EXCEPT FOR THESE CHAINS

EXCEPT FOR THESE CHAINS

Passage: Acts 26:24~32   

Keyverse: 29

1. Paul and Festus (24-26)

Paul's life testimony culminated in his testifying to Jesus, who suffered and rose from the dead, and who brought the message of light to all people. Governor Festus interrupted Paul and accused him of being out of his mind. He thought his great learning had made him insane. This is a common reaction when we talk about how Jesus has changed us. Paul reacted calmly, saying he was not insane. Paul spoke only what was true and reasonable.

2. Paul and Agrippa (27-32)

Then Paul asked King Agrippa directly, "Do you believe the prophets? I know you do." Paul had also offended Agrippa. He thought Paul was trying to make him into a Christian (as if that were a horrible thing!) Paul's response was actually his prayer for Agrippa. It should be our prayer for all unbelievers: "Short time or long, I pray that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains." Paul could easily have been set free. But he chose to follow God's leading to Rome.

Prayer: Lord, I pray that all people may listen to you and become like Paul.

One Word: '...except for these chains'

I AM SENDING YOU TO THEM

I AM SENDING YOU TO THEM

Passage: Acts 26:1~23   

Keyverse: 17b,18

1. Paul the Pharisee (1-12)

Paul recognized Agrippa's familiarity with Jewish customs and controversies. So, Paul related his life testimony to him. Paul was a Pharisee who did everything he could to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. While he believed he was doing the work of God, he was actually a blasphemer, a violent man, and complicit in the murder of many of Jesus' believers.

2. Paul met the Risen Jesus (13-23)

On one trip to persecute Jesus' believers, he saw a blazing light from heaven. This was the Risen Jesus. Paul learned he was persecuting the Lord. But Jesus forgave his sins and appointed him to be a witness of Jesus. Paul would be used to open the eyes of the Gentiles, turn them from darkness to light, and from Satan to God. The Gentiles would learn Jesus' forgiveness of sins through Paul. Paul was obedient to Jesus and preached the gospel in all Judea and to Gentiles all over the known world. He was in danger because of this, but Paul recognized he had God's help.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for opening the eyes of the blind and saving us from our sins.

One Word: The Risen Jesus has sent me

I APPEAL TO CAESAR!

I APPEAL TO CAESAR!

Passage: Acts 25:1~27   

Keyverse: 11b

1. Paul before Festus (1-12)

The new governor made a trip to Jerusalem, where some Jews tried to hatch another plot to take Paul's life. But Festus didn't fall for it. He told the Jews to come to Caesarea, where Paul was being kept, and bring their charges there. When they arrived, they made many false charges against Paul. He denied them all. Felix wanted to do the Jews a favor and asked Paul to come to Jerusalem. But Paul refused, and instead made his appeal to be sent to Caesar. God would use Paul's plea to advance His world mission plan. He would go to Rome, from where the gospel would spread all over the world.

2. Paul before Agrippa (13-27)

When King Agrippa visited Felix, they talked over Paul's situation. Festus knew Paul had done nothing deserving death. But the Jews had disputes with him about their own law and religion. Felix was going to send Paul to Caesar, as Paul had demanded, but he needed specific charges to bring against him. He was hoping to get Agrippa's help.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for Paul's example of his bold testimony for the Risen Jesus. Help me to boldly testify as Paul did.

One Word: Testify boldly to the Risen Jesus

PAUL'S TRIAL BEFORE FELIX

PAUL'S TRIAL BEFORE FELIX

Passage: Acts 24:1~27   

Keyverse: 21b

1. The case against Paul (1-9)

A few days after Paul's arrival in Caesarea, the elders and their lawyer came and brought their complaints against Paul. After flattering the governor, that accused Paul of being a troublemaker and a ring leader of the Nazarene sect. Further, they said he tried to desecrate the temple. They tried to destroy Paul with false accusations.

2. Paul's defense (10-27)

Paul briefly stated that he had done nothing wrong, so his accusers could prove nothing. Then he got to his main point. He was a worshipper of God as a follower of the Way (he believed in Jesus). He had caused no trouble and lived in accordance with the Law and the Prophets. He kept a clear conscience before both God and man. The only thing he had done that they could charge him with was when he shouted in their presence, "It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today." Felix adjourned the trial but talked with Paul frequently, until he became uncomfortable. But Paul wasn't dissuaded from speaking the word to Felix. God used Paul to plant the seed of His word in Felix.

