Introduction
Comment on some important meeting that people have and the steps they take in order to prepare. For example, meeting parents for a marriage proposal, or meeting an employer for an interview. When we have important meetings, we prepare for them. We do research, we wear nice clothes, we prepare ourselves.
When it comes to God, we all know that we will have to meet him someday, but because it seems so far in the future, we are not particularly concerned. Even then, we do not think he is interested in what happens to us—we live as if God’s primary task is to ensure that everything runs smoothly in our lives. He loves us, after all. He will not care about how we spend our money, how we worship, or what we do in our bedrooms.
In Amos 4, the Lord calls Israel to prepare for a meeting with him. The time has come for them to meet face to face—are they ready? Are you ready to meet with God?
Strong words for those living in luxury
Explain the meaning of
cows of Bashan
Explain what the problem was in Samaria: wealth is not sinful, but the use and acquisition of wealth can be sinful
Contrast the women of Samaria with Job and how he used his wealth
Contrast the women of Samaria with Jesus and how he used the resources given to him by God
Apply: encourage God’s church to consider their use and acquisition of wealth. Are you using your resources to exploit others? Do you pay a fair wage to those who work for you? Do you consider and care for the people in your community?
A rebuke to those who are very religious
Explain why the people of Israel were going to Gilgal and Bethel
Explain how the worship of Israel was flashy and functional—what was wrong with their worship?
Contrast the worship of Israel with the worship of Jesus Christ
Apply: encourage God’s church to consider their worship. Do we worship the Lord because he is worthy or because we want him to do something for us? Are we being flashy rather than obedient?
The purpose of hardships and suffering
Explain how the Lord was in control of the hardships and disasters experienced by Israel
Explain what was the purpose of these events: the Lord wanted Israel to turn to him in repentance
Explain how hardship can often be a catalyst that encourages people to be reconciled to God
Explain how Jesus Christ responded to hardships during his life on earth
Apply: encourage God’s church to consider their response to hardships. Do we become angry with God? Do we realize that God might be wanting to change us? Are we patient in times of trouble, trusting that God is still in control and working all things for our good (see Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 9 & 10)?
A final meeting with God
Explain how Israel has forgotten God in luxury, worship, and hardships and that they will now have to meet with God
Explain the two ways in which we can meet with God
Encourage: if you belong to Jesus Christ, you are ready for the day of judgment since you have a mediator who will intercede for you. Do not be afraid of meeting God.
1 “Hear this word, you cows of Bashan, who are on the mountain of Samaria, who oppress the poor, who crush the needy, who say to your husbands, ‘Bring, that we may drink!’