A Famine of God’s Word --- 2019/11/20

Rev. Stephen Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Amos 8:7-14.

The LORD continues His commentary on Amos’ fourth vision. He swears by Himself as the true Pride of Jacob, in contrast to their idolatrous boasting in themselves and their accomplishments. His oath is terrifying, as He promises that He will no longer forget the sins of His people. With the comfort of the LORD’s forgiveness gone, all of creation groans. An earthquake and darkness at noon served as signs of the LORD’s judgment and indicators that Amos was a true prophet. The LORD announces that He will bring upon them the tragic mourning that would occur at the death of an only son. The news only grows more grim, as the LORD declares that a famine of His Word is coming. No matter how the people may seek the LORD’s Word, they will not find it. Their idolatrous worship has brought them to fall and never rise again. It is helpful for us to reflect upon such harsh Law as Christians today in order that we may see our own sin and temptation, lest we fall into idolatry and thanklessness that would lead the LORD to take His Word away from us. Recognizing the horrific scene described by Amos’ words grants us a greater appreciation for what Christ has taken for us. The wrath of God was spent upon Him on Good Friday as the sky darkened at noon and the earth shook at His death. As the crucified and risen only-begotten Son from heaven, Jesus has changed our mourning into rejoicing.