“Woe to those who lie on beds of ivory
and stretch themselves out on their couches,
and eat lambs from the flock
and calves from the midst of the stall,
who sing idle songs to the sound of the harp
and like David invent for themselves instruments of music,
who drink wine in bowls
and anoint themselves with the finest oils,
but are not grieved over the ruin of Joseph!
What grabs our attention more: Social media feeds or the sin of mankind around us? That might be the modern way to look at the above passage. We have so many distractions in our world that keep us from the more important aspects of life: Personal holiness! The prophet Amos was sent to Israel to prophecy against the nations sinful practices. There were many to speak against and about. The above passage brings out the nations apathy toward apostasy. Instead of being concerned about those around them who are failing to obey God, they simply enjoyed the pleasures of their life. Their philosophy was, “I’m good! I have no need to be involved in the lives of others. Whatever they do is their business!” The nation has gone a long way since they came out of Egypt with Moses and this happened:
While the people of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man gathering sticks on the Sabbath day. And those who found him gathering sticks brought him to Moses and Aaron and to all the congregation. They put him in custody, because it had not been made clear what should be done to him. And the LORD said to Moses, “The man shall be put to death; all the congregation shall stone him with stones outside the camp.” And all the congregation brought him outside the camp and stoned him to death with stones, as the LORD commanded Moses.
Now, that is sensitivity to sin in the camp! God knows that when we close our eyes to the sin in our community, we become not just apathetic, but complicit. Note what Paul told the Galatians church’s and the church at Corinth:
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father's wