Saturday 11 May 2024

Psalm 132

Background

In the past week we have spent time delving into the book of Amos. This chapter, the 5th of nine, continues with the key theme of the book: holding God’s people to account for their treatment of others and their failure to embrace God’s view of justice.

Chapter 5 is a lament of sorrow and questioning and begins as chapter 4 ended with a desperate, desolate vision of the Israelites’ future, following the day of reckoning with God after repeatedly failing to to change their ways. Verse 2 says “Fallen, no more to rise, is maiden Israel; forsaken on her land, with no one to raise her up.” God has passed judgment and will not be mocked.

Yet Amos holds out the possibility that repentance and restoration to God is still available. God knew the sins of the people and listed them in vs 7-13, but in v. 14 proclaimed the cure for Israel’s sin was for individuals to “seek good and not evil, that you may live; and so the Lord, the God of hosts, will be with you.”

Amid light provided by the promise of a way back for the Israelites, should they renounce evil, there is also a warning of the consequences of turning their backs on God and not repenting. Verse 16 says “In all the squares there shall be wailing; and in all the streets they shall say, ‘Alas! alas!' They shall call the farmers to mourning.” This is a reference to the Jewish practice of hiring mourners to wail at a funeral. Amos described a judgement from God so widespread that there would be a shortage of mourners to hire and even farmers would be called upon to mourn.

It is clear from this passage and the previous chapters what God wants his people to do. We are called to respect the law, tend to the poor, act justly and demonstrate a love for God by loving others. We are to stay close to God and honour him – being counter-cultural where necessary. We are to reject the messages of the world and the allure of money, status and other idols, no matter the cost. Easier said than done?

It is also clear that no matter how numerous the sins of Israel, there is always a way back to God. This is also true in our lives. If we repent and use our best endeavours to live godly lives, then we too can receive God’s forgiveness and blessing no matter what we have done in the past. Nothing is too much for God, no one is too far away. Rest in this truth today.

To Ponder:

• Have you experienced the forgiveness of God? How has that changed you?
• What are some of the counter-cultural acts that a Christian or a church could do to point to the love of God?

Prayer

God, thank you for this reminder of the people you call us to be. Thank you that even when we fall short, there is always a second chance. Forgive us when we fail you and ourselves and listen to the voice of our culture rather than focusing on your voice. Help us to be faithful to you in all aspects of our lives. 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.