“The Lion has roared, who will not fear?” Amos 3:8
Affluence exploitation and the profit motive were the most notable features of the society that Amos observed and in which he worked...In society standards had gone to pot – authority and the rule of law was despised, there was sexual indulgence and all sorts of ‘sharp practice’. Yet the people of the day thought of themselves as ‘the people of God’...And so Amos brings a message to them from God!
5th Sept - Privilege brings peril (3:2) (Ch. 1-3)
Chapters 1 and 2 God speaks judgement against the nations around Israel for a variety of sins. Israel may have felt self satisfied, but then the searchlight lands on Israel in chapter 2 and they are told that they are no different…and in fact the responsibility on them as God's people is even greater.
12th Sept - Past history cannot take the place of present spiritual and moral commitment (Ch 4-9) (5:6)
Religious profession and religious practices are invalid – indeed are repulsive to God unless verified by evidence 7:7-8-10
19th Sept - Caring about justice 2021