The special nature nature of the relationship between God and His people brings special responsibilities. Any relationship requires give and take, and has ups and downs. We must read the signs that abound in the world around us and recognize their lessons and their meaning. A society full of injustice and repression will nnot last, the enemies understand this, so the people should understand this too.

Amos continues his critique of the societies around him and focuses closer to home. The corruption of money over justice, bribery over righteousness, lies over truth, and disrespect for God's laws. this will lead to the destruction iof Israel and Judah.

We are introduced to one of the early prophets, a humble shpherd from Tekoa. God is patient, but some things are unforgiveable. Five things are unforgiveable for God; Humiliating others, making them suffer more than necessary, being ungrateful, acting out of anger, and acting selfishly. You can make mistakes a few times, but once they become ingrained in a society, it becomes impossible to cleanse.

Time for judgement for the nations of the world. God teases the nations, "Come to the valley of judgement with your weapons and swords!" But this will clearly be of no help when the judge is God Himself. The truly innocent will be exonerated, the wriongs of histiory will be righted, and God will reign in Zion.

Once the people join together before God, the spirit of God will pour upon all living beings. all classes of society will be prophets. No longer will there be any divisions. Unfortunately though, before that day, there will be a reckoning for those who are too arrogant to call in the name of God.

Joel describes the natural disaster as if an enemy army was conquering the land, but despite the destruction, there is hope. Joel instructs the people to rend their hearts, return to God, and pray together. In their hearts the people will find the right path as God has given them a teacher of righteousness. The people will prosper once again, the nation will be saved.

We start a new book of Joel, in which Joel responds to a terrible natural disaster, a plague of locusts that has devastated the entire population. Unity among the classes, approaching God together, is the response prescribed by the prophet. Notably, the prophet refuses to blame wrongdoers or anyone for the calamity, rather he asks everyone to come together before God and pray.

In the stirring final chapter of Hosea's prophecies, we learn of God's eternal love for His people. return to me, as my anger has subsided. My Love for you is generous, be wise, and return to God. It is your deeds and words I am looking for, not your sacrifices and gold and silver. If only we understood this ...

Ephraim stepped up to lead Israel, but led the Northern tribes in exactly the wrong direction. God's anger with the people is vicious, "Let your kings lead you now!," says God. Through God's benevoleance, they grew wealthy, but then they used that wealth to rebel. Worshipping yourselves is what idol worship is. It is worship of wealth, power, and meaningless forms,

God continues to lament the deceiptful behavior of Israel, and asks them to be more like their ancestor Jacob. He fought with the angel, overcame obstacles, and came closer to God. However, you think you can accomplish everything by ignoring God, deceiving others, and making false alliances. The path is easy though, Kindness, Justice, and trust in God is all you really need.