The scripture passages for today’s reading cover the writings of five of the minor prophets: Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah and Nahum.  Here are a few words that I’m taking from each of these books.

Amos: “In that day I will restore David’s fallen tent….New wine will drip from the mountains and flow from all the hills. I will bring back my exiled people Israel; they will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them…” ( Amos 9:11; 13; 14)

Obadiah: “The day of the Lord is near for all nations.  As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head.” (Obadiah 1:15)

Jonah: “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.” (Jonah 2:8)

Micah: “With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted God?  Shall I come before him with burnt offerings…He has showed you, O man what is good.  And what does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.  (Micah 6:6-8)

Nahum: “The Lord is slow to anger and great in power.” (Nahum 1:3) ” The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble.” (Nahum 1:7a)

Here are words of Joel and Amos that stood out to me in today’s scripture reading:

Rend your heart and not your garments.  Return to the Lord your God, for he is slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.” (Joel 2:13)

And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Joel 2:32a)

Seek good, not evil, that you may live.  Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you, just as you say his is.  Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts… (Amos 5:14-15a)

But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream! (Amos 5:24)