Amos 1-3; Matthew 13

Amos 1-3

Although most prophets were sent to Israel and Judah, some proclaimed God's words directed at the nations surrounding Israel. Amos speaks of the coming judgment on Damascus (Syria), Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Ekron (Philistines), Edom, the Ammonites, and Moab. Each time, he says, "For three transgressions... and four..." emphasizing their continued injustices. God's righteousness, commitment to truth, and justice are absolute, and He will certainly repay all who act unjustly.

However, God has special grievances against the people of Israel. They enjoyed special privileges given by God - He brought them out of Egypt (Amos 2:10), destroyed the Amorites before them in the Promised Land (Amos 2:9), and declared, "You only have I known of all the families of the earth" (Amos 3:2). But instead of serving Jehovah, they turned away from the Lord: "they have despised the law of the LORD, and have not kept his commandments, and their lies caused them to err, after which their fathers have walked" (Amos 2:4), they perverted justice: "they sell the righteous for silver, and the needy for a pair of sandals" (Amos 2:6), they were morally corrupt: "a man and his father go to the same girl, to defile my holy name" (Amos 2:7), and they profaned the sacred: "you gave the Nazarites wine to drink; and commanded the prophets, saying, 'Prophesy not'" (Amos 2:12).

Therefore, Amos proclaims God's impending punishment on Israel: "Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: An adversary shall surround the land; he shall sap your strength from you, and your palaces shall be plundered" (Amos 3:11).

Matthew 13

In this chapter, the Evangelist Matthew presents seven parables spoken by Christ about the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus uses earthly illustrations to explain spiritual truths, making them more understandable.

The Parable of the Sower (Parable of the Four Soils) illustrates different responses to the Word of God. It's not enough to merely hear the Word (the seed by the wayside). It's not enough to hear and accept the Word; one must have perseverance (the seed on the rocky ground). It's not enough to listen, receive, and persevere in the Word; one must prioritize it so that nothing chokes it out (the seed among thorns). Only then can the Word, which gives eternal life, bear fruit.

The Parables of the Weeds and the Net reveal that there will be true believers among the visible church and those who only appear to be so. Often, they are hard to distinguish, but the fate of the true believers is salvation, while the others face eternal fire.

The Parable of the Mustard Seed illustrates the vast growth of the Kingdom of God. From a small testimony, it grows into a multitude of millions who make up the church.

The Parable of the Leaven highlights the subtle nature of the Kingdom of Heaven's growth—unnoticed, it spreads from person to person, gathering the church together.

The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl of Great Price speaks of the incomparable value of the Kingdom of Heaven, which is worth seeking and giving up everything for.