FromNowUntilForeverBook8.5x5.5 REV.indd

worsen. We learn of this impending disaster from the prophet Amos, whose name means “burden.” A herdsman by trade, he hailed fromTekoa, just a few miles down the road from Jerusalem. The first prophet to predict Israel’s captivity, Amos served during the reign of Uzziah king of Judah, and Jeroboam II, king of Israel (786-746 BC). In our central text for this chapter, he records: “‘Behold, days are coming,’ declares the Lord God ,‘When I will send a famine on the land, Not a famine for bread or a thirst for water, But rather for hearing the words of the Lord’ ” (Amos 8:11, emphasis added). The word in Hebrew used for hearing is shama, which means “to listen with interest, giving heed. “The problem described is not with the proclamation of God’sWord but rather with the reception of it. Think of the times you have spoken to someone who may be hearing your words, yet not really listening to what you have to say. Such was the case with the Israelites in Amos’ day. It wasn’t a case of the Lord withholding His revelation but rather people being in such a condition that they weren’t listening. As we examine what these words meant then, let’s look first at the reasons for the famine . God’s people were at a low point during the time in which Amos prophesied. Spirituality ran shallow and social illness abounded. In addition to God’s name being profaned and the poor being mistreated, incestuous relationswere taking place (Amos 2:6-8). “Woe to those who are at ease in Zion,” writes Amos, “Those who recline on beds of ivory and sprawl on their couches . . .Who drink wine from sacrificial bowls while they anoint themselves with the finest oils” (Amos 6:1,4,6). It was eat, drink, and be merry for the Israelites of that day, particularly among the rich. God is loving, yet also just. A price would be paid for the people continuing to ignore His commands, as we learn from the

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