如果「一幅畫勝過千言萬語」，那今天的經文是阿摩司審判預言中最雄渾有力的一篇了!他描繪以色列正如一籃夏天的果實－－熟透而且即將腐敗。隨後在一個不祥的預兆中，先知看見上帝站在祭壇旁邊，而災難就要臨到以色列徒具虛文的崇拜上，同時上帝的管教必要開始，但終有一天以色列會復興也會更新，上帝將再度興起他們，重建他們的國家，把他們栽種在大地之上。

        也許你曾經看到這個很受歡迎的標語：「在上帝凡事都能。」但更正確的說，有些事就是上帝也不可能!讀完阿摩司書最後一章之後，看看你有多少方法完成這個句子：「_______是不可能的。」
        在今天的經文中，你會發現真理不可能離開上帝而被隱藏起來。阿摩司書九章與詩篇一三九篇在描述上帝那使人無法逃避的了解與審判上，有顯著的雷同之處。由於今天的經文很短，何不也讀一讀詩篇一三九篇呢？特別是七到十二節，在這段經文中，詩人是否考慮，然後企圖逃避上帝呢？(你至少可以發現五種方式。)他對在黑暗中躲避上帝有什結論？(詩139：12)
        上帝的同在使你覺得安慰(如果你順服)，也使你知罪(如果你不順服) 。今天能夠最貼切的描述你和上帝之間關係的，是安慰還是知罪？如果答案讓你心煩意亂，找個時間與上帝獨處，好好的審視自己的生活。切記，想和上帝玩捉迷藏的人永遠都是輸家。

        「致富速成計畫」已經失敗
        阿摩司書六章四到七節說明以色列奢華宴樂生活的真象，以及誰過這種生活:八章五到六節則描述困苦的日子、淡漠的道德觀和虐待貧苦的人。這成為一個提醒，金錢只能買到出售的東西－－快樂卻是非賣品。

上帝不可能做違反祂本性的事。

English

        If "a picture is worth a thousand words," then today's section provides one of Amos's most eloquent descriptions of judgment. He pictures the nation as a basket of summer fruit—fully ripened and ready for destruction. Next, the prophet shows God standing beside the altar in an ominous forecast of coming calamity upon the nation's worthless worship. Divine discipline must come, hut in its wake will follow restoration and renewal, God will raise up the people again, restore them as a nation, and root them in the land.

        Perhaps you have seen the popular slogan, "With God all things are possible." But more accurately, even with God some things are impossible! After reading the last chapters of Amos, see how many ways you can complete this sentence: "It is impossible to ____________."
        One thing you will discover in today's section is the truth that it is impossible to hide from God. Amos chapter 9 sounds remarkably similar to Psalm 139 in its description of God's inescapable knowledge and judgment. Since today's reading is short, why not read Psalm 139 as well, particularly verses 7-12. Which locations does the psalmist consider and then rule out in his attempt to hide from God? (You should be able to discover at least five.) And what does he conclude about the likelihood of hiding from God in the dark (v. 12)?
        God's presence will either comfort you (if you are walking with Him in obedience) or convict you (if you are walking in disobedience). Which of those two words (comfort, conviction) best characterizes your relationship with God today? If your answer disturbs you, don't fail to get alone with God and take a hard look at your life. Remember, those who try to play hide-and-seek with God always lose.

        The Get-Rich-Quick Scheme That Failed —
        Amos 6:4-7 answers the whit and who of Israel's luxurious living; 8:5-6 describes the how: long hours, lax ethics, and abuse of the poor and needy. It's a reminder that money can only buy things that are for sale—and happiness is not one of them.

It is impossible for God to do that which is contrary to His nature.