Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost: Old Testament, Amos 5:6-7, 10-15          

Amos 5:6-7, 10-15

Beware the “minor” prophets. That book of twelve authors that closes the Old Testament I’ve written before that the “minor” label can be horribly misleading. These are no minor voices. And just because their writings took up far less space than the prophets we call “major,” their message is no less potent. In fact, my personal bent is that if you want undiluted and focused messages from the God of heaven, then spend time relishing the minor prophets. But be warned: don’t get too comfortable in your chair, or at the least give yourself a bit of room to squirm. 

Amos is writing in the mid-8th century, B.C. and his targets are the nations surrounding God’s people, and then Judah and Israel as well.  Amos rails against sin and he is good at it. He confesses that he is not a prophet, but a shepherd. But oh, how the God of heaven loves to use those which show the power belongs to Him. And Amos does all God calls him to do. Effectively.

In our weekly reading, Amos exhorts God’s people to “Seek the LORD and live …” (v.6). What great advice. Seeking the Lord doesn’t earn life. The point is the Lord is the only source of real life. Here’s something to ponder: why does God give eternal life? Answer: because it is the only life he has to give. There is a lot in that brief Q & A. God calls sinful human beings to come to him so that their lives will not only not be snuffed out, but that their lives might be replaced with “eternal life, resurrection life, indestructible life,” as dear old Dr. Mitchell at the seminary used to say.

Read the text for the week and ponder that it is spoken and received in the midst of clouds of sinful attitudes and practices. God will punish sin. His nature requires it. But oh how he loves to pour out grace and mercy so much more than punishment. Listen to Amos, but hear the Lord. It will hit home. I promise.