Prayer: Lord, use me as your witness as you used Paul.

One Word: Speak God's word no matter what

PAUL IS TRANSFERRED TO CAESAREA

PAUL IS TRANSFERRED TO CAESAREA

Passage: Acts 23:12~35   

Keyverse: 27

1. The plot to kill Paul (12-22)

The next morning, 40 of the Jews made a solemn oath that they would not eat anything until they had killed Paul. They were planning on a conspiracy with the chief priests and elders to have Paul brought before the Sanhedrin to answer some questions. On the way there, they would kill Paul. But Paul's nephew heard of this and sounded a warning to Paul, who sent him to the commander with the warning. Evil forces were trying to rid the earth of Paul. But the Lord protected him.

2. Paul taken to Caesarea (23-35)

The commander readied some men to give Paul safe conduct to Caesarea. He wrote to the governor that Paul was a Roman citizen who was under threat by a group of Jews because they said he had broken their law. Paul was kept at the palace until his accusers came. They provided guards for Paul to keep him safe. The Lord's plan for Paul was to go to Rome to testify to Him. The Lord kept him safe to accomplish His will.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your protection for your servants and rescuing us from our trials.

One Word: God rescues and saves

PAUL BEFORE THE SANHEDRIN

PAUL BEFORE THE SANHEDRIN

Passage: Acts 22:30~23:11   

Keyverse: 23:11

1. Paul fulfilled his duty to God (22:30-23:5)

The commander brought Paul before the Sanhedrin in order to find out why the Jews were accusing him. Paul stated to them that he had fulfilled his duty to God in all good conscience. This caused the high priest to have Paul struck, which was against Jewish law. When Paul tried to point this out, he was rebuked for speaking in such a way to the high priest. Paul repented immediately. He was a man of great conscience.

2. The Lord told Paul to take courage (6-11)

The Sanhedrin contained both Pharisees (who believed in the resurrection) and Sadducees (who didn't). Paul used this to his advantage and stated that he stood on trial because of his hope in the resurrection. This caused a huge uproar that necessitated the removal of Paul for his own safety. That night, the Lord stood near Paul and told him, "Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome." As the Lord stood near Paul in his time of fear, so the Lord stands with us in our trials as well.

Prayer: Lord, I know you always stand with me. Help me to take courage, knowing this.

One Word: Take courage! Testify to the Lord.

PAUL'S DEFENSE II

PAUL'S DEFENSE II

Passage: Acts 22:17~29   

Keyverse: 21

1. Go, I will send you far away to the Gentiles (17-21)

Paul was speaking to the crowd after his arrest, giving his testimony of when he met the Risen Jesus. After he received his sight, he went to Jerusalem to the temple to pray. There he fell into a trance, and the Lord told him to leave Jerusalem as the Jews would not accept his testimony. Paul argued that his past life as persecutor of the church would give his testimony more weight. But the Lord had other plans for him. He would send him far away to the Gentiles.

2. Paul, the Roman citizen (22-29)

When Paul quoted these words of the Lord, the crowd went crazy. They wanted to start a riot and kill Paul. The commander was confused as to why the crowd would react like this and wanted to have Paul flogged to find out why. As they were about the flog him, Paul asked if it was legal to flog a Roman citizen. This alarmed the commander and he withdrew immediately. Paul was using his Roman citizenship as a way to get to Rome to preach the gospel there.

Prayer: Father, help me to be discerning in using any means at my disposal to preach the gospel to others.

One Word: Go into all the world and preach the gospel

THE DAY IS COMING

THE DAY IS COMING

Passage: Malachi 3:13~4:6   

Keyverse: 4:2

1. God will spare those who serve him (3:13-18)

Some cynical Israelites complained that serving God was futile. To them, the LORD Almighty allowed evildoers to prosper while those who carried out his requirements and went about like mourners received nothing. Their complaint was arrogance. The LORD promised compassion for those who feared and listened to him. They would be God's treasured possession (Ex 19:5). On the day of judgment all will see that God makes a distinction between the righteous and the wicked.

