Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

Complacency is discussed in Amos 6. What does it mean? Apathy is a synonym. When we stand by and allow those in power to continue their abuse of the innocent, we are not following the Lord. Will we be punished for our lack of concern?  Often, we are more concerned about ourselves than others. Even Christians can become proud and focus on us. We may want to say that we would never forsake justice and what is correct, but none of us are immune.

Do your prayers have any effect on what Yahweh will do? Amos 7 tells us that they do. The Lord’s plans are revealed to the Prophet. He pleads for Him to relent in the method of judgment on Judah. The next vision is of a plumb line. This is a carpenter’s tool that dates to ancient peoples even before recorded history. A weight hangs from a cord and helps one to determine if a wall is straight. The country of Israel is judged to be severely deformed and must be destroyed.

Amos’ words from Jehovah are not pleasing to the priest, Amaziah. Once again, we are shown that those who should be listening to our creator often do not. By challenging a true prophet, he suffers God’s wrath in a personal way.

Another image is presented to Amos in the eighth chapter. The basket of ripe fruit signifies that the time has come for the destruction of Israel as a nation. The sins of the people begin with the oppression of the poor. Those of us who believe that our integrity in business is not important can see its importance here. These sins will be punished by the total removal of the Northern Kingdom. Famine and thirst will take over Samaria and the entire land. This is the vengeance of God.

One last time Amos tells us that Israel will be destroyed in chapter 9. There will not be any place that we can hide from the wrath of Jehovah. He is watching the Israelites, not to keep them safe, but to bring them to destruction. There will be a remnant left to carry on the plan that was set from the beginning of the universe. The Jews are not the only ones that God has directed. Even those who reject Him cannot avoid His will. Those that will be destroyed are being punished for their personal sins.

Restoration of the Kingdom will come. The birth of God’s son will be dependent on the restoration of His people to their land. His ultimate will must be done.