Amos 7:10-17
Psalms 26, 28, 36, 39
Revelations 1:9-16
Matthew 22:34-46
The prophet Amos lived in the 8th century BCE, a time prior to the Babylonian exile. Israel was a militarily powerful and prosperous nation, but one with vast differences between rich and poor. Amos saw that the leaders of Israel were not acting ethically and with concern for the general population. The rich and powerful ignored the plight of those not at the top of the wealth pyramid. Even worse, the sanctuary at Bethel had been corrupted and was no longer a place for the worship of God but had become a place for the worship of the king. Amos prophesied that Israel would be sent into exile and the king would be killed. For this, Amos was banished.
Like Amos, true prophets are those rare people who have the courage to preach God’s truth even when it means directly confronting religious or secular authorities, warning them of the ultimate consequence of their actions or inaction. Such prophets are not concerned with their own popularity or safety, but only in speaking their God inspired message.
As we prepare ourselves to celebrate the birth of Jesus, we might consider what Amos would say to us today about our world, our nation, and our community. Are we different from Israel of Amos’s time? Has the coming of Christ really made a difference for us? Advent is a perfect time for us to ask ourselves these questions.
Bob Lowe