2. Fire for some, healing for others (4:1-6)

The day of the LORD will be a terrible day of fire for the wicked and not a branch will be left to them. However, for those who revere God, it will be a day of righteousness and joy. God will use the righteous as instruments of justice against the wicked (3). Until that day, we ought to remember God's law. Moreover, Elijah would come before the day of the LORD. This Elijah is John the Baptist who prepared the way for our Lord Jesus Christ (Mt 11:13,14)

Prayer: Lord, let me not grow weary or cynical but honor you every day as I wait for your return.

One Word: Jesus is coming again.

THE LORD YOU ARE SEEKING WILL COME

THE LORD YOU ARE SEEKING WILL COME

Passage: Malachi 2:17~3:12   

Keyverse: 3:1b

1. He will be like a refiner's fire (2:17-3:5)

The Israelites complained that God cared nothing for justice and questioned his presence. Malachi responded by prophesying that God would send the messenger of the covenant. This messenger would refine and purify the Levites and once again the offerings of the people would be acceptable. He would also testify against injustice. This messenger, the Lord they were seeking, is Jesus. Jesus' death and resurrection cleanses us from our sin and we become acceptable to him.

2. Return to me, and I will return to you (3:6-12)

The LORD's mercy does not change. Despite the Israelites' regular disobedience, he did not destroy them but invited them to return to him in repentance. One way they could repent was to offer their tithes. If they did, God promised to pour out so much blessing that they wouldn't be able to store it. God also promised to protect them.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for coming into my life to refine me and cleanse me. Make my life an acceptable offering to you.

One Word: Seek the Lord; return to him.

FAITHFULNESS TO GOD AND SPOUSE

FAITHFULNESS TO GOD AND SPOUSE

Passage: Malachi 2:10~16   

Keyverse: 15

1. Judah has been unfaithful (10-12)

Not only had God created the Israelites, he also established a covenant with them. God was their Father which meant they had a special, covenant bond with each other. But the Israelites were unfaithful to each other. Their unfaithfulness to God and each other was expressed by intermarrying with idol-worshiping women. Malachi prayed that those who intermarried would be removed from the covenant community.

2. You belong to God (13-16)

The people flooded the altar with their tears because God no longer accepted their offerings. They asked, "Why?" The answer was simple - men divorced the wives of their youth to remarry. The LORD likened it to committing violence against one's wife. God hates divorce. Marriage is a physical and spiritual union established by God for the purpose of producing Godly offspring. Thus, divorce is an affront to God and his covenant.

Prayer: Lord, protect marriage, especially among Christians. Help us to be faithful to you.

One Word: Honor your covenants

A MESSENGER OF THE LORD ALMIGHTY

A MESSENGER OF THE LORD ALMIGHTY

Passage: Malachi 2:1~9   

Keyverse: 7

1. A broken covenant (1-5)

God entered into a covenant with the descendants of Levi (Nu 18:2-7, 25:11-13). The Levites were to serve God as priests and enjoy life and peace. The Levites, in turn, were supposed to revere and stand in awe of God. Practically the priests honored God through offering at the temple and teaching the word of God to their fellow Israelites. In Malachi's time, the priests no longer honored God's name nor listened to him. God rebuked the priests and cursed them. He would smear on their faces the dung from their empty religious festivals.

2. Your teaching has caused many to stumble (6-9)

The priest was also responsible for instructing the people in God's word. He was like God's messenger to the people. However, not only did the priests turn from God, the teaching from their lips and their irreverent lifestyle caused many to stumble. God was angry with them and promised he would humiliate them before the people.

Prayer: Lord, let the words of my mouth, the meditation of my heart and my actions bring you honor and glory.

