The Old Testament prophets shared messages from God for the people of Israel or Judah or sometimes both. These messages predicted that God’s judgment would come in the form of defeat by neighboring nations. In some instances, the prophets explained that God’s judgment was because the people had turned from the true God and followed false idols. Other prophets spoke about the wrong ways the people practiced their religion, bringing sacrifices to the temple but not truly worshiping God with their hearts. Still others spoke against the injustice the people allowed and even promoted. Because there were hungry, oppressed people in the land and they did nothing to help restore this brokenness, God’s judgment would come upon them.
And yet each prophetic message usually came with a promise of hope, an encouragement, a sign of redemption. In this passage, Amos shares God’s promise that restoration will come; the Israelites will rebuild cities and plant vineyards. God’s message through Amos is that in spite of judgment, He is nevertheless a God of compassion and forgiveness, healing, and hope. The picture painted by these verses is a picture of people restored in right relationship with God and living in peace and wellness.
We are not living in exile as they were. Still we are isolated, apart, discouraged by loss, and at times feeling hopeless. We, also, can turn to and trust our God, who promises that He will restore brokenness even in the direst of circumstances. We can trust a God who is sovereign over all things, including over disease and economic hardship. The promise of renewal was not limited to the people who heard Amos speak. The message is true for us as well: God is in the restoration business. That is what he is best at.
God promised restoration to the exiles from Israel and Judah, and He delivered that restoration. God promises the restoration of our lives through the death and resurrection of Jesus. And God promises the restoration of all things in the future. He invites us to join Him in that restoration as we look for, long for, and trust in the truth that — just as Amos wrote — broken cities will be rebuilt and we will dwell in them in peace. May it be so!