Introduction
Explain how many people visit national parks to go and see the dangerous animals, but especially the lions. They want to see the lions walk past their car or lying down in the shade. They are impressive and frightening animals. And when they roar, your heart starts racing. The thundering sound of a lion’s roar can be heard from far away. When all the other animals hear it, they fall silent as the lion claims his territory and confirms his power to rule over a part of the world.
The book of Amos begins by telling us that the Lord roars from Zion. Like a majestic lion claiming his territory and confirming his power, the Lord speaks to his people. The Lord speaks to remind them that he is their God, he will bring judgment on those who ignore him, and that he is not someone who can be trifled with or dismissed. No, he is the King who rules over everything.
The Lord speaks to his people
Explain how the words of Amos are words that come from God.
Explain the purpose of old covenant prophets.
Explain the history of the division of Israel into two kingdoms.
Explain the circumstances in which Amos was sent to the northern kingdom of Israel.
Explain how the sending of prophets shows us that God cares for his people.
Apply: Are we listening to the voice of the Lord? Do we read Scripture and forget? Are we seeking to obey all of God’s instructions or do we pick and choose?
The Lord will bring judgment
Explain what the significance is of a lion that roars.
Explain what is meant by pastures drying up and Carmel withering.
Briefly explain why God is bringing judgment upon the northern kingdom.
Explain how people can be spared from God’s eternal judgment and wrath against sin (Lion of Judah/Lamb of God).
Apply: The book of Amos will challenge us to reflect on our response to God’s grace. God’s church is not a place where we can simply live as we please. The Holy Spirit wants to transform us into the image of Christ. He wants us to adorn the gospel with practical deeds of loving obedience.
Apply: Let us pray that as we work through the book of Amos, God the Holy Spirit will help us to listen to the Lord when he roars from Zion.
1 The words of Amos, who was among the shepherds of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel, two years before the earthquake.