One Word: Instruct according to God's word

HONOUR THE LORD ALMIGHTY

HONOUR THE LORD ALMIGHTY

Passage: Malachi 1:1~14   

Keyverse: 11a

INTRODUCTION TO MALACHI

Malachi's name means 'my messenger.' He was a prophet who spoke God's message to the people of Israel around 440 B.C. This was about 100 years after the first exiles had returned to Jerusalem from Babylon captivity. That generation flourished spiritually under the ministries of Haggai and Zechariah. God had fulfilled his promise through Jeremiah that the people would return to Jerusalem and Judah after 70 years in Babylon. With great spiritual fervor, the temple of God had been rebuilt. Against this backdrop of fulfillment and with eager expectation, the Israelites hoped the LORD would also fulfill his promise to shake the nations (Haggai 2:6-8), restore Israel's glory, and bring about an earthly messianic kingdom. As time passed and a new generation came, the Israelites became cynical, worldly and cold in their relationship with God. They lost hope that God would keep his promises. They complained about God. Malachi addresses these complaints in the form of six disputations. Malachi reminds the people that God loves them and that God is to be honored in every way, from their offerings and tithes (1:8,13; 4:9-10), to faithfulness to their spouses (2:14-16), to their obligations to love their neighbors as themselves (3:5). Malachi looks forward to the coming of the Messiah (3:1-3) and the day of the Lord when the wicked will be judged and righteousness restored. May our hope in Jesus' second coming and our reverence for God in daily life be strengthened through our study of Malachi.

HONOR THE LORD ALMIGHTY

1. "I have loved you," says the LORD (1-5)

Malachi's prophecy begins with the LORD's message, "I have loved you." However, the people doubted God's love. The LORD reminded his people that his love was demonstrated in his choice of Jacob over Esau. God chose Jacob and his descendants because of his one-sided love and sovereign choice. Over time, the descendants of Esau would be judged for their evil and pride. We cannot fully understand God's choice in love. But we can be certain that God loves us because of his word and promise in Jesus (1 Jn 4:10; Ro 5:8).

2. "For I am a great king" (6-14)

The people dishonoured God and showed contempt for his name by offering diseased animals. Such animals couldn't be given to earthly governors who would certainly refuse them. How could they dare offer them to the LORD God Almighty, the greatest King? God desires that his name be honored everywhere in the world with pure offerings from a broken and contrite heart (Ps 51:17). This begins from those who are called by his name (2 Ch 7:14).

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your amazing love. Help me to honour you with offerings worthy of your name.

One Word: God's name will be great

I WILL RESTORE DAVID'S FALLEN SHELTER

I WILL RESTORE DAVID'S FALLEN SHELTER

Passage: Amos 9:1~15   

Keyverse: 11

1. I will destroy it, yet not totally (1-10)

The LORD's judgment will be thorough. Temples would crash upon those inside. Those who escaped would be killed by the sword. There would be no place for people to hide, neither the depths nor the heavens nor the mountains nor the seas. Almighty God who created the heavens and the earth and the floods in the days of Noah, would find them all. God would shake Israel like grain in a sieve. Yet God would leave a remnant.

2. A glorious future hope (11-15)

A day would come when God would restore his people. Walls and ruins would be rebuilt. A future descendent of David would rule again and possess the historical enemy Edom and all nations that bear the LORD's name. This promise was fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Ac 15:16-17). In Christ, anyone can be restored into a personal relationship with God.

Prayer: Lord, your judgment is great, but your mercy is even greater. Thank you for Jesus our true hope.

One Word: Put your hope and faith in Jesus

'IN THAT DAY' DECLARES THE LORD

'IN THAT DAY' DECLARES THE LORD

Passage: Amos 8:1~14   

Keyverse: 2c

1. A basket of ripe fruit (1-8)

God showed Amos a basket of ripe fruit. The time had come to judge the quality of Israel's fruit. The fruit of their lives was bad. The needy and poor were cheated and mistreated by merchants. New moons and Sabbaths were superficially observed as people were only interested in dishonest gain. The Sovereign LORD would turn the songs of the temple into wailing. Bodies would be flung everywhere. God would not forget their evil.

2. A famine of God's word (9-13)

The day of judgment would be a day of darkness, mourning and bitterness as when one loses an only son. The people would search everywhere for a word of comfort from the LORD but none would be found. God would send a famine of his word. They had rejected Amos' message; God would reject them. The young would faint from this thirst. Those who had trusted in idols would never rise again.

Prayer: Lord, a final day of judgment is coming. Help us to love you and to love our neighbors as ourselves.

One Word: That day is coming

WILL WE SPEAK GOD'S MESSAGE?

WILL WE SPEAK GOD'S MESSAGE?

Passage: Amos 7:10~17   

Keyverse: 15

1. Amos was told to go home (10-13)

Amos' ministry in Bethel upset Amaziah, a local priest. Bethel was a center of Israel's idolatry (1 Ki 12:29). Amos preached a message of judgment against King Jeroboam II. He also warned that Israel would go into exile. Amaziah reported to Jeroboam that Amos was raising a conspiracy. Amaziah confronted Amos to stop his preaching and to make his money in Judah.

