Ending on a Positive Note

Text: Amos 9:11-15

Reflection and Question: Amos was a prophet to the Northern Kingdom, known as Israel, and a rival to the house of Judah ruled by the Davidic kings whose capital was Jerusalem. Having spoken in dire and fiercely judgmental terms about the situation in Israel before it fell to Assyria, now the prophet turns both to speaking of Judah and of the restoration of God’s people, Israel. Just as spring follows winter, the Promised Land follows the Wilderness, and Resurrection follows Death, rebuilding follows the destruction Amos rightly prophesied. What gives you hope in troubled times?

Prayer: Eternal God, through Amos You promise that “the mountains shall drip sweet wine, and the hills shall flow with it.” You promise to restore the fortunes of Your people Israel. See our faithfulness, we pray, and restore us in our time as well. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).