Amos 9:11-15

Amos was a prophet who lived near the end of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, similar to that of Hosea. His message was one of warning about the coming judgment of God upon the nation with a twofold goal: his prophecy was a warning and call to repentance, as well as a promise of hope for a better world.

We’re looking specifically at the messianic hope in this promise of a better world. This is the conclusion of his prophesy, a kingdom restored and flourishing. And it is also the heart of the gospel. It is the announcement that this kingdom has come. This was John the Baptist’s message:

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 3:2)

Jesus announces his ministry,

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:15)

This is why the disciples were expecting Jesus to overthrow the Romans and restore the kingdom of Israel and confused when he talked of being put to death. Today, the gospel is so often discussed primarily in terms of Jesus’ atoning work on the cross (which is also very good news) that we forget the bigger picture of what God is doing. His going to the cross was the means to building this future kingdom where justice and righteousness reign and there is great human flourishing.