August 16, 2026 - Amos 1-2

There is a reoccurring theme in the prophets, one that I have often observed in my daily writings.  God, having created all things and all beings and ruling over all, is due worship and obedience from all his creation.  The heavenly hosts, the creatures of the sea and land, the mountains, and kings and all peoples are told to praise the Lord (Psalm 148).  And what about David in Psalm 19:  “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork” (Psalm 19:1).  Amos has something to add to all this.  In the opening chapters of his prophecies, he calls al nations to account; all nations and all peoples are to obey and honor the Lord, not merely Israel and Judah.  Damascus/Syria, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, and Moab were all enemies of God’s people.  One might conclude that they, then, are not accountable to Israel’s God.  “Oh, no!” cries Amos.  All are accountable, and the prophet calls them out one by one.  But he also does not ignore Israel and Judah, the peoples who, above all others, should have known better than to chase after the idols and to dishonor God.  God had destroyed their enemies before them, he had delivered them from Egypt, and he had raised up their sons as prophets.  Yet, the people turned to their own evil ways.  May we heed their example and, rather, turn from evil ways and to our God of mercy.

Incarnate Deity,

let all the ransomed race

render in thanks their lives to Thee

for Thy redeeming grace.

The grace to sinners shown

ye heav’nly choirs proclaim,

and cry: “Salvation to our God,

salvation to the Lamb.”   -- Charles Wesley (1747)