Through The Bible - English - 30 (Amos & Obadiah) by Zac Poonen
Summary
The speaker discusses the prophet Amos, noting that Amos was the first of the major prophetic books to write down a message, despite not being a professional prophet but a shepherd. He emphasizes that God often calls ordinary, faithful people from their daily lives to serve Him. Furthermore, Amos demonstrated a large heart, viewing God as the God of all nations, a vision the speaker urges Christians to maintain by rejecting denominationalism and worldly systems like money or fleshly sin.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Who was Amos and when did he prophesy?Amos was a shepherd from Tekoa in Judah who prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah and Jeroboam II, marking the beginning of the written prophetic books.
An ordinary shepherd called by GodAmos was not a professional prophet or scholar, but an ordinary man who was faithful in his daily work until God called him.Amos 7:14–15
Amos's large-hearted vision of GodUnlike narrow-minded believers, Amos viewed God as the God of all nations who cares for people across diverse backgrounds.Amos 9:7
The wealthy and luxurious lifestyle in IsraelDuring a time of peace and economic expansion, wealthy Israelites lived in winter and summer homes, slept on ivory beds, and exploited the poor.
Judgment on surrounding nations and Judah and IsraelAmos pronounces judgment on six neighboring nations before turning the spotlight onto the sins of Judah and Israel for their treatment of others.
Walking in agreement and the warning of judgmentThe Lord questions how two can walk together without agreement, explaining that He always warns His people through prophets before sending disaster.
Refusing to return through various calamitiesGod sent famine, drought, and crop failure to discipline Israel, but because they refused to return, they must prepare to meet their God.
Visions of fire and the plumb lineAmos intercedes to stop a vision of a great fire, and God uses a plumb line to test the sins of the people.
Confrontation between Amos and AmaziahThe professional priest Amaziah tells Amos to leave and stop prophesying, but Amos delivers a stern judgment against him.
A famine of hearing the word of the LordAmos warns of a future time when people will search everywhere for a prophetic word from God but will not find it.
The restoration of the fallen kingdomGod promises to rebuild the fallen tabernacle of David and restore the land, replacing past reaping with new growth.
Introduction to the book of ObadiahObadiah wrote a brief one-chapter prophecy focusing on the judgment of Edom, reflecting humility in the presence of older prophets like Jeremiah.
The destruction of Edom and the fleshEdom serves as a picture of the flesh, which exalts itself in pride like an eagle but will be completely destroyed by God.
Sins of omission against relativesEdom was punished not only for active violence but also for sins of omission—standing aloof and failing to help Israel in their time of need.
The danger of pride and the call to be deliverersPride deceives believers and opens them to spiritual deception, leading us to go forth as deliverers who proclaim Christ as King.
