What does Amos' plea reveal about God's character and willingness to forgive? Setting the Scene • Amos 7 opens with two visions of judgment—locusts (vv. 1-3) and fire (vv. 4-6). • After each vision, Amos cries out on Israel’s behalf. His second plea is verse 5: “Then I said, ‘Lord GOD, please stop! How will Jacob survive, for he is so small?’” • Twice, “the LORD relented” (vv. 3, 6). God’s immediate response frames our understanding of His heart. Amos’ Intercession: A Window into God’s Heart • Amos addresses the covenant name, “Lord GOD,” confident of God’s covenant mercy. • He appeals to Israel’s weakness—“so small”—because God “gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). • The prophet’s bold, compassionate plea is itself inspired by God; intercession is part of God’s plan to show mercy. What This Reveals About God’s Character • He Listens: The Creator bends His ear to human intercession (Psalm 116:1-2). • He Is Moved to Compassion: “The LORD relented from this plan” (Amos 7:3, 6)—He is not indifferent or unyielding. • He Balances Justice and Mercy: Judgment is deserved, yet His mercies are “new every morning” (Lamentations 3:23). • He Treats the Weak Tenderly: Amos highlights Israel’s smallness; God’s power is perfected in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). • He Invites Partnership: God involves His servants in His redemptive purposes (Ezekiel 22:30). Scripture Echoes of a Relenting God • Exodus 34:6-7—“compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion.” • Jeremiah 18:7-8—If a nation repents, He “will relent and not bring the disaster.” • Jonah 4:2—Jonah knew God is “gracious… slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion, and One who relents from sending disaster.” • 2 Peter 3:9—He is “patient… not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” • 1 John 1:9—When we confess, “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.” Living Out the Truth • Take Intercession Seriously: Like Amos, we stand in the gap for loved ones and nations (1 Timothy 2:1-4). • Trust His Readiness to Forgive: Past failures do not lock us out of mercy; God’s default toward the repentant is pardon. • Approach with Humility: Amos didn’t justify Israel; he appealed to grace. God “opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). • Reflect His Compassion: Those who receive mercy extend mercy—“Be kind… forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). In Summary Amos’ brief, heartfelt plea reveals a God who hears, who feels, and who willingly tempers judgment with mercy when His people—or even one faithful intercessor—call on His name. |
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