What does Amos' plea reveal about God's character and mercy towards His people? A snapshot of the text “And when the locusts had finished eating the vegetation of the land, I said, ‘Lord GOD, please forgive! How will Jacob survive, since he is so small?’” (Amos 7:2) Amos’ plea: intercession born from relationship • Amos looks beyond Israel’s sin to God’s heart, daring to ask for pardon. • He calls the nation “Jacob,” highlighting covenant ties (Genesis 32:28). • He confesses Israel’s frailty—“so small”—appealing to God’s compassion rather than Israel’s merit. What Amos’ plea tells us about God’s character • God invites intercession – Jeremiah 27:18; Ezekiel 22:30 show He seeks someone to stand in the gap. – Amos speaks and God listens (Amos 7:3 “So the LORD relented…”). • God is moved by mercy – Exodus 34:6-7 “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious…” – Psalm 103:8-14 “He remembers that we are dust.” – Lamentations 3:22-23 “His mercies never fail.” • God limits judgment for His people’s good – Isaiah 30:18 “The LORD longs to be gracious to you.” – 2 Peter 3:9 “Not wanting anyone to perish…” • God’s covenant love remains even when discipline is deserved – Leviticus 26:44 “I will not reject them nor abhor them to destroy them utterly.” Mercy amid judgment 1. Vision of locusts = deserved destruction. 2. Amos pleads. 3. God relents (v3). The sequence underscores that His justice is real, yet His mercy can triumph when an intercessor appeals. Foreshadowing the greater Intercessor • Amos points forward to Christ: – 1 Timothy 2:5 “One mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” – Hebrews 7:25 “He always lives to intercede for them.” • Where Amos secured a temporary reprieve, Jesus secures eternal salvation (Hebrews 9:12). Living it out • Approach God confidently—He delights to hear (Hebrews 4:16). • Intercede for others; one person’s prayer can stay judgment (James 5:16-18). • Rest in covenant mercy; even when chastened, God’s heart is restoration, not ruin (Hosea 11:8-9). |
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