In today’s lesson, we delve into the book of Amos, exploring a passage that addresses the discomfort of prophetic messages. This lesson aims to help teenagers understand the importance of embracing challenging truths and aligning their lives with God’s will.
Bible Reading 1: Amos 7:7-9 (NIV)
**7 This is what he showed me: The Lord was standing by a wall that had been built true to plumb, with a plumb line in his hand. 8 And the Lord asked me, “What do you see, Amos?”
“A plumb line,” I replied.
Then the Lord said, “Look, I am setting a plumb line among my people Israel; I will spare them no longer. 9 “The high places of Isaac will be destroyed, and the sanctuaries of Israel will be ruined; with my sword I will rise against the house of Jeroboam.”**
Explanation For Teenagers
- Plumb Line Symbolism: The plumb line symbolizes God’s standard of righteousness, an unerring measurement for assessing the spiritual alignment of His people.
- Divine Judgment: God, displeased with the deviations of His people, announces impending judgment, emphasizing the consequences of disobedience.
Youth Group Discussion Questions
- What is the significance of God using a plumb line as a metaphor for His judgment?
- How do you think the people of Israel felt when they heard about the impending destruction of their sanctuaries?
- In what ways might we, as teenagers, deviate from God’s standards in our lives today?
Bible Reading 2: Amos 7:10-17 (NIV)
**10 Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent a message to Jeroboam king of Israel: “Amos is raising a conspiracy against you in the very heart of Israel. The land cannot bear all his words. 11 For this is what Amos is saying:
“‘Jeroboam will die by the sword, and Israel will surely go into exile, away from their native land.’”
12 Then Amaziah said to Amos, “Get out, you seer! Go back to the land of Judah. Earn your bread there and do your prophesying there. 13 Don’t prophesy anymore at Bethel, because this is the king’s sanctuary and the temple of the kingdom.”
14 Amos answered Amaziah, “I was neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet, but I was a shepherd, and I also took care of sycamore-fig trees. 15 But the Lord took me from tending the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’**
Explanation For Teenagers
- Resistance to Truth: Amaziah, the priest, resists Amos’ message, attempting to suppress the uncomfortable truth.
- God’s Unconventional Choices: Amos, a mere shepherd, becomes God’s messenger, highlighting that God often chooses unconventional individuals to deliver His messages.
Youth Group Discussion Questions
- Why do you think Amaziah wanted Amos to leave Bethel?
- How do you feel when you encounter resistance to sharing your faith or standing up for what’s right?
- What can we learn from God’s choice of Amos as a messenger? How might this apply to our lives?
Youth Group Game: Plumb Line Challenge
Engage the group in a game where they create their “plumb lines” using everyday objects. Discuss how the stability of their creations reflects alignment with God’s standards.
Closing Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the powerful message in Amos 7:7-17. Help us, as teenagers, to embrace uncomfortable truths and align our lives with your plumb line of righteousness. May we courageously stand for what is right, even in the face of resistance. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.