2. Go, prophecy to my people (14-17)

Amos rebuffed Amaziah by telling him that he did not prophecy for money. Amos was a shepherd and a fig tree farmer. He did not come from a family of prophets. But the LORD took him and told him to prophecy to Israel. Israel would go into exile because of her sins and Amaziah's family would suffer. God can use anyone to speak his word, regardless of vocation or family history. Will we pray for courage and faith to speak God's word?

Prayer: Lord, help me to be faithful to your word and share it with others. Please give me courage to do so.

One Word: Hear and speak the word of the LORD

I WILL SPARE THEM NO LONGER

I WILL SPARE THEM NO LONGER

Passage: Amos 7:1~9   

Keyverse: 8b

1. This will not happen either (1-6)

The LORD gave Amos three visions. In the first, Amos saw a swarm of locusts strip the land clean after the king's harvest. Knowing the suffering this would cause the people, Amos begged the LORD for forgiveness. God relented. In the second vision, Amos saw the LORD bring terrible fire that dried up the sea and burned up the land. Amos cried out for mercy again and again, God relented.

2. A vision of a plumb line (7-9)

Amos had a third vision of the LORD standing by a wall. The wall had been built straight and true. The LORD measured it with a plumb line. The wall symbolized Israel who had once followed God's word and standard. But when God measured them in the present, they were far from plumb. Time for repentance had run out. God would spare them no longer. God would destroy the kingdom of Israel.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your mercy and giving us opportunities to repent. Help me to follow your ways.

One Word: Live by God's standards

THE RESULT OF COMPLACENCY AND PRIDE

THE RESULT OF COMPLACENCY AND PRIDE

Passage: Amos 6:1~14   

Keyverse: 8b

1. Woe to you who are complacent (1-7)

Life was secure and comfortable for the notable and wealthy of Israel and Judah. They ate choice meat, laid in beds adorned with ivory, and lounged on couches. They enjoyed plenty of wine and used the finest lotions. Their days were spent making music for themselves. But their comfort and ease made them selfish and complacent. They ignored the moral and spiritual deterioration of their land. Unbeknownst to them, disaster was near.

2. God abhors the pride of Jacob (8-14)

God detested the pride and arrogance of the wealthy. They boasted of their victories but, in fact, they had nothing. They lived securely but God would destroy their fortresses. No one would be left alive in their homes. The wealthy had turned justice and righteousness into bitterness. Therefore, the LORD would raise up a nation to oppress them.

Prayer: Lord, forgive my selfishness, complacency and pride. Help me to put aside my own comfort and be an instrument of justice and righteousness.

One Word: Beware of complacency and pride

HATE EVIL, LOVE GOOD

HATE EVIL, LOVE GOOD

Passage: Amos 5:14~27   

Keyverse: 24

1. Perhaps the LORD will have mercy (14-17)

Amos exhorted the Israelites to seek and love what is good and hate evil. Loving good especially meant to maintain justice. If they did, perhaps the LORD would have mercy on them. But the LORD knew they would not repent. Anguish, mourning and wailing would come on the Israelites when the LORD passed in their midst.

2. God desires justice and righteousness (18-27)

The Israelites wrongly assumed the day of the LORD would be a happy day because they were God's chosen people. In reality, because of their empty religious practices, idolatry and mistreatment of others, it would be a day of darkness and death. God desired repentance that resulted in justice and righteousness that flowed like a never-failing stream. Because the people did not repent, God would send them into exile.

Prayer: Lord, we are surrounded by injustice and unrighteousness. Help me to love what is good and hate what is evil.

One Word: God loves justice and righteousness

SEEK THE LORD AND LIVE

SEEK THE LORD AND LIVE

Passage: Amos 5:1~13   

Keyverse: 6a

1. Hear this word (1-6)

Israel's economy and political situation looked promising. But Amos lamented Israel's future. The nation would fall, never to rise again. The LORD would allow the military to be decimated in battle. Rather than seek help from idols in Bethel, Gilgal, and Beersheba, the LORD encouraged his people to seek him and live. Otherwise disaster would come. Let us not be deceived by temporary, seemingly good circumstances or idols but seek the LORD and live.

