INTERCEDING FOR NATIONS

TEXT: AMOS 7:1-6.
🔑KEY VERSE “Then said I, O Lord GOD, cease, I beseech thee: by whom shall Jacob arise? for he is small” (AMOS 7:5).

Charles Spurgeon said, “The biblical account of intercessors in both Old and New Testaments is a proof that intercessors are needed constantly from generation to generation to intercept God’s impending judgement because of daily increase of sin and iniquity. The intercessors easily forget their personal needs but consider the will, way and word of God to prevail over every wickedness in the land that may prompt the wrath of God. The intercessors are to stand between God and the people, appeasing God on behalf of the people and the land.”

Our text reveals Prophet Amos’ message to Israel about two impending disasters the Lord had shown him. A band of grasshoppers would invade Israel, “eating the grass of the land” which means famine. The second disaster was a judgement of fire (Amos 7:4). The two visions provoked the prophet to plead twice with the Lord to forgive and seize from the continuous destruction of the land.

True disciples of Jesus are never unconcerned about the situation around them. At the root of human calamities is sin and the forgiveness of God is required for people to be free from plagues and disasters. Amos played his part through intercession and heaven responded immediately because God has no pleasure in the death of sinners.

We have a major role to play today in a world that is derailing from God’s purpose, plan and programme. The internet has brought immorality closer to every human being than ever before. No doubt, serious intercessors are urgently needed to stop God’s wrath. As you go about your business today, do the world a favour and pray for the mercy of God on the land.

✍THOUGHT FOR THE DAY God needs you to fill the gap.

BIBLE IN A YEAR JOHN 8-9.

MEDITATION

Wanted! Selfless intercessors

1. What do you see?🤔 Amos was close enough to God that God shares visions of impending doom with him vv1,4.
   Lord, draw me closer to the level of sharing issues that need intercession with me🙏
2. How does God rate you? 🤔God rated Amos as a confidant that He could share His mind with? vv1,4.
   God, help me to sincerely deal with any habit or thought that puts you off from making me your confidant🙏
3. Does God recognise your voice? 🤔When Amos prayed, heaven caught it immediately vv2,3,5,6.
   Lord, give me more zeal in developing my spiritual and faith so that my prayers will always receive undeniable attention🙏
4. How weighty is your plea before God?🤔Amos just made brief public prayers and God rescinded His planned heavy judgements vv3,6.
   Lord, strengthen and add fire, faith and fervency to my private prayer life🙏
5. How concerned and selfless are you?🤔Amos was deeply concerned and burdened by the proclamation of judgements above his personal needs, and prayed for the nation with a burdened heart v2,5.
   Lord, plague my heart with burden and love for others🙏
6. God seeks for a faithful man who is giving to intercession (praying for others). It is the most rewarding, influential and often neglected ministry God can ever give any mortal. You should volunteer to be one Ezekiel 22:30🙏
   Intercede for your nation that Jesus will take over and rule over the affairs of your nation🙏

HYMN Sweet hour of prayer

1. Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
   That calls me from a world of care,
   And bids me at my Father’s throne
   Make all my wants and wishes known.
   In seasons of distress and grief,
   My soul has often found relief,
   And oft escaped the tempter’s snare,
   By thy return, sweet hour of prayer!
2. Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
   The joys I feel, the bliss I share,
   Of those whose anxious spirits burn
   With strong desires for thy return!
   With such I hasten to the place
   Where God my Savior shows His face,
   And gladly take my station there,
   And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!
3. Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
   Thy wings shall my petition bear
   To Him whose truth and faithfulness
   Engage the waiting soul to bless.
   And since He bids me seek His face,
   Believe His Word and trust His grace,
   I’ll cast on Him my every care,
   And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!
4. Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
   May I thy consolation share,
   Till, from Mount Pisgah’s lofty height,
   I view my home and take my flight.
   This robe of flesh I’ll drop, and rise
   To seize the everlasting prize,
   And shout, while passing through the air,
   “Farewell, farewell, sweet hour of prayer!”