As we being the Year of a Public Faith, we turn our attention to the prophets, particularly Amos. A humble farmer from the southern kingdom of Judah, Amos comes with a scathing message or judgment against Israel.

Amidst abounding prosperity, Israel thought they could get a pass on sinful and wicked living because they were "God's chosen people." However, the arrival of the farmer-prophet from Judah stands in direct opposition to their false claims and begins to show Israel that they are far worse that the pagan nations and the slipping Judah around them.