Some TIPS on How to Read the Book of Amos
The book of Amos has 9 chapters. Short enough to cover a few rounds in 30 days
| Amos 1-2 | Judgments on the Nations |
| Amos 3-6 | Messages against Israel |
| Amos 7-9:10 | Five visions |
| Amos 9:11-15 | Israel’s Restoration |
It would be helpful to write down what stayed with you. Use different symbols or color pencils / pens to highlight repetitious words/ phrases and names of God/pronoun. There are many categories to be found.
Take note of the nations. What are God’s charges against them? It is good to refer to a biblical map during the time of the Divided Kingdom. As you pay attention to the details, your reading experience and comprehension will surely be enhanced.
As you ponder on the outward religiousity and injustices all around us with the understanding of our Sovereign LORD / the LORD GOD Almighty in Amos is, remember those in power and position (within/out of the church) – the rich and the poor, the strong and the weak, the church-goers, including you and me.
He may lead us to search our heart, to repent, to intercede, to revere and worship Him.
The book of Amos, the prophet Amos in the first 3 chapters started off with the accusation of sin & judgment against the nation surrounding Israel (enemies to ‘cousins’ of Israel) and ended with Judah and Israel themselves. A look further into v4-8, and the following chapters after, the people of God that has become ‘me’ centered, taking advantage of others that are weaker, exploiting, robbing and grabbing for themselves.
Reflection
What is the LORD asking of me?
To put away my hypocrisy, my surface religion, my empty rituals and to come to Him in Repentance, Submission and Consecration.
What is the LORD asking of me?
…”Seek me and live..” Amos 5:4
Have I become oblivious of sin, blinded by indifference around me and my heart overtaken by the culture of grabbing for myself rather than seeking him and submitting to Him?
What is the LORD asking of me?
Seek good, not evil, that you may live. (Amos 5:14)
Hate evil, love good, maintain justice in the courts.
(Amos 5:15)
But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream! (Amos 5:24)
Do I seek Him, the LORD’s heartbeat and engage to the society I am in and live…
or do I seek for my own convenience, to maintain my ‘feel good’ feeling and allow evil to spread like poison?
And lastly, if I am in a ‘famine’ of hearing the words of the LORD,
Help me LORD to STOP…LOOK…LISTEN!