Amos 4:6 “I gave you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and lack of bread in all your places, yet you did not return to me,” says the LORD. (Revised Standard translation)
Summary
Amos
Amos was a native of Tekoa in Judah (the Southern Kingdom). He was called to be GOD’s prophet. While he lived in the South, he did a great deal of his preaching to the people living in the North (the Northern Kingdom of Israel is sometimes called “Ephraim” because the first King of the Northern Kingdom, Jeroboam came from the tribe of Ephraim (1Kings11:26) or sometimes the Northern Kingdom is called “Israel”).
Amos was by occupation a herdsman (i.e., shepherd) and a “dresser of sycamore trees.” (Amos 7:14). He did not have “the pedigree” for being a prophet. He did not come from a family of prophets. He never went to prophet school. And, he never even saw himself as a prophet. (Amos 7:14) He just thought of himself as a herdsman and fruit picker. BUT, GOD choose him. GOD told him to prophesy against Israel. Amos answered GOD’s call.
Some of Amos’ major themes were social justice, divine justice and the omnipotence of GOD. Amos is known for his rich images, metaphors and language, such as:
“But let Judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.” (Amos 5:24) –used by Martin Luther King (“let justice roll down like waters…”) in Martin’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
“The Lion has roared, who will not fear? The LORD GOD has spoken, who can but prophesy?” (Amos 3:8)
Amos’ “clean teeth” is another rich verse. In Amos 4:6, GOD, through his prophet Amos, points out that even through adversity, brought on by their own sinful behavior against GOD, the people still refuse to return to HIM. Even though the people have no bread or food---so there are no food particles to pick from their teeth, as they might at the end of a full meal—and so their teeth are clean, the people still will not repent and return to GOD.
Even with nothing to eat, no place to go, suffering blight and mildew, failed crops and their children killed in war, the Israelites still will not obey and return to GOD.
Foods for Clean Teeth
According to “Nutrition and Healthy Teeth,” experts agree that certain foods are good for your teeth and some foods are not. Foods containing too many carbohydrates and sugars (e.g. cake, cookies, candy) or too many starches (e.g. potato chips, pretzels) can cause cavities.
The writer suggest that if you are going to serve children sweets or deserts, serve them immediately following a meal rather than as a snack:
There's usually an increased amount of saliva in the mouth around mealtime, making it easier to wash food away from teeth. The mealtime beverage also helps to wash away food particles on teeth.
The writers suggest that you avoid sugary foods that linger on the teeth, like hard candy, cough drops, and mints or sticky foods like caramel, granola bars, jelly beans, syrups, raisins or dried figs. If these foods are eaten as snacks, the writers suggest being ready to brush immediately afterwards. See, “Nutrition and Healthy Teeth,” www.webmd.com/oral-health/nutrition-and-healthy-teeth.
In “30 Best Foods for Healthy Teeth and Gums,” the writers suggest eating naturally food can achieve good teeth and gum health naturally.
They suggest eating:
- Foods rich in calcium and high in phosphorus—such as almonds, pumpkin seeds and other nuts.
- Foods that are crunchy and high in water, which serve as a natural abrasive against the teeth and gums, giving them a gentle scrub or which help to remove plaque or food particles ---such as celery, apples, cucumbers and carrots.
- Foods rich in Vitamin C, which is required to produce collagen, which helps to fight periodontal disease and helps to strengthen the gums —such as which bell peppers, oranges, kiwi, strawberries, broccoli and kale.
They also suggest drinking water, which helps wash away food particles, keeps the saliva level high and fight decay.
If you are concerned about your teeth or the health of your gums, consult a dentist and request an oral check-up or teeth cleaning. Many dentists suggest that you see a dental hygienist at least twice a year for teeth cleaning. Twice a year cleaning can remove plaque, making it less likely you will have tartar buildup and decrease the likelihood of tooth decay. Cleanings and exams can also help serve as an early warning system for gum disease, receding gums, cavities and other problems. Gum disease is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other medical conditions. For example, when diabetes is poorly controlled, this can set the stage for germ growth and set the stage for gum disease. See, www.webmd.com/diabetes/periodontal-disease.
Return To GOD
GOD still wants HIS children to return to HIM. HE is still OMNIPOTENT. HE is still a JUST GOD. HE is still a GOD who seek our right relationship with HIM.
The Bible is full of prophesies. Our world is still in disarray. What will it take for all the nations to return to GOD?
Today, pray for our leaders. Pray for GODLY leadership in our homes, our places of worship, and around the world. Pray one for another.
Let’s remember the “Clean Teeth” lessons in Amos. Let’s strive for healthy teeth, willing and strong minds and bodies, willing to leave our comfort zone, like Amos, and do whatever GOD wants us to do. Pray that each of us answer GOD’s call.
Let us return to GOD and BE BLESSED!
