Amos was commissioned by the Lord - “Go, prophesy to My people Israel” (Amos 7:15).
The purpose of such prophecy, in our generation, is to declare the
Gospel: “God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were
still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
If this message of love is to be brought to the people, the preacher
must pray: “Teach me Your way, O Lord, and I will walk in Your truth
...” (Psalm 86:11).
There is to be prayer from “every one who lives in the land” (Joel 1:14). It is to be personal prayer - “O Lord, I cry to You for help!” (Joel 1:19). These two belong together - prayer for the nation and personal prayer. This is expressed so well in the words: “O Holy Ghost, revival comes from Thee. Send a revival. Start the work in me.” We hear the words, “Return to the Lord, your God” (Joel 2:13). They are followed by some wonderful words about the character of God - “He is merciful and compassionate, patient and always ready to forgive and to change His plans about disaster” (Joel 2:13). How do we know that God is like this? We look at what He has done for us - “Be glad and rejoice. The Lord has done great things!” (Joel 2:21). Looking at all that the Lord has done for us, we trust His promise: “Whoever calls on the Name of the Lord will be saved” (Joel 2:32). This salvation is more than forgiveness for past sins. It’s more than the future glory of being in God’s ev...
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