Dale had the opportunity to speak at St Alfred's Blackburn North Men's ministry. Listen to Dale share about his Father and openly share about his thoughts and struggles.
Careful here, brothers. Conferences can make a lot of hearers, but
we're called to more than that. May God give us grace to fulfill our
roles as men in the home and in ministry.
Date of Writing: The Book of Amos was likely written between 760 and 753 B.C.
Context: Amos is a shepherd and a fruit picker from the Judean village of Tekoa when God calls him, even though he lacks an education or a priestly background. Amos' mission is directed to his neighbour to the north, Israel.
His messages were just before the fall of the Northern Kingdom to Assyria. He announces God’s Holy judgement on the Kingdom of Israel and calls them to repentance, to turn from self-righteous religion and idolatry.
Chapters 1-3 The Northern Kingdom is coming to an end and Amos is raised up by God to deliver a message. The people are “religious” but it is just superficial. Amos also delivers the message that the surrounding neighbouring nations would be punished as well.
Chapters 4-8 Amos warns that Israel will be destroyed and gives examples of what judgement is coming. Amos uses the phrase “the day of the Lord” – referring to God intervening and pouring out His righteous judgement on them.
Chapter 9 Amos tells of the wonderful restoration and hope that is in store for Israel. He says “In that day I will raise up the tabernacle of David…..”
Key Verses: Amos 2:4, "This is what the LORD says: 'For three sins of Judah, even for four, I will not turn back [my wrath]. Because they have rejected the law of the LORD and have not kept his decrees, because they have been led astray by false gods, the gods their ancestors followed."
Amos 3:7 , "Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets."
Amos 9:11-12 “ On that day I will raise up The tabernacle of David, which has fallen down, And repair its damages; I will raise up its ruins, And rebuild it as in the days of old; 12 That they may possess the remnant of Edom, And all the Gentiles who are called by My name,” Says the LORD who does this thing.
Key Points to take Home
The Lord will pour out His judgment on the unrighteous
He will make His plans known to His servants and notify the unrighteous through them just as He did through Amos – who was just an average man
His people will be restored and all Gentiles who are called by His Name will be there.
