The Lion Roars

Introduction

A. We live in a very scientific world. We find scientific explanations for so many things. Science makes our lives easier. From everyday appliances to our cars to flying to entertainment. Scientific discoveries have made our lives more comfortable. Even as science has life more comfortable, science isn’t static. That is, science doesn’t remain unchanged; it is continually looking for new ways of engaging life. We have moved from glass tubes for radio systems to digital encryption for sound. Amazing changes continue to take place.

B. There is a theory of science called chaos theory. I claim no insight into this theory. It is outside my realm of understanding in terms of application but I understand the fundamental principle—a small change in the initial conditions may result in a significant consequence later. Perhaps you have heard of “The Butterfly Effect.” It is the idea as one author put it, can a butterfly flap its wings in Brazil and bring about a tornado in Texas. In a more practical way, this is one of the reasons why weather cannot be predicted with much accuracy beyond 7 days. There are too many “variables” to accurately predict weather. For example, a small change in wind current can alter the direction and path of a large air mass.

C. We have seen this happen in Memphis numerous times. “Hurricane Elvis” was something no one saw coming. 100 mph winds which suddenly erupted and immobilizing a city for several days could only be explained as ripening conditions when none were forecast. Or how many times has the prediction of snow occurred only to see the snow fall on the west side of the river; literally separate and snow to the north and south of us and then reform into a band of snow showers to the east of us. What happened? Meteorologists are not certain. Something shifted ever so slightly and we missed the snow. A small change can produce a much larger effect. Cause and effect. Some are easier to see and understand than others.

D. What has this to do with our study in Amos? As we study today, we are going to see God’s explanation for cause and effect when it comes to sin. In chapter 2, Israel was told of her sin. Now in chapter 3, there is going to be an explanation of the cause and effect of sin. Israel’s sin is going to lead to her destruction. But in the middle of this cause and effect is God who rightfully claims his place as Sovereign. The one who watches and acts against the sin of the people. Let’s learn today.

The Text

A. As Amos speaks against Israel, notice in verse 1 that God still includes these people as his chosen ones. The kingdom of God’s people may have been split into two groups but God still considers this Northern Kingdom as those he brought out of Egypt. It was this decisive act on God’s part which should have reminded the people of the faithfulness of God. Remembering the faithfulness of God in such a dramatic fashion should have been enough to keep the people close to God. But this was not the case.

B. Verse 2 is the beginning of cause and effect. Of all the nations of the earth, God chose Israel. It had nothing to do with her strength in numbers or character. It was God’s goodness that resulted in Israel being chosen. Israel was chosen to be in relationship with God. This privileged relationship demanded faithfulness. But Israel’s sins ignored this relationship.

C. In verses 3-6, there are seven rhetorical questions. The first five demand the answer “no.” The last two demand the answer “yes.” There is a cause and effect. Two do not walk together unless they have chosen to do so. A lion roars when the prey is near to freeze the prey so that he can eat. Or he roars when he has something to eat. A bird only gets into a trap that has been set. A trap works when there is a potential catch. And when a trumpet sounds in the city then the citizens know something is about to happen. Similar to our civil defense sirens when a tornado is approaching.

D. It is the last question which gives us pause. When disaster comes to a city, has not the Lord caused it? The intent of the question is to point to the fact that nothing happens without God’s knowledge. In Israel’s case, the destruction that was to come would come because God would bring it. In fact, God is forewarning and has been forewarning them of what is to happen. The prophets, of whom Amos would have been one, have come to call the people to repentance. But the people refused to listen.

E. So in verse 9, two witnesses are called to speak against Israel. Ashdod and Egypt. Two long-time enemies of Israel. Egypt we know. Ashdod stands for the Philistines. Both of these nations has caused all kinds of trouble for Israel. They would witness the violence and oppression of the people by the rulers of Israel and testify against the nation. Deuteronomy 17:6 demanded two witness for a conviction. But God promises a remnant. He also promises that confidence in wealth will not allow survival. That which are signs of prosperity will fall.

Application

A. What are we to learn from this chapter? First, the sovereignty of God is upheld. God sees. He acts. This is unsettling for us. If God sees and acts then why do bad things happen? Let’s boldly endorse this one truth—God’s ways are above our ways and his thoughts are above our thoughts. The point of Amos is not only that God sees and acts but that nothing escapes the attention of God. Whatever happens God knows about it. Both the good and the bad. Inevitably the question comes, does God then cause bad things to happen? I cannot answer that question to anyone’s satisfaction. Here is what can be said. God has given us truth. He wants to know that he wants only what is ultimately best for us. When bad things happen, God hasn’t left us nor has his love diminished. This we can say for certain. Israel was heading to destruction. God warned them. They did not listen.

B. Second, God wants order and justice but what man often puts together is unrest and oppression. Among the many sins of Israel, this is the one that Ashdod and Egypt witness. Israel is a place of unrest. We see this in our own day. The lack of peace and the disharmony which exists results in unrest instead of order. Our God wants order. He created order out of disorder as time began. He calls for his people to be people of order in worship. He says government exists in order to bring order. When there is disorder and unrest, then we know that something is wrong. Our vision statement while not using these words specifically carries the idea that we want order and justice in the lives of others. We live in a community of great unrest—economically, politically, within families, one of the highest crime rates in the nation, and racially. Where is the order going to come from? We are the ones who can bring order to our homes, our relationships, our working relationships, our community. How?

i. Pray for peace in our homes and relationships.

ii. Learn to think of others before yourself.

iii. Treat others the way you want to be treated.

iv. When treated unfairly, seek to find ways to resolve with peace rather than destructively.

v. There is one thing that is true—people are hurting and they are looking for order in the midst of unrest. You be God's instrument of peace. Don't let it be said of us which was said of Israel in verse 10—They do not know how to do right.

C. Third, we must heed the warning. Amos’ presence meant that Israel was being given another opportunity to repent. So are we. If the civil defense sirens were to sound now, what would you do? A little over a year ago, a tornado came through the Hickory Hill area. As the weather clouds loomed ominous at that time, I was watching television. I was trying to get the latest weather information. Trying to be alert and aware. Channel 3 had a camera from atop Clark Tower that showed the tornado descending. Captivated by the image I stood and watched as the announcer told of the location of the tornado and the direction it was heading. And when it came to Ridgeway and Bill Morris Parkway, it was too late. It was moving so quickly that even if I had wanted to take cover, the tornado was less than a mile from my house. The warning has sounded. We ignore the warning at our own peril. Invitation.

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