In the book of Amos, Chapter 8, three curses were pronounced on Israel for their rebellion, earthquake, eclipse, and famine. As we look at the New Testament, we find that Jesus Christ both endured each of these curses and became the answer to them, as one who has broken sin’s curse!

1. Earthquake (Amos 8:9; Matt.27:50; 28:2-4). As Jesus gave up His spirit in agony, a great earthquake occurred, splitting the temple curtain in two, which once symbolized the separation between God and Man. (Matt. 27:50-54). Not only this, but another earthquake three days later marked His Resurrection. (Matt. 28:3-4)!

2. Eclipse (Amos 8:9-10 ; Matt. 27:45). As Jesus endured the Cross, darkness came upon all the land (Matt. 27:45). However, speaking of Christ, John says, “In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.” (John 1:4 NIV).

3. Famine (Amos 8:11-14 ; John 19:28). Again, Jesus on the cross speaks of His physical and spiritual famine, “I am thirsty” (John 19:28) as He endured this punishment for us. He also became the answer to our spiritual famine; “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35).

The curses of Amos 8:8-14 are what we deserve. Christ endured them all, however, and offers stability in a “shaky” world, light in a “dark” society, and food in a land of spiritual “famine”. As we look all around us in this country and see all the “darkness”, isn’t it time to come to the Lord and give Him our complete trust and devotion?