Year of the Bible: Part Eight of TwelveSample

The Farmer Turned Prophet

More than almost any other book of Scripture, the book of Amos holds God's people accountable for their ill-treatment of others. It repeatedly points out the people's failure to fully embrace God's idea of justice.

They were selling off needy people for goods, taking advantage of the helpless, oppressing the poor, and the men were using women immorally. Drunk on their own economic success and intent on strengthening their financial position, the people had lost the concept of caring for one another; the people had forgotten God, but God had not forgotten them.

God knew they would not turn back, and He said so through Amos. Nevertheless, God would not abandon His failing people, and He promised an ultimate restoration. Here, in the rich images that came easily to a farmer like Amos, God pledged to restore the nation. He announced that "the days are coming when I will restore you." Under God's inspiration, the prophet Amos ended his words to the nation on this note of high hope. God promised to restore them to prosperity from Him and in Him.

Injustice permeates our world, yet as Christians, we often turn a blind eye to the suffering of others for "more important" work like praying, preaching, and teaching. But the book of Amos reminds us that those works, while unquestionably central to a believer's life, are hollow when we don't love and serve others.

Question: Do you sometimes fall into this trap of prioritizing "spiritual activities" over practically loving others?

Prayer: Jesus, thank You that You love us even when we lack love. Please teach me to love and remind me that in love, the law and the prophets are fulfilled. I do not want to forget You or what is important to You. In Your name I pray, Amen!