We’ve seen over and over again in the Old Testament how God purposefully uses people’s names to illustrate and communicate important truth. Amos’ name in Hebrew actually means “burden-bearer.” So, in what way did Amos bear a burden and what does that show us about Jesus?
The book starts off by letting us know that Amoz is “one of the sheep breeders of Tekoa” (Amos 1:1). Amos is a small business owner from Judah that God calls to go prophecy to Israel. So why would Amos leave his business in the South to go preach in the North? The answer is found in a phrase that Amos repeats eight times in the first two chapters.
“This is what the Lord says, ‘For three sins… even for four, I will not relent’” (Amos 1:3). This phrase points to the fact that the people’s sins have multiplied over and over again. They have become a burden too weighty to allow any longer. Sin must be dealt with and God sends a burden-bearing shepherd to proclaim His judgment.
Amos actually became a type or picture of Jesus as our ultimate burden bearer. In 1 Peter 2:24-25 it says, “He Himself (Jesus) bore our sins” in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by His wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”
Our sins have multiplied into a great burden and God in His justice must punish it. But in His love, He sent His Son Jesus to bear the burden of our sins on the cross. Jesus bore the weight of God’s wrath so that we could receive His grace and mercy instead. As a result we are healed from the devastating impact of sin on our lives and we are restored back into a relationship with God.
Take a moment today and thank Jesus for being your “Burden-Bearer!”
The book starts off by letting us know that Amoz is “one of the sheep breeders of Tekoa” (Amos 1:1). Amos is a small business owner from Judah that God calls to go prophecy to Israel. So why would Amos leave his business in the South to go preach in the North? The answer is found in a phrase that Amos repeats eight times in the first two chapters.
“This is what the Lord says, ‘For three sins… even for four, I will not relent’” (Amos 1:3). This phrase points to the fact that the people’s sins have multiplied over and over again. They have become a burden too weighty to allow any longer. Sin must be dealt with and God sends a burden-bearing shepherd to proclaim His judgment.
Amos actually became a type or picture of Jesus as our ultimate burden bearer. In 1 Peter 2:24-25 it says, “He Himself (Jesus) bore our sins” in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by His wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”
Our sins have multiplied into a great burden and God in His justice must punish it. But in His love, He sent His Son Jesus to bear the burden of our sins on the cross. Jesus bore the weight of God’s wrath so that we could receive His grace and mercy instead. As a result we are healed from the devastating impact of sin on our lives and we are restored back into a relationship with God.
Take a moment today and thank Jesus for being your “Burden-Bearer!”
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