Title: I Am God, Hear Me Roar
Scripture: Amos 3:1-4, 8 KJV:
1 Hear this word that the Lord has spoken against you, O children of Israel, against the whole family which I brought up from the land of Egypt, saying: 2 “You only have I known of all the families of the earth; Therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.” 3 Can two walk together, unless they are agreed? 4 Will a lion roar in the forest, when he has no prey? Will a young lion cry out of his den, if he has caught nothing? 8 A lion has roared! Who will not fear? The Lord God has spoken! Who can but prophesy?
Introduction: This title reminds me of the 1972 Helen Reddy's song I am Woman, Hear me roar. The chorus goes like this: I am woman, hear me roar. In numbers too big to ignore. And I know too much to go back an' pretend. 'Cause I've heard it all before. And I've been down there on the floor. No one's ever gonna keep me down again. A roar is to utter or emit a loud prolonged sound. To sing or shout with a full force. Examples of a roar is a: dinosaur, lion, bear, thunder, applause, laughing and our voices. Here in Amos 3:1-8, it talks about the authority of the Prophet's message and in verses 9-15 talks about the punishment of Israel sins.
Observation: Amos is the one of the minor prophets in the Bible and it was written around 760 B.C. towards the end of the reign of Jeroboam II. It is the 30th book of the Bible, has 9 chapters, and 146 verses. Amos was called while tending his flock (7:14-15). He ministered in Israel (1:1). Amos 3 has 15 verses and it has 384 words in the chapter. Amos name means burden bearer.
Application: My first point is to reminisce on where God brought you from. He has brought out of darkness into the marvelous light. Remember when you was sick and can't get well; God healed you. Remember when you didn't have money; God gave you provision. Remember when you had an addiction, on drugs, and drank alcohol; God delivered you. Remember your valley shacks so God can bless you with Mountain mansions.
My second point is remember who you are in God: you are the righteousness of God, a royal priesthood, a chosen generation, a peculiar people, anointed, a King's Kid, fearful wonderful made by God, destined for the kingdom, prosperous, delivered, saved, spirit-filled, miracle, a soldier ready for battle, a dreamer of God's promises, a mountain climber, and blessed beyond description. Don't underestimate who you are in God. Speak life and wellness and not death and sickness.
My final point is repent of anything you have done that is an offense to God: 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Clear your line from static so you God can hear you loud and clear and he can hear you too. Just like AT&T comes out to fix your phone from static. They get up on the pole, check the wires and then fix the wires and then they come in to see the phone line is clear. Check your line, fix it by forgiving your enemies and yourself, fix it by asking God to clean your mind, body, soul and spirit, and check to see your line is clear to talk to God and God can talk to you.
Interpretation: In verse 1: God reminds them of what he had done for them. In verse 2: God reminds the people of their calling and the greater responsibilities that will come. In verses 3: you got to agree in order to walk together. God wants a two-way street relationship not a one-way street relationship. In verse 4: The lion roars loudly only when he has prey in sight. In verse 8: God has spoken, who is scared of the roar.
Conclusion: In closing, you have remembered where he has brought you from. You recognized who you are in God. Now is the time for you to repent of what you have done. We offer hope to you. Come and receive the lion of the tribe of Judah, he is roaring for you to give your life to him. Don't be scared of the roar. He ain't go eat you up. Become a cub of God and you will teach the way of life.
