Continuing in our sermon series through Amos 7, we heard the prophet’s account of God’s judgement on Israel through five vivid visions. In earlier chapters, Amos pleaded with Israel to repent and turn back to the Lord. Now we see Amos pleading with God on Israel’s behalf. The first two judgement visions of locusts and fire recall the Lord’s sovereign judgement against the Egyptians and against Sodom and Gomorrah. Yet after Amos intercedes for Israel, God relents. In the third vision, however, God shows Amos that Israel has failed to meet the straight standards of His righteousness. Israel’s persistent and willful disobedience can no longer be overlooked; there will be no exemptions and escape from judgement. Even as Amos mediates between the Lord and Israel, he encounters opposition from Israel’s priest and king. Their rejection of God’s mediator seals Israel’s judgement. Amos’ mediating work foreshadows Jesus, the true and rejected Mediator - who alone perfectly satisfies the plumb line of righteousness and secures our salvation. To reject God’s word and His Mediator is to reject salvation itself. Let us then humble ourselves and not harden our hearts, but keep listening to Jesus - even when His word confronts us with hard truths.
