August 15, 2026 - Amos 1-9

How about a “big picture” view of Amos to start out with?  Syria, Gaza, Tyre, Ammon, etc.  God concerns himself with all the peoples of the earth.  Amos preached not only to Israel, but to all the nations surrounding her.  Our God is not only the God of Israel or the Lord of his church, he is Lord over all.  Yet, Israel (and by extension, all who are his elect people), because she has been loved with such a great love, is more responsible and will be held to an even higher standard than others (3:2).  And what a high standard that is!  And how far short we always fall!  But, good news:  God’s grace is greater still!  “I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel, and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them” (9:14).

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,

grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt,

yonder on Calvary's mount out-poured,

there where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.

Grace, grace, God's grace,

grace that will pardon and cleanse within;

Grace, grace, God's grace,

grace that is greater than all our sin.   -- Julia H. Johnston (1910)