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Some feel we have reached a time in history that parallels the period just
before the Flood. God
recorded what conditions were like as Noah was building the ark: "Then the Lord
saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of
the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" (Genesis 6:5). What a horrifying thought! What danger and
oppression must have lurked at every turn!
Yet Jesus predicts in a prophecy regarding the time of the end—the time we
live in today, "But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son
of Man be." In a larger, more general context, Jesus meant that, despite the
dangerous, portentous events occurring all around them, people will be going
about their normal routines without seriously considering the meaning of these
events (Matthew 24:38-39). They will not take the time to wonder if
these cataclysmic events are affecting them personally.
How about you? Even though we are living in momentous times, we are easily
distracted from their importance by our high standard of living and convenient
access to just about anything we desire. The nations of western Europe, Canada,
Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United States are, for the most
part, wallowing in unprecedented technological luxury. Much to our spiritual
detriment, our lives are caught up in our possessions and keeping our noses
above water economically.
But we must not allow this to happen any longer! Time and prophecy are
relentlessly marching on. The book
of Amos records an almost exact parallel account to what is happening in our
day. It chronicles the social, political, economic, military, and religious
conditions and attitudes prevalent in ancient Israel in about 760 BC. This was
about forty years before Assyria invaded and completely devastated the nation.
So awesome was Israel's defeat that, as far as the
world is concerned, her people disappeared from history! Today, they are
known as the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel.
Amos is not a happy book to read. It does not contain the encouraging,
soaring, and hope-inspiring prophecies of Isaiah. No, Amos speaks of almost
unending gloom and doom. This presents an interesting contrast when seen against
Israel's surging power, wealth, and influence. During the days of Amos'
ministry, the nation was undergoing a burst of prosperity second only to
Solomon's time. On the surface, it appeared that Israel's prosperity indicated
God's pleasure, but Amos' words prove beyond any doubt that God was not pleased
at all! He was deadly serious! If the people would not repent,
they were doomed!
The Israelites did not repent. They suffered war, famine, pestilence, and
captivity as a result. Tens of thousands died. They learned the hard way that
God means exactly what He says through His prophets
(Amos 3:7).
Though Amos describes what was literally happening in ancient Israel, God
intended the message for us, the physical and/or spiritual descendants of
Israel. It was written to stir us to action, seeing that the times indicate Jesus
Christ will return soon.
Amos clearly shows that our nations are headed along the same path to
destruction as ancient Israel. There is still hope
that we will turn around and avoid the wrath of God, but as each day passes, it
becomes more unlikely. We have many lessons to learn, and we seem determined to
learn them the hard way.
— John W. Ritenbaugh
To learn more, see:
Prepare to Meet Your God! (The Book of Amos) (Part
One)
Related Topics:
Amos, Book of
Business as Usual
Days of Noah
Distraction
Evil
Lost Ten Tribes of Israel
Prosperity
Sin
Sin's Effect
Worldliness
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