A Shepherd’s Rescue

Proclaim to the strongholds in Ashdod and to the strongholds in the land of Egypt, and say, “Assemble yourselves on the mountains of Samaria, and see the great tumults within her, and the oppressed in her midst.”  “They do not know how to do right,” declares the LORD,  “those who store up violence and robbery in their strongholds.” Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: “An adversary shall surround the land and bring down your defenses from you, and your strongholds shall be plundered.” Thus says the LORD: “As the shepherd rescues from the mouth of the lion two legs, or a piece of an ear, so shall the people of Israel who dwell in Samaria be rescued, with the corner of a couch and part of a bed. “Hear, and testify against the house of Jacob,” declares the Lord GOD, the God of hosts, “that on the day I punish Israel for his transgressions, I will punish the altars of Bethel, and the horns of the altar shall be cut off and fall to the ground. I will strike the winter house along with the summer house, and the houses of ivory shall perish, and the great houses shall come to an end,” declares the LORD.
Amos 3:9–15
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A Shepherd’s Rescue
            In the ancient near east of Amos’ day the custom was when a sheep was killed by a wild beast the shepherd would present the remains of the mangled and dead animal as proof of the incident. Amos speaks to the people of Israel that this will be their fate because of their sin. The remnant of Israel will simply be a small and mangled portion of the whole after its enemies lay waste and the people are drug off into exile. And so is the fate of all who would turn from God. We forfeit our lives and sin, death, and the devil attack as the wild beast, tearing and destroying us. And had it not been for our Good Shepherd, Christ Jesus, we would be helpless and without defense. But He comes to lay down His life for His flock. He comes to protect us, as He leaves the ninety-nine, and gathers you, lifts you upon His shoulders and carries you into His house. Our Shepherd rescues us by His death and resurrection, and we are healed in His blood.