Thursday 01 July 2010

Background

The book of Amos is full of warnings and condemnations directedparticularly at the people of the northern kingdom of Israel, whowere seen very much as 'second class Jews' by the 'proper' Jews ofthe southern kingdom of Judah.

But Amos also offers words of hope and encouragement. If Israelwill "seek good and not evil" there was still a chance that Godwould show mercy to "the remnant of Joseph" (the northern tribes).But there had to be true repentance marked by "wailing, mourningand lamentation" throughout the land. Only a genuine change ofheart and mind would avert God's righteous anger.

The "day of the Lord" was originally a national religious festivalthat celebrated God as Israel's victorious king, when Israel firstconquered its enemies and settled in the Promised Land. It latercame to have a new significance as the longed-for future event whenGod would restore Israel's fortunes. But if Israel still thoughtthat the day of the Lord would be the answer to their problems theywere very much mistaken... The day of the Lord would bringjudgement and destruction. The threat from their Assyrian enemieswas as nothing compared to God's righteous anger, and no amount ofpious religious activity could avert that. Be careful what you wishfor.

In the eyes of Amos, and of the Jews who worshipped in theJerusalem Temple, the festivals, assemblies, offerings and psalmsof the northern tribes were an affront to God. Their only hope wasto "let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like anever-flowing stream". Even if the prophet was motivated by atraditional dislike of Judah's northern neighbours, his words havestood the test of time as a solemn reminder to those who takerefuge in 'religion'.

To Ponder

How seriously do you take the call to repent?

When Christians pray in the Lord's Prayer "Thykingdom come" do you think they know what they are asking for?

"Let justice roll down like waters, andrighteousness like an ever-flowing stream." How high does this comeup your list of priorities?