Amos 9
Theme: Another Day
Key Text: Verse 11

              Picking up where the last chapter left off, with the execution of judgment against idolatry, we come to the fifth vision, The Vision Of The Sanctuary. Smitten by the enemy, the temple of Samaria goes down, section by section, columns, roof, walls, and all. As in The Vision Of The Plumbline (see 7:7), the Lord is on top of things, “standing upon the altar” (9:1), calling the shots, and overseeing His acts of vengeance. Before the chapter concludes, however, when the smoke of His fire settles, a new era is seen on the horizon. A great day is coming, a day of blessing and grace.

1. The Midnight Of Horror

            Before the great day breaks forth, the midnight hour, and the darkest hours before the dawn, must be experienced. The omniscient God is behind all the judgment, and no one can escape from Him. All running is in vain (see 9;1), for there is no place to hide (see 9:2). Even the thick forests of “Carmel” (9:3) and the depths “of the sea” (9:3), are not suitable coverings. God’s eyes are set against the people “for evil, and not for good” (9:4). And, who and what can bear up under the touch of the omnipotent God (see 9:5)? He’s the mighty Creator (see 9:6), He’s the strong Redeemer (see 9:7), and He’s the awesome Judge!

2. The Morning Of Hope

            As the night passes, the morning star always reveals its brightness and indicates that the dawn is near.  Similarly, from the dark sayings of this chapter, a brightness emerges with the words, “I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob, saith the Lord” (9:8). Somehow, in God’s great kindness, the darkness gives way to the light! The curse gives way for the blessing! God’s judgment gives way to His mercy! A lot of sifting will take place, but not even the “least grain” of the remnant will “fall upon the earth” (9:9). Many of the sinful kingdom will “die by the sword” (9:10), but there is hope, and there is a future for His own.

3. The Morrow Of Harvest

            The new day that Amos prophesies will be a day of resurrection, restoration, and reconstruction. The “tabernacle of David” and all the “ruins” will be raised up “as in the days of old” (9:11). Divine abundance will so fill the land that “the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him that soweth seed” (9:13). Not only will a remnant be brought back to the land (see 9:14), but God promises, “And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have giveth them, saith the Lord” (9:15).

Illustration

            Our high school basketball team had just lost a close game to our big rivals. All I could do was look at the floor in the dressing room. When I finally got my things together and left the gym, the custodian was ready to turn off the lights. Sensing my dejection, he said as he locked the door, “There’ll be another day!” And, there was! Oh, dear friend, may God help you to see beyond your defeat and despair. The darkest hour means dawn is just in sight! Trust His grace! Seek His face! There'll be another day!