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Daily Devotions

Amos

Amos 
Day 
Introduction

INTRODUCTION

Text: Amos

ADDRESSING A LACK OF KNOWLEDGE OF THE PROPHETIC BOOKS

How well do we know the Old Testament? If we are candidly honest, many of us cannot speak of anything more than a general understanding of the Old Testament. We may be familiar with stories about the Patriarchs and about David and his battle against Goliath. But is a general understanding of any significance?

We probably cannot speak of a deep knowledge of the prophetic books. And our lack of familiarity of the Prophetic Books result in an impoverished appreciation of the significance of the Old Testament.

It is vital that we address our lack of knowledge of the prophetic books. Attempting to master the Major Prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel) will prove too much to undertake. But we can begin to deepen our knowledge of the Old Testament by reading the Minor Prophets (Hosea- Malachi).

ATTEMPTING TO READ THE BOOK OF AMOS

Let us attempt to read the Minor Prophets. The term “Minor Prophets” was coined by scholars to describe the smaller prophetic books. Compared to the writings of Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel, the other prophetic books were much shorter. Hence the term “The Minor Prophets”.

There were prophets who did not write (e.g. Elijah and Elisha). But their prophetic ministries were no less significant. The Minor Prophets were written by genuine and effective prophets of God. Their ministry was valid and powerful. Their books are worth studying carefully, for the words of truth they proclaimed continue to be valid and relevant.

SEEKING ENLIGHTENMENT

The ministry of the Holy Spirit is of great value and significance. Let us seek the grace of the Lord in our search for enlightenment from the Spirit of God.

OUR APPROACH TO THE STUDY OF THE BOOK OF AMOS

We need to determine how we are to study the Book of Amos. Here is a suggested practical approach.

1. Take the trouble to refer to related texts

a) We will need to make references to the following books:
i) 1 and 2 Samuel
ii) 1 and 2 Kings
iii) 1 and 2 Chronicles
b) We will need to carefully read the Book of Amos.
i) There will be historical references
ii) The symbolic language he used must be fathomed.

2. Plan to adopt the following measures:

a) Be prayerful.
b) Be diligent.
c) Be careful in the reading of hard texts.
d) Be open and humble to the Word of God as it speaks to our hearts.

3. Seeking God above everything else

Amos wrote these powerful words.

“Seek Me and live.”
Amos 5:4

“Seek the LORD and live”
Amos 5:6

a) Let us seek God Himself as we read the Book of Amos.
b) Let us seek Him and live as we were meant to.

4. Application of the Word of God in our life

a) The Word of God was meant to speak to our hearts.
b) We must therefore seek to listen well and to apply the Word of God in our personal life.

The Word of God is always relevant. The Lord Himself gave the Word to His servants the prophets. The Word of God has an eternal and yet very personal value. Let us pray that our hearts would be greatly enriched through the study of the Book of Amos. Let us study the Book of Amos humbly and diligently.

Prayerfully,
Charles Tan