Amos 7:1-9

A woman went to her confessor in the early morning. And she came weeping not for herself, but for her son. Her son, who was a young man probably nearing his twenties, and and lived a very loose life. He used people, gave into every temptation that came before him, he was living the life of the prodigal son. But he was successful at the same time and saw no reason why he should ever give up his lifestyle. And his mother confessed all of his sins to her confessor (or priest), and he turned to her and said "Go home with God's blessing. For it is not possible that the son of all these tears should perish." She did. And shortly after that, a young man named Augustine gave his life to Christ and became one of the most foundational Christian writers in history, while Rome still stood as the Empire.

Now, we know that there are many who weep and intercede for people who never do turn toward Jesus. But let's consider Augustine's story for a moment and consider the power of intercession. Amos 7 gives us a clear picture of intercession. Disaster is coming toward the Israelite people in the form of locusts and fire, but Amos cries out on their behalf and God relents. Now, what is going on theologically I cannot fully explain. But what I can say is that God clearly listens to prayer. May this story in Amos inspire us to deeply pray and intercede for our community- that all might come to know Jesus Christ. Amen.