Amos 9: Visions of Hope
HOPE IS ONE of the three greatest gifts. It can lift our broken spirits, strengthen our feeble bodies and transform our darkest moments into lighthearted praise. Up to this point Amos has offered little hope to Israel. But in this final chapter, as the pace toward destruction quickens, he brings his prophecy to a surprising conclusion—one that is full of hope, promise and a renewed vision of God.
Warming Up to God
How does hope differ from wishful or "positive" thinking?
Read Amos 9. »
Discovering the Word
- How does Amos describe the fate of those who try to escape (vv. 1-4)?
- How do you think the description of the Lord in verses 5-6 relates to the pronouncements of the previous verses?
- The Israelites thought they were superior to other nations because God chose them and delivered them from Egypt. Why would they be shocked by verse 7 and the first part of verse 8?
- What glimmer of hope does Amos offer the house of Jacob (vv. 8-10)?
- Suddenly Israel's glimmer of hope begins to shine with intense brightness (vv. 11-15). How does Amos's final prophecy contrast with what he has said before?
Applying the Word
- When in your life or in the life of your church has the Lord restored what was in ruins (v. 11)?
- How can this portrait of God give us hope even when things seem hopeless?
Responding in Prayer
Pray for hope in your life and in the lives of people you know who may feel hopeless.
For Further Study
Hope by J. I. Packer & Carolyn Nystrom