The Voice of a Shepherd

 
The words of Amos, who was among the shepherds of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel, two years before the earthquake. And he said: “The LORD roars from Zion and utters his voice from Jerusalem; the pastures of the shepherds mourn, and the top of Carmel withers.”
Amos 1:1–2
+
The Voice of a Shepherd
            Amos was a shepherd called to prophesy during the reigns of Uzziah in the kingdom of Judah and Jeroboam II in the kingdom of Israel. This was a time of peace and stability for both kingdoms, which would, in turn, bring about prosperity. Yet as so often happens, when God richly blesses us, we become complacent and overlook all we have. We run out searching for other gods to occupy our thoughts and energies. So it was for Judah and Israel; idolatry, extravagance, and corruption marked their days. The rich and powerful took advantage of the poor and helpless and oppressed them. Amos is called to denounce the people of Israel for their apostasy and social injustice and warned them that disaster would fall upon them for breaking God’s covenant. He urged them to turn from their hypocrisy and trust in the Lord. The book of Amos is primarily a book of judgment, yet Amos also reminds us that an even greater Good Shepherd would come to fulfill God’s promises. That salvation comes from God, and He remembers His covenant and restores His faithful remnant.