Totally Lacking #9

 

Read Amos 9

Background: This last chapter of Amos gives the final vision he was given by God concerning judgment on Israel.  There was no turning back because no repentance was forthcoming.  God had come to visit the temple at Bethel, the place of the false worship of Israel. He commanded His army to tear down the columns that supported the roof, causing it to crash in on the false worshippers.  Those who ran away - be it up, down, or for the hills were all pursued and captured or killed.  Those who decided to surrender to try to avoid their punishment were killed.  It was a scene of total devastation. Yet, God would preserve those who did trust in Him.

Key verses: 11 “In that day I will raise up
    the booth of David that is fallen
and repair its breaches,
    and 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 nations who are called by my name,”
    declares the Lord who does this.
13 “Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord,
    “when the plowman shall overtake the reaper
    and the treader of grapes him who sows the seed;
the mountains shall drip sweet wine,
    and all the hills shall flow with it.
14 I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel,
    and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them;
they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine,
    and they shall make gardens and eat their fruit.
15 I will plant them on their land,
    and they shall never again be uprooted
    out of the land that I have given them,”
says the Lord your God.

Thoughts: Once again, God takes us beyond the judgment and punishment to a future restoration. He would raise up, repair, and rebuild the booth of David. His house, and the House of the Lord would once again become a place of joy and abundance for all who come under God's care.