Feb 19, 2023
Scripture Reading: Amos 9:8-13
The message of the book of Amos generally follows the pattern seen in most of the prophetic books. There is declaration of the sins of the people … a plea for the people to repent … a pronouncement of judgment … and a promise of restoration.
Amos 9 contains the often-repeated promise of God that a day is coming when He will "restore the fortunes" of the Israelites. With regard to the people of Israel, this phrase is used 21 times in the Old Testament (mostly in the prophets) to remind the people of God's promises to Abraham and David that He would make a nation for Himself and the nation would abide forever.
The destruction of Israel and Judah would not be total, nor would it be final. "'Behold, the eyes of the Lord God are upon the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from the surface of the ground, except that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob,' declares the LORD. . . . I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel . . . and they shall never again be uprooted" (Amos 9:8).
This passage is important to us because it reminds us of the fidelity of God to His promises. Our God and Father will make good on every promise He has given to us, no less than He will keep every promise He made to Israel. With strength-giving hope the Almighty declares, "My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose" (Isa 46:10)