Connect Amos 3:7 with other scriptures about God's revelations to His prophets. Foundational Verse: Amos 3:7 “Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets.” A Consistent Pattern of Revelation • God acts in history, but first He speaks. • Prophetic revelation safeguards His people from ignorance, calls them to repentance, and confirms His sovereignty. • The pattern spans the full sweep of Scripture—from Genesis to Revelation. Earliest Examples: Patriarchal Days • Genesis 6:13 — “Then God said to Noah, ‘The end of all flesh has come before Me…’” • Genesis 18:17 — “The LORD said, ‘Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?’” • These moments show God disclosing future judgment or blessing before executing it. Mosaic Revelation: Face-to-Face Clarity • Exodus 33:11 — “The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend.” • Numbers 12:6-8 — “‘Hear My words… I speak with him plainly and not in riddles; he beholds the form of the LORD.’” • Through Moses, God revealed law, covenant, and coming judgments (Deuteronomy 28-30). Prophets in Israel’s Kingdom Era • 1 Samuel 3:21 — “The LORD continued to appear at Shiloh… He revealed Himself to Samuel by His word.” • 2 Kings 17:13 — “The LORD warned Israel and Judah through all His prophets and seers, saying, ‘Turn from your evil ways…’” • Hosea 12:10 — “I spoke through the prophets and multiplied their visions; I gave parables through them.” • Each prophet echoed Amos 3:7: word before deed—whether warning of exile or promising restoration. Major Prophetic Announcements of the Messiah • Isaiah 7:14; 9:6-7—spoken centuries before Christ’s birth. • Micah 5:2—Bethlehem foretold as Messiah’s birthplace. • Zechariah 9:9; 12:10—details of His entry and piercing. God unveiled redemption’s plan long before accomplishing it in Jesus. New Testament Witness to the Prophetic Pattern • Luke 24:44—Jesus affirms “everything written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” • Acts 3:18—Peter declares God “announced beforehand through all the prophets, that His Christ should suffer.” • 2 Peter 1:19-21—“No prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation… men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” • Revelation 1:1—“The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants what must soon come to pass.” Purpose Behind God’s Prior Revelation • Mercy: warning provides opportunity to repent (Jeremiah 18:7-8). • Faith: fulfilled prophecy validates God’s word (Isaiah 46:9-10). • Fellowship: God desires relational transparency with His people (John 15:15). Living in the Light of Prophetic Scripture • Receive the Bible as God’s finished, trustworthy revelation. • Trace fulfilled prophecies to strengthen confidence for what remains future. • Let prophetic warnings and promises shape holy living (2 Peter 3:11-14). |
    |