The Vision Of The Locusts (Amos 7:1-3)

Amos recieves a series of five “visions”. The vision of the locust - the Lord shows Amos a swarm of locust devastating the crops. Amos cries out on behalf of Jacob (Israel). The Lord hears and relents so that the locust plague will not happen.

The Vision Of Fire (Amos 7:4-6)

The Lord shows Amos a fire consuming the “great deep” and the territory. Once again Amos cries out on behalf of Jacob. The Lord hears again and relents from bringing the conflagration upon Israel.

The Vision Of The Plumbline (Amos 7:7-9)

The Lord is standing on a wall with a plumbline in hand. The Lord explains He is setting a plumbline in the midst of Israel and will now bring destruction upon the places of idolatrous worship and the house of Jeroboam. Amaziah, priest of Bethel(centre of idolatrous worship) accuses Amos of conspiracy against Jeroboam king of Israel(7:10-11). Amaziah tells Amos to leave Bethel and go back to his own country of Judah (7:12-13). But Amos defends his prophetic mission (7:14-15) and then Amos prophecies against Amaziah and Israel! (7:16-17).

The Vision Of The Summer Fruit (Amos 8:1-14)

Amos is shown a basket of summer fruit(evidently quite ripened). The Lord reveals that Israel’s end is near and is ripe for judgment.

The Vision Of The Lord By The Altar (Amos 9:1-15)

The altar shall be destroyed and none shall escape(9:1-4). The kingdom will be utterly destroyed. The restoration of the remnant is foretold(9:11-12). Judgment is not the last word with God. There is hope(remnant) after judgment.

One of the lessons that God has used Israel to teach is that obedience is always followed by blessings and that disobedience is always followed by judgment. This applies to Israel, but it also applies to individuals, and to the Church. Will Christians humble themselves and pray and seek God, turning from their wicked ways? If so, God will bless them. If not, they will be judged. The Holy God demands holiness in those who follow Him.

Finally, there is the lesson of grace. God is gracious in His dealings with His people. He is gracious with Israel. He is also gracious with the Church. The question is, will we respond to God’s grace or turn from it?

Application :
What is your vision as a disciple in God’s Kingdom?

II Chronicles 16:9
For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.