Mvuhˇmiˬ awˬ hkʼaw lo ngaˬ meu‸ lonˉ kaˆ lonˉ gaˬ la piˇ tuˬ awˬ yanˇ neˇ la chehˇ ve yoˬ. Chaw yaˇ teˇ hpaˍ caˇ tuˬ maˇ cawˬ leh meu‸ ve kaˆ ve teˇ ceuˬ maˇ heˆ. Yawˇ hui iˉ kaˆ maˇ cawˬ leh iˉ kaˆ shiˉve ka‸ maˇ heˆ. Yawˇ hui lehˬ, Gʼuiˬsha ve tawˇ hkawˇ hta‸ meu‸ jaˇ kaˆ jaˇ tuˬ yoˬ. Ngaˬ Gʼuiˬsha chi hkʼe kʼoˆ taˍ ve yoˬ.
What Does This Mean?
In Amos 8:11, God says that a time is coming when there will be a famine not of food or water, but of hearing the words of the Lord. This means people will desperately want to hear from God, but they won't be able to.
Explained for Children
Imagine you're really thirsty and can't find any drinks around; that's how bad this famine is, but instead of thirst for water, it’s a deep longing to listen to God’s words. This verse says one day, people will feel this way because they won’t be able to hear what God has to say.
Historical Background
Amos, a prophet from the northern kingdom of Israel, wrote this during the reign of King Uzziah around 750 B.C.E. The audience was largely the Northern Kingdom's people who had turned away from following God’s commands and were living in sin.
Living It Out Today
Today, we can see parallels in societies that ignore religious teachings or where access to spiritual resources is limited by censorship or misinformation. It's a reminder for us to cherish and seek out opportunities to hear God’s word.
Can you explain the concept of 'famine' in this verse?
In this context, 'famine' refers to an extreme lack or shortage. Instead of food and water, it is about a profound absence of God's words.
Why would people want to hear from the Lord during such times?
People long for spiritual guidance and comfort in difficult times, which can often lead them to seek out God’s word when they feel lost or desperate.
How does this verse apply to modern church communities?
This verse reminds communities of the importance of actively seeking and teaching God's words, ensuring that spiritual nourishment is always available.
What can individuals do to avoid a spiritual famine as described in Amos 8:11?
Individuals can stay connected with scripture through regular reading, prayer, and community engagement, ensuring they are continually fed spiritually.