Tuesday 07 May 2024

Psalm 127

Background
After telling neighbouring nations of God’s anger in chapter 1, the prophet Amos turns his attention to the nation of Israel in chapter 2. In verses 6-8 Amos tells us that the Lord pronounced judgement on the inhabitants of Israel on account of their greed “they sell innocents for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals”; unjust oppression “They trample on the heads of the poor as of the dust of the earth”; immorality “father and son go in to the same girl, so that my holy name is profaned”; and idolatry “they lay themselves down beside every altar on garments taken in pledge.”

In verse 9, Israel is reminded of God’s power and faithfulness to the nation in the past. When they first came to the Promised Land, they were fearful of powerful nations such as the Amorites. God came to their rescue, conquered the Amorites and gave them protection, yet they appeared to quickly forget this, acting in a way to dishonour the God who had done so much for them. Verse 12 tells us that they also mistreated those God sent (the nazarites – people who had taken a special vow of holiness) and the prophets who brought a message from God they were unwilling to hear.

As a result of God being despised and rejected by the people of Israel, Amos describes the judgement upon Israel in verses 13-16. These verses describe a God weary of their sinful behaviour and vengeful in looking down from heaven upon the injustices perpetuated against the poor and oppressed. Verse 16 (NIV) “Even the bravest warriors will flee naked on that day” illustrates the extent of God’s desire to crush Israel as a punishment for its transgressions, and make it realise its perceived strength is nothing without the blessing of God.

In reading Amos, it is easy to see how Israel’s swift forgetting of the goodness of God has many parallels with our own lives. When we need God, we pray and fervently ask for help, yet we often forget to thank and praise God when prayers are answered. When a life of faith throws up challenges, how quickly do we turn away from God and act on our own strengths and feelings? How often do we choose a path centred on our own wants and desires rather than one that sees us walk in obedience to our heavenly Father? Let us be reminded of the grace and goodness of God today.

To Ponder:

• We can see clearly that how we treat the poor is important to God. How does our Church demonstrate God’s commitment to the poor?
• Can you remember something God has done in your past that really strengthens you today?

Prayer

God, we thank you for all the ways you are at work in our lives. Forgive us when we wander from your path and fail to live wholeheartedly for you. Remind us to have a heart for the poor and marginalised in our society and be generous in giving our time and resources to help where we can. May we be bold in speaking out against injustice and in supporting those working to minimise it. Let us not forget your goodness and grace and seek to live faithfully in your light. 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.