Amos 7:4-6 (NIV®)       

This is what the Sovereign LORD showed me: The Sovereign LORD was calling for judgment by fire; it dried up the great deep and devoured the land. Then I cried out, “Sovereign LORD, I beg you, stop! How can Jacob survive? He is so small!” So the LORD relented.

Amos was a prophet, not a court prophet or a palace prophet, but a farmer God used to speak to his generation. God had decided to pour out judgment on the Israelites because of the condition of their hearts, and He revealed His intentions to Amos in a vision. Amos, when he saw that happening, had a choice. He could have said, “I agree. Wicked people. They’re idolaters, they offer their children as sacrifices, they’re greedy, they’re immoral. They deserve it.” But that’s not what he did. He cried out to God for mercy, and God relented. It is tempting to complain about the condition of our nation, but what if we channeled that energy into asking God to be merciful on us and heal our land? As we see in this passage, God hears the cries of ordinary people like us. And who else will cry out to God but the people of God?

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, we are a people in great need. You are a God of mercy and compassion, a God who restores and renews. Forgive our pride and rebellion and pour a spirit of humility and repentance upon us. May the fear of God wash over our hearts and minds. Our hope is in the name of our Lord. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.