Monday 06 May 2024

Psalm 126

Background

Amos, a shepherd, was an early prophetic voice in the Bible. His writings date from 760-750 BC. As a prophet, he was concerned with observing the world around him and listening intently for what God had to say about it. He would share God’s voice with others, which required courage as frequently the messages concerned God’s judgement and disappointment with the people.

This chapter, which tells us what Amos heard God saying, begins by describing the character of God as almost lion-like: God is roaring and thundering, powerful and strong directing his wrath at the injustice caused by those who call themselves his people. Amos describes how God has told him of God’s anger at the crimes of Israel’s neighbours and speaks of God’s judgement on these nations named as Syria (Damascus), Philistia (Gaza), Tyre, Edom and Ammon.

In each verse God rages against slavery and denounces the people’s violent and wicked ways. Each verse describes Amos’ vision of the inevitable punishment of Israel’s neighbours, specifying each nation’s offences and emphasising the consequences of their sins.

This first chapter introduces the key themes of the book of Amos namely justice, accountability to God, the sins of God’s people, and repentance. The book of Amos holds people accountable for their ill-treatment of others and this first chapter sets the scene by pointing out the failure of people to act in a way that fully embraces God’s idea of justice, and the consequences of doing so.

The theme for this week is 'Repentance and Return' and these are difficult themes as they force us to confront our own behaviour towards others and our failure to live a life fully in Christ in today’s world. In shining an uncomfortable light on our personal actions, Amos’ message of justice challenges us to reflect on the way we could live more completely for God in our own lives.

To Ponder:

• Amos begins by describing God roaring like a lion. How would you describe God and why?
• One of the great injustices Amos points out is slavery (verses 6 and 9). As you look around your community/nation today, what do you think would frustrate God?

Prayer

God, we do not have to look far to see how much carelessness for the rights of others exists in the world. Help us to love and care for our neighbours and pull us away from selfishness that leads us only to consider our own desires.

Let us be people who look beyond our own boundaries and create a world where we respond to the cries of those who are struggling and suffering, and may we reach out to help and heal.

Remind us when we fail to honour you by turning our backs and closing our hearts to the needs of others.

Help us to remember that in our own communities we come from different places and cultures. Help us to appreciate the riches of inclusion and diversity among us. Amen.

Bible notes author: Cara Macdonald
Cara lives with her husband and five children in Glasgow, where she works for the Evangelical Alliance as the assistant to the Scottish Director. She attends Newton Mearns Baptist Church and is also involved with the work of Reigate Methodist Church in Surrey, where she came to faith.