2. The times are evil (7-13)

The Israelites saw good in their wealth and comfortable life but the LORD saw evil. Injustice and unrighteousness were the norm. The Israelites took advantage of the poor. They even taxed their straw and the grain they needed to survive. Innocent people were oppressed. Truth was hated. Almighty God, who made the constellations and sent the flood in Noah's time, would destroy them.

Prayer: Lord, my sins are many and we live in evil times. But we repent and seek you for life.

One Word: Seek the LORD and live

PREPARE TO MEET YOUR GOD

PREPARE TO MEET YOUR GOD

Passage: Amos 4:1~13   

Keyverse: 12

1. The Israelites will be taken away (1-5)

Amos prophesied that the LORD would allow the Israelites to be taken away with hooks. An enemy nation would lead them through the breaches in the wall. This happened when the Assyrians invaded Samaria in 722 B.C. The Israelites brought it upon themselves. Their women oppressed the poor and were self-absorbed. Their sacrifices and offerings were meaningless to God. God wanted the wealthy and influential to be just, righteous and compassionate.

2. You have not returned to me (6-13)

At various times, God had beset the Israelites with famine, drought, locusts, mildew, blight, plagues and war. But neither suffering nor even death led the people to repentance. So the LORD Almighty, who made the mountains and knows our thoughts, told them to prepare to meet him through judgment.

Prayer: Sovereign Lord, I repent of my sins and the sins of my people. Have mercy on us and heal our land.

One Word: God judges sin

PRIVILEGE AND RESPONSIBILITY

PRIVILEGE AND RESPONSIBILITY

Passage: Amos 3:1~15   

Keyverse: 2

1. God chooses us to do right (1-10)

The LORD spoke judgment against the descendants of all those he graciously brought out of Egypt. He would punish them for their sins. The Israelites might have felt secure as God's chosen people. But just as various occurrences in the world all have a reason (3-6), God's judgement had a clear reason (7). God wanted his people to repent. Even pagan Ashdod and Egypt saw how the wealthy in Israel had plundered her own people.

2. Amos details impending disaster (11-15)

The LORD foretold that destruction would come from an enemy. The enemy would devour virtually everything. God would take away all that the Israelites trusted in, from their religious artifacts to their winter and summer homes. This was the result of their sins against God and against each other.

Prayer: Lord, you have blessed us with the most valuable gift of salvation in Jesus. Teach me to do what is right in your eyes.

One Word: God requires much from those who have received much.

I WILL NOT RELENT

I WILL NOT RELENT

Passage: Amos 2:1~16   

Keyverse: 6

1. Moab and Judah (1-5)

The LORD spoke judgment against Moab for desecrating the body of the king of Edom. Her cities would be consumed by war and her ruler destroyed. Unlike her Gentile neighbors, Judah had God's law and decrees. But she rejected them for idols and for this God would consume her in wars.

2. The sins of Israel (6-16)

After speaking the LORD's judgment against Israel's neighbors, Amos turned his attention on Israel. The wealthy of Israel enslaved the poor over debts worth no more than a pair of sandals. They humiliated and exploited the poor by not returning garments taken in pledge. They denied justice to the poor. Sexual immorality profaned God's name. God had shown his power and love for his people by destroying their enemies, bringing them up out of Egypt and sending them prophets. Israel had no excuse for her evil deeds. God would crush them.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for saving me from sin and giving your word to me. Help me to be compassionate and just, especially to the poor.

