Amos 6:1-14; 7:1-17
The prophet Amos prophesied that God would raise up a nation against the southern (Zion) and northern (Samaria) kingdom (6:14a and 7:17b). Two words mentioned in chapter 6: Complacency and Pride. These are the two most destructive words describing a Christian’s life. Complacency gives us a false sense of satisfaction. We enjoy our current situation and lower our sense of urgency and readiness for God’s works. Pride divides the harmony and unity of family, church and nation. In church, we have these invisible viruses, called pride and complacency that keep us from experiencing true fellowship with God and with each other. Church ministries also suffered from spiritual leaders’ complacency and pride.
In chapter 7, God showed Amos three visions: Locust, fire and plumb line.
The Locust came right after the king took the first harvest as tax. The nation would be struck with famine if the locust stripped the land. Amos intervened and prayed to God. He gave an accurate assessment of Israel. Although Israel thought she was big and strong but Amos pleaded to God saying that Israel was indeed small and weak. God relented and halted the locust’s attack.
The second vision was the fire. The fire would dry up the water from the great deep and the land. (7:4). Again God relented after Amos pleaded with God.
The principle of these visions is that God sometimes delay His judgment due to the righteous’ prayer.
The third vision was the plumb line. A plumb line is a vertical line attached to a weight. It is held against the wall to measure how straight a structure is. God used the plumb line to show how far the Israelites had departed from observing His law. This time, God did not give Amos the opportunity to intercede nor did God relent from His decision to bring judgement. God said He would bring the sword against the house of Jeroboam (the northern kingdom). If we apply God’s plumb line in our daily decision making, we can avoid being influenced by the custom and culture of our society. Our prayers may also delay the deterioration and judgment of our nation.
In the later part of chapter 7, Amaziah, the priest opposed Amos (Amos’ name means burden bearer) that the land cannot bear al his words. Amaziah twisted Amos’ word by saying King Jeroboam II will die by the sword. At the end, God brought a harsh judgment upon Amaziah and his family.
When we hear someone say something, we tend to add our own imagination or false deductions to the conversation. When we are in doubt of someone’s motive, pray to God and discuss with a mature Christian. Church’s conflict always starts with the “ Either it is my way or highway”, which ultimately leads to church’s disunity. Church ministries will also be adversely affected because of our twisted minds and words. — Alan Yam
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