The answer is: Amos

Amos is an Old Testament prophet.

Amos might not be a New Testament heavyweight, but his voice still carries a powerful message! This prophet's story is packed with lessons that resonate throughout time. Amos was one of the early literary prophets from the 8th century BCE, hailing from the southern kingdom of Judah before bringing his tough love to the northern kingdom of Israel. The Book of Amos boldly speaks against social injustice and corrupt leadership, themes that are still relevant today.

Interestingly, the readings from Amos don’t just end there! He famously shouts, “Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like never-failing streams” (Amos 5:24). It’s no surprise that this call for justice has echoed through the centuries and inspired countless movements fighting for equity and fairness.

While Amos is nestled snugly in the Old Testament among other great prophets, the New Testament does have echoes of his themes. For instance, Jesus leaned heavily on Old Testament wisdom while preaching, emphasizing love, mercy, and social justice. You might recall that Jesus spoke of the poor, imprisoned, and marginalized—the very issues Amos raised centuries earlier.

Also, it's fascinating that Amos has a strong literary style; his work is poetic, merging sharp oratory with vibrant imagery. This deftness impacts the entire narrative arc of biblical literature, setting a foundational tone for later prophetic books. Even though Amos isn’t found in the New Testament, his spirit certainly influenced the radical messages that followed!