Preparing for the Lord's Day
Amos
In his commentary on Amos, T.J. Betts shares the story of Otis, the town drunk from The Andy Griffith Show. In one particular episode, Sheriff Andy Taylor and his deputy, Barney Fife, worry about the safety of their citizens when they find out that Otis Campbell has bought a car. They believe he will drive drunk and eventually hurt himself or others. Andy comes up with a plan. They wait until Otis passes out from drinking, then they take him to jail and lock him up. Once he’s resting in his cell, they toss a bucket of water on his head. As he wakes up, Andy and Barney pretend not to hear him. Instead, they talk about how sad it is that Otis drove his car into the lake and drowned. Otis is overwhelmed with grief, thinking he has died. He eventually falls back asleep. When he wakes up, he tells Andy and Barney about his wild dream and, out of fear for his life, swears he will sell his car.
In our passage from Amos 5 for this Sunday, the Lord laments over the people of Israel. He speaks as if the nation has already died, even before it happens. Just as Andy and Barney try to save Otis from destruction, the Lord’s declaration of death is meant to call the people back to life. Three times in the chapter, the Lord urges Israel, “seek me and live.” (vv 4, 6, 14). Our text shows that if we want to live, we must turn away from destructive and deadly ways and seek the Lord. To prepare for the sermon, spend time this week reading and meditating on Amos 5:1-27, Deuteronomy 30:19, Isaiah 55:1-2, John 10:10, Ephesians 2:1-10, and this article on Social Justice.
This week, we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper during our worship service. As we partake of the bread and wine, trust in faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. When we receive these signs of His body and blood physically, spiritually we feed on Him and His blessings. Our hymns this week include “Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah, O My Soul,” “He Will Hold Me Fast,” and “And Can It Be That I Should Gain.”
Sermon Information:
Text: Amos 5:1-27
Title: The Walking Dead
Outline:
- You Must Repent of Dead Worship
- You Must Repent of Dead Righteousness
- You Must Repent of Dead Desires