One Word: Compassion to the poor in our midst

A SHEPHERD SPEAKS GOD'S MESSAGE

A SHEPHERD SPEAKS GOD'S MESSAGE

Passage: Amos 1:1~15   

Keyverse: 2

INTRODUCTION TO AMOS

Amos was a shepherd from Tekoa in Judah and was possibly a manager of shepherds (1:1; 7:14). He also took care of sycamore-fig trees. He lived during the long, prosperous reigns of King Uzziah (also called Amaziah) of Judah and King Jeroboam II of northern Israel (2 Ki 14). Amos was not a professional prophet nor from a family of prophets. But God called him to leave his home in Judah and go to Israel to prophecy to the people (7:15). Amos lived during strong economic and political expansion for both Judah and Israel. Jeroboam II had restored the former boundaries of Israel as they had been under David and Solomon (2 Ki 14:25). The resulting wealth from tribute and trade created a wealthy upper class that enjoyed winter and summer homes, the best foods and spent their days in music (3:15; 6:4-11). But the people became proud, selfish and complacent. Their religion was empty. They oppressed, cheated and humiliated the lower classes. Against this back drop, Amos repeatedly proclaims a message of social justice, righteousness and God's judgment. However, because of the Israelites' stubborn hearts, Amos also warns that the Assyrians would conquer Israel and exile the people. This prophecy was fulfilled in 722 B.C. The book ends with hope that one day, God would restore his people. This hope was fulfilled in the Messiah, Jesus Christ. There are many parallels between Amos' times and ours. May our hearts be challenged to genuinely love God and to seek justice, righteousness and compassion for others.

A SHEPHERD SPEAKS GOD'S MESSAGE

1. Amos' vision of the LORD (1-2)

Amos was a shepherd from Judah to whom God gave visions and prophecies of judgment. The surrounding nations committed terrible evils against people. Injustice was everywhere. But the LORD, the God of Israel, still ruled the world. He roared from Zion and thundered from Jerusalem. He would bring judgment against the nations.

2. Judgment on Israel's neighbors (3-15)

Amos' message was primarily for Israel but he began with prophecies against the surrounding nations. The king of Aram would be destroyed and the people sent into exile for their mistreatment of the people of Gilead. The Philistines and the people of Tyre sold whole communities to Edom. The Edomites pursued their own brothers, the Israelites. Both Edomites and Ammonites killed women in war. God would bring fire, war, and destruction upon all these nations.

Prayer: Lord, though people are wicked, and the world is dark, you are sovereign and will bring judgment on all evil. Help me to pursue righteousness.

One Word: The LORD roars from Zion

I WILL FILL THIS HOUSE WITH GLORY

I WILL FILL THIS HOUSE WITH GLORY

Passage: Haggai 2:1~23   

Keyverse: 9a

1. Be strong and work (1-9)

Sometimes, we are disappointed in the work God is doing in our lives. We expected an orchard of fruit, but all we see are a couple of old bananas! It is easy to get discouraged and want to give up. The Jews who were old enough to remember Solomon's temple were disappointed with the new temple. Their hearts were heavy, and their eyes were full of tears. At this time, God spoke through Haggai and opened their eyes to see the great work he was doing. They could be strong and work because God was with them. Their efforts were backed by the power of God and the riches of God. God promised to fill his house with glory and bring peace to his people. The remnant had nothing to fear and neither do we.

2. Blessing and assurance (10-23)

The remnant was defiled because of their disobedience. Everything they touched was defiled as well. Because of this, God withheld his blessing from them. God says, "Until now, the vine and the fig tree, the pomegranate and the olive tree have not borne fruit." But now, God declared that he would bless them from that day on. God encouraged Zerubbabel by reminding him of his sovereignty over all the nations. He also assured Zerubbabel by declaring him to be his chosen and beloved servant.

Prayer: Father, help us to grow in courage and faith.

One Word: God is with us! Be strong and work.

A CALL TO REPENT AND OBEY

A CALL TO REPENT AND OBEY

Passage: Haggai 1:1~15   

Keyverse: 13b

1. A call to repentance (1-11)

Sixteen years had passed since the remnant in Jerusalem had laid the foundation for the new temple. At the time, they celebrated their progress with great shouts of joy. However, as problems and difficulties arose, they abandoned the work on the temple, concluding that the time for building the temple had not yet come. Instead of seeking God and persevering in building the Lord's house, they focused on building nice homes for themselves and enjoying the pleasures of life. Through Haggai, God called them to give careful thought to their ways. Because of their disobedience, God withheld his blessings from the land. The solution was to honor the Lord and obey his word. They were to go into the mountains for timber and finish building the temple.

2. The fruit of repentance (12-15)

Something wonderful happens in these verses. Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the whole remnant obeyed the voice of God and the message of Haggai. They responded to the word of God with a holy and reverent fear of the Lord. In response, God declared, "I am with you". God's presence is all we need to obey his word and overcome the world. God stirred the spirits of his people and they experienced a revival. Their fears were gone and they began to work on the temple again.

Prayer: Father, we repent of seeking to please ourselves instead of you. Stir our hearts to obey your word.

One Word: God is with those who obey his word