Chapter 7 begins with a report of three visions which Amos received from God (7:1-9). As the Lord reveals to the prophet his plans to punish his wayward people, Amos prays for mercy and the Lord holds back his judgement. With the third vision, however, there is a change. The prophet can no longer intercede and the Lord is unwilling to continue to forgive Israel. A short narrative which tells of the clash between Amos and the priest Amaziah (7:10-17), provides an insight into how Israel reached this point of no return in her relationship with the Lord.
Message Points:
- Amos' prayer for Israel (7:1-6)
- The plumbline vision (7:7-9)
- The point of no return (7:10-17)
Application & Response:
- In what ways has the Lord answered your prayers in the past?
- How do you understand the connection between the reality of prayer and the sovereignty of God?
- How do you define true repentance and how has repentance worked in your spiritual life?