I love the opening of this book. The contrast between the shepherds and the kings of Israel and Judah just speaks so loudly. Where was God’s prophet when such kings were on the thrones? In the fields with the sheep!

It reminds me very much of the introduction of how John the Baptist is introduced in Luke’s Gospel. All these powerful and important people are listed, and then Luke says ‘and the word of God came to John, the son of Zechariah in the wilderness’. Not in a palace or a political chamber. But out there, in the ordinary places. Good news for all of us, I think!

Anyway, Amos is similar to lots of the other prophecies in that he shares his sorrow in how the Israelite people have behaved, and the judgement that is to come. He finishes by declaring his belief that ultimately, the house of David will be restored. If we were looking

Looking at this through the lense of the New Testament, we would see that restoration as being Jesus, as he is born of David’s line. But we also understand that the world has not ultimately been restored – yet! We, like these prophets, are living in the ‘now and not yet’ albeit they are speaking from before Jesus’ time.

My favourite verse: Amos 7.14-15: Amos answered Amaziah, “I was neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet, but I was a shepherd, and I also took care of sycamore-fig trees. But the Lord took me from tending the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’

Amos’ conviction drips from the page in this conversation! It didn’t matter who he was or what his profession was. God said ‘go’ and Amos went! What a guy.

Aidan fell asleep twice listening to Amos.

Thanks to adnkale on Pixabay for the image.