of religion will pervert your faith.
Oppression	Micah predicted ruin for all nations and leaders who were oppressive toward others. The upper classes oppressed and exploited the poor. Yet no one was speaking against them or doing anything to stop them. God will not put up with such injustice.	We dare not ask God to help us while we ignore those who are needy and oppressed, or while we silently condone the actions of those who oppress them.
The Messiah – King of Peace	God promised to provide a new king to bring strength and peace to his people. Hundreds of years before Christ’s birth, God promised that the eternal king would be born in Bethlehem. It was God’s great plan to restore his people through the Messiah.	Christ our king leads us just as God promised. But until his final judgment, his leadership is only visible among those who welcome his authority. We can have God’s peace now by giving up our sins and welcoming him as king.
Pleasing God	Micah preached that God’s greatest desire was not the offering of sacrifices at the temple. God delights in faith that produces justice, love for others, and obedience to him.	True faith in God generates kindness, compassion, justice, and humility. We can please God by seeking these results in our work, our family, our church, and our neighborhood.

Joel

A single bomb devastates a city, and the world is ushered into the nuclear age. A split atom… power and force such as we have never seen.

At a launch site, rockets roar and a payload is thrust into space. Discoveries dreamed of for centuries are ours as we begin to explore the edge of the universe.

Volcanoes, earthquakes, tidal waves, hurricanes, and tornados unleash uncontrollable and unstoppable force. And we can only avoid them and then pick up the pieces

Power, strength, might – we stand in awe at the natural and man – made display. But these forces cannot touch the power of omnipotent God. Creator of galaxies, atoms, and natural laws, the sovereign Lord rules all there is and ever will be. How silly to live without him; how foolish to run and hide from him; how ridiculous to disobey him. But we do. Since Eden, we have sought the independence from his control, as though we were gods and could control our destiny. And he has followed our rebellion. But soon the day of the Lord will come.

It is about this day that the prophet Joel speaks, and it is the theme of him book. On this day God will judge all unrighteousness and disobedience – all accounts will be settled and the crooked made straight.

We know very little about Joel – only that he was a prophet and the son of Pethuel. He may have lived in Jerusalem because his audience was Judah, the southern kingdom. Whoever he was, Joel speaks forthrightly and forcefully in this short and powerful book. His message is one of foreboding and warning, but it is also filled with hope. Joel states that our Creator, the omnipotent Judge, is also merciful, he wants to bless all those who trust him.

Joel begins by describing a terrible plague of locust that covers the land and devours the crops. The devastation wrought by these creatures is but a foretaste of the coming judgment of God, the “day of the Lord.” Joel, therefore, urges the people to turn from their sin and turn back to God. Woven into this message of judgment and the blessings he promises for all who follow him. In fact, “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (2:32).

As you read Joel, catch his vision of the power and might of God and of God’s ultimate judgment of sin. Choose to follow, obey, and worship God alone as your sovereign Lord.

VITAL STATISTICS:

Purpose: To warn Judah of God’s impending judgment because of their sins, and to urge them to turn back to God.

Author: Joel son of Pethuel

To whom written: The people of Judah, the southern kingdom, and God’s people everywhere.

Date Written: Probably during the time Joel may have prophesied, from about 835 to 796 B.C.

Setting: The people of Judah had become prosperous and complacent. Taking God for granted, they had turned to self-centeredness, idolatry, and sin. Joel warned then that this kind of life-style would inevitably bring down God’s judgment.

Key Verses: “ ‘Even now,’ declares the LORD, ‘ return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.’ Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD, your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and relents from sending calamity” (2:12, 13).

Key People: Joel, the people of Judah

Key Places: Jerusalem

MEGA THEMES:

Theme	Explanation	Importance
Punishment	Like a destroying army of locust, God’s punishment for sin is overwhelming, dreadful, and unavoidable. When it comes, there will be no food, no water, no protection, and no escape. The day for settling accounts with God for how we have lived is fast approaching.	God is the one with whom we all must reckon – not nature, the economy, or a foreign invader. We can’t ignore or offend God forever. We must pay attention to his message now, or we will face his anger later.
Forgiveness	God stood ready to forgive and restore all those who would come to him and turn away from sin. God wanted to shower his people with love and restore them to a proper relationship with him.	Forgiveness comes by turning from sin and turning away from God. It is not too late to receive God’s forgiveness. God’s greatest desire is for you to come to him.
Promise of the Holy Spirit	Joel predicts the time when God will pour out his Holy Spirit on all people. It will be the beginning of new and fresh worship of God by those who believe in him, but also the beginning of judgment on all who reject him.	God is in control. Justice and restoration are in his hands. The Holy Spirit confirms God’s love for is just as he did for the first Christians (Acts 2). We must be faithful to God and place our lives under the guidance and power of his Holy Spirit.

