Root 66: Amos
Amos was a herdsman and a dresser of sycamore figs. He was not a religious elite, but a “normal” guy that God used to shape human history. He was very unpopular as a prophet because he spoke judgement over God’s people in a time that they were prospering.
The people were prospering as a result of exploiting the poor and the weak. They profited in their homes, in the community, and in their worship. Through Amos, God reminds them that they were once enslaved, oppressed, and poor as they were brought up out of Egypt, but that they have forgotten. The injustice that was going on would bring God’s wrath. A just God must punish injustice.
Amos says, “Woe to those who are at ease in Zion”. The nation of Israel looked good and healthy on the outside, but was rotten on the inside. There are 3 types of people that find excuses for aiding the oppressed:
1. The Apathetic – Never moved to a place of compassion.
2. Self Indulgent – Never sacrifice to help those in need.
3. Procrastinators – Just never quite take that step.
Amos 5:14-15 says, “Seek good, and not evil, that you may live; and so the LORD, the God of hosts, will be with you, as you have said. Hate evil, and love good, and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the LORD, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.”
QUESTIONS:
1. What does it mean to “be at ease in Charlotte” today?
2. True worship of God should ALWAYS lead to justice, righteousness, and loving our neighbor. How do you show justice in your sphere of influence?
3. How are you going to be a part of the solution in our city when it comes to the hungry, the poor, race relations, sexual ambiguity, …? What will you do? Where are you moved to a place of compassion?