The Lord Roars and Restores

Getting Started

Every time I hear Katy Perry’s song “Roar” on a commercial I think of the verse in the Bible which is our focus today.

She’s well known for her pop music for which she has received numerous awards and sold over 100 million singles. She was also voiced the part of Smurfette in Smurfs movie by Sony (for those of you with children or grandchildren).

Here are a few words from the song “Roar” that make me think of this Bible verse.

You hear my voice, you hear that sound

Like thunder, gonna shake the ground

…

Get ready ’cause I’ve had enough

I see it all, I see it now

…

And you’re gonna hear me roar

Louder, louder than a lion

‘Cause I am a champion

And you’re gonna hear me roar

Now I’ll read the verse in the Bible:

Introduction

The Book of Amos

Two Parts of the Bible

Old Testament - the part in common with the Jewish faith

New Testament

Three Divisions of the Old Testament

Books of History

Books of Poetry

Books of Prophecy

Two Sections of the Books of Prophecy

Major Prophets - 4 prophets

Minor Prophets - 12 prophets

#3 of the Minor Prophets

Hosea

Joel

Amos

Obadiah

Jonah

Micah

Nahum

Habakkuk

Zephaniah

Haggai

Zechariah

Malachi

The Prophet Amos

When He Lived, Amos 1:1

Uzziah was king of Judah - the first of the 16 prophets

Jeroboam II was king of Israel

Two years before an earthquake - 8.2 quake

Discovered quake debris at six sites over the region that date to this time

Probably was 8.2 quake

Shaking lasted for at least 90 sec

Could be felt up to 300 km away

One of the largest quakes known to this region

References by other prophets, Isaiah 2:19, 2:21; Joel 3:16; Zechariah 14:5

Imagery of an earthquake, Amos 3:14-15; Amos 6:11; Amos 8:8; Amos 9:1; Amos 9:5; Amos 9:9

Who He Was, Amos 1:1; Amos 7:14-15

He was a herdsman (sheep and cattle) and a vinedresser.

He probably enjoyed some wealth and status contrary to the romanticized view.

“shepherd” (sheepbreeder) is used to speak an occupation of a king, 2 Kings 3:4

What He Heard, Amos 7:15-16

He wrote things that God told him (Amos 1:3; Amos 1:6; Amos 1:9; Amos 1:11; Amos 1:13; Amos 2:1; Amos 2:4; Amos 2:6; Amos 2:11; Amos 3:11; Amos 3:12; Amos 5:3; Amos 5:4; Amos 5:16; Amos 7:17)

What He Saw, Amos 9:1

The only minor prophet to have seen God.

He wrote about things God showed him (Amos 7:1; Amos 7:4; Amos 8:1)

The Message of Amos

Why is it important to study this the words of a prophet from an obscure town about 2500 years ago?

Because God Spoke

God spoke then and he speaks today.

God spoke through a donkey, Numbers 22:28

God speaks through natural revelation, Romans 1:20; Psalms 19:1-4

God speaks through written revelation, 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21

God spoke through his son, Hebrews 1:1-2

God speaks through his people, Matthew 18:20; 1 Corinthians 14:24-25; Ephesians 4:11-12; Acts 15:28

God speaks through His Spirit, John 14:17; John 14:26; John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 3:16

God Roared in Judgment

Against the abuse of power in the social realm. Those of power and influence had conscripted their lands, confiscated their goods, violated their women and cheated them in business

Amos warned that their selfishness, mistreatment of others, and lack of concern for their fellow man would lead to judgment (Amos 3:14; Amos 5:10-13; Amos 6:12)

Against the abuse of power in the religious realm. Those of power and influence had seduced the vulnerable from obedient worship and to compromise with the other religions of their day

Amos warned that their willingness to compromise with other religions, their lack of sincerity, and complacency was an affront to God for which they would receive his judgment (Amos 4:4-5; Amos 5:26).

God Offered of Restoration

God’s promise to restore what was lost, Amos 9:11

God’s promise to restore grace, Amos 9:13

Conclusion

We need to hear from God while our life is in upheaval.

“Upheaval” is an earthquake metaphor.

We need to pay attention when God finally says, “Enough, no more!”

Amos 1:3; 1:6; 1:9; 1:11; 1:13; Amos 2:1; 2:4; 2:6

I’m glad God gives second chances, but not always.

You may be facing a time in your life.

We need God’s message of hope

Hope of a genuine connection which these people did not have.

Hope of a different future.

That’s what Jesus offers.