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In Genesis, Abraham pled with God over Sodom. In Exodus, Moses interceded for Israel. Here, Amos does the same. Although Amos would later give a prediction for God’s people, he first would go to his knees over their sin. This is important and we can’t overlook it’s relevance today.
Amos saw what Israel did not. They believed they were strong and mighty; Amos knew they were small and weak. They were blind to the coming judgment of God; Amos knew the vivid details that the Lord had planned against them. Amazingly, God relented in response to Amos’ prayer.
“This is another amazing example of how much rests upon prayer. We may debate endlessly how this incident reflects on the issues of predestination and human responsibility, but clearly we are left with the impression that the plague either came or was held back based on the prophet’s prayer.”
David Guzik
Just like Amos, we are called to intercede for others. This includes those who aren’t saved and are continually blinded by their own sin. I am often baffled at the thought of what our world would look like if the Church took the Bible seriously enough to intercede with this kind of passion and fervor. Many of us resort to complaining about someone before we will pray for them. Many of us will simply stop investing in others when we encounter one who lives in the same vicious cycle of sin.
Amos interceded for a wicked generation. He charged into a spiritual battle for people who honestly deserved to be wiped off the face of the Earth. Jesus did the same for us and called us to follow. Who are you currently interceding for?