Hosea

GROOMSMEN stands at attention as the music swells and the bride begins her long walk down the aisle, arm in arm with her father. The smiling, but nervous, husband-to-be follows every step, his eyes brimming with love. Then happy tears are shed, vows stated, and families merged. A wedding is a joyous celebration of love. It is the holy mystery of two becoming one, of beginning life together, and of commitment. Marriage is life together is ordain by God and illustrates his relationship with his people, Thus, there is perhaps no greater tragedy then the violation of those sacred vows.

God told Hosea to find a wife, and told him ahead of time that she would be unfaithful to him. Although she would bear many children, some of these offspring would be fathered by others. In obedience to God, Hosea married Gomer. His with her, her adultery, and their children became living, prophetic examples to Israel.

The book of Hosea is a love story – real, tragic, and true. Transcending the tale of young man and wife, it tells of God’s love for his people and the response of his “bride”. A covenant had been made and God had been faithful. His love was steadfast and his commitment unbroken. But Israel, like Gomer, was adulterous and unfaithful, spurning God’s love and turning instead to false gods. The after warning of judgment, God reaffirmed his love and offered reconciliation. His love and mercy were overflowing, but justice would be served.

The book begins with God’s marriage instructions to Hosea. After Hosea’s marriage, children were born, and each given a name signifying a divine message (chapter 1). Then, as predicted, Gomer left Hosea to pursue her lust (chapter 2). But Hosea (whose name means “salvation”) found her, redeemed her, and brought her home again, fully reconciled (chapter 3). Images of God’s love, judgment, grace, and mercy were woven into their relationship. Next, God outlined his case against the people of Israel – their sins would be ultimately cause their destruction (chapter 4; 6; 7; 12) and would rouse his anger, resulting in punishment (chapters 5; 8 – 10, 12; 13). But even in the midst of Israel’s immorality, God was merciful and offered hope, expressing his infinite love for his people (chapter 11) and the fact that their repentance would bring about blessing (chapter 14).

The book of Hosea dramatically portrays our God’s constant and persistent love. As you read this book, watch the prophet submit himself willingly to his Lord’s direction; grieve with him over the unfaithfulness of his wife and his people; and hear the clear warning of judgment. Then reaffirm your commitment to being God’s person, faithful in love and true to your vows.

VITAL STATISTICS:

Purpose: To illustrate God’s love for his sinful people.

Author: Hosea son of Beeri (“Hosea” means “salvation”)

To whom written: Israel (the northern kingdom) and God’s people everywhere.

Date written: Approximately 715 B.C., recording events from about 753 – 715 B.C.

Setting: Hosea began his ministry during the end of the prosperous but morally declining reign of Jeroboam II of Israel (the upper classes were doing well, but they were oppressing the poor). He prophesied until shortly after the fall of Samaria in 722 B.C.

Key Verse: “ The Lord said to me, ‘Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is love by another and is an adulteress. Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes’ “ (3:1).

Key People: Hosea, Gomer, their children.

Key Places: The northern kingdom (Israel), Samaria, Ephraim

Special Features: Hosea employs many images from daily life – God is depicted as husband, father, lion, leopard, bear, dew, rain, moth, and others; Isreal is pictured as wife, sick person, vine, grapes, early fruit, olive tree, woman in childbirth, oven, morning, mist, chaff, and smoke, to name a few.

MEGA THEMES:

Theme	Explanation	Importance
The nation’s sin	Just as Hosea’s wife Gomer, was unfaithful to him, so the nation of Israel had been unfaithful to God. Israel’s idolatry was like adultery. They sought illicit relationships with Assyria and Egypt in pursuit of military might, and they mixed Baal worship with the worship of God.	Like Gomer, we can chase after other loves – love of power, pleasure, money, or recognition. The temptations in this world can be very seductive. Are we loyal to God, remaining completely faithful, or have other loves taken his rightful place?
God’s judgment	Hosea solemnly warned Judah against following Israel’s example. Because Judah broke the covenant, turned away from God, and forgot her Maker, she experienced a devastating invasion and exile. Sin has terrible consequences.	Disaster surely follows ingratitude towards God and rebellion. The Lord is our only true refuge. If we harden our hearts against him, there is no safety or security anywhere else. We cannot escape God’s judgment.
God’s love	Just as Hosea went after his unfaithful wife to bring her back, so the Lord pursues us with his love. His love is tender, loyal, unchanging, and undying. No matter what, God stills loves us	Have you forgotten God and become disloyal to him? Don’t let prosperity diminish your love for him or let success blind you to your need for his love.
Restoration	Although God will discipline his people for sin, he encourages and restores those who have repented. True repentance opens the way to a new beginning. God forgives and restores.	There is still hope for those who turn back to God. No loyalty, achievement, or honor can be compared to loving him. Turn to the Lord while the offer is still good. No matter how far you have strayed, God is willing to bring you back.

Daniel

AN EARTHQUAKE shakes the foundation of our security; a tornado blast away a lifetime of treasures; an assassin’s bullet changes national history; a drunk driver claims an innocent victim; a divorce shatters a home. International and personal tragedies make our world seem a fearful place, overflowing with evil and seemingly out of control. And the litany of bombings, coups, murders, and natural disasters could cause us to think that God is absent or impotent. “Where is God?” we cry, engulfed by sorrows and despair.

Twenty-five centuries ago, Daniel could have despaired. He and thousands of his countrymen had been deported to a foreign land after Judah was conquered. Daniel found himself facing an egocentric despot and surrounded by idolaters. Instead by giving in or giving up, this courageous young man held fast to his faith in his God. Daniel knew that despite the circumstances, God was sovereign and was working out his plan for the nations and individuals. The book of Daniel enters around this profound truth – the sovereignty of God.

After a brief account of Nebuchadnezzar’s siege and defeat of Jerusalem, the scene quickly shifts to Daniel and his three friends, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego), These men held prominent positions within the Babylonian government. Daniel, in particular, held such a position because of his ability to interpret the king’s dreams that tell of God’s unfolding plan (chapters 2 and 4). Sandwiched between the dreams is fascinating account of Daniel’s three friends and the furnace (chapter 3). Because they refused to bow down to an image of gold, they were condemned to a fiery death. But God intervened and spared their lives.

Belshazzar ruled Babylon after Nebuchadnezzar, and chapter 5 tells of his encounter with God’s message written on a wall. Daniel, who was summoned to interpret the message, predicted Babylon’s fall to the Medes and Persians. This prediction came true that very night, and Darius the Mede conquered the Babylonian kingdom.

Daniel became one of Darius’s most trusted advisers. His privileged positions angered other administrators, who plotted his death by convincing the king to outlaw prayer. In spite of the law, Daniel continued to pray to his sovereign Lord. As a result, he was condemned to die in a den of hungry lions. Again God intervened and saved him, shutting the mouths of the lions (chapter 6).

The book concludes with a series of visions that Daniel had during the reigns of Belshazzar (chapter 7; 8), Darius (chapter 9), and Cyrus (chapters 10-12). These dreams dramatically outline God’s future plans, beginning with Babylon and continuing the end of the age. They give a preview of God’s redemption and have been called the key to all Biblical prophesy.

God’s sovereign, he was in control in Babylon, and He has been moving in history, controlling the destinies of people ever since. And He is here now! Despite news reports or personal stress, we can be confident that God is in control. As you read Daniel, watch God work and find your security in His sovereignty.

VITAL STATISTICS:

Purpose: To give a historical account of the faithful Jews who lived in captivity and to show how God is in control of heaven and earth, directing the forces of nature, the destiny of nations, and the care of His people.

Author: Daniel

To Whom Written: The other captives in Babylon and God’s people everywhere.

Date written: Approximately 535 B.C., recording events that occurred from about 605-535 B.C.

Setting: Daniel had been taken captive and departed to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar in 605 B.C. There he served in the government for about 60 years during the reigns of Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius and Cyrus.

Key Verse: “He (God) reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him.”(2:22)

Key People: Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, Belshazzar, Darius

Key Places: Nebuchadnezzar’s palace, the fiery furnace, Belshazzar’s banquet, the den of lions.

Special Features: Daniel’s apocalyptic visions (chapter 8-12) give a glimpse of God’s plan for the ages, including a direct prediction of the Messiah.

MEGA THEMES:

Theme	Explanation	Importance
God is in control	God is all-knowing, and he is in charge of world events. God overrules and removes rebellious leaders who defy Him. Od will overcome evil; no one is exempt. But He will deliver the faithful who follow Him.	Although nations vie for world control now, one day Christ's kingdom will replace and surpass the kingdoms of this world. Our faith is sure because our future is secure in Christ. We must have courage and put our faith in God who controls everything.
Purpose in life	Daniel and his three friends are examples of dedication and commitment. They determined to serve God regardless of the consequences. They did not ive in to pressure from an ungodly society because they had a clear purpose in life.	It is wise to make trusting and obeying God alone our true purpose in life. This will give us direction and peace in spite of the circumstances or consequences. We should disobey anyone who ask us to disobey God. Our first allegiance must be to God.
Perseverance	Daniel served for 70 years in a foreign land that was hostile to God, yet he did not compromise his faith in God. He was truthful, persistent in prayer, and disinterested in power for personal glory.	In order to fulfill your life's purpose, you need staying power. Don't let your Christian distinctness become blurred. Be relentless in your prayers, stay firm in your integrity, and be content to serve God wherever He puts you.
God's faithfulness	God was faithful in Daniel's life. He delivered him from prison, from a den of lions, and from enemies who hated him. God cares for His people and deals patiently with them.	We can trust God to be with us through any trial because He promises to be there. Because He has been faithful to us, we should remain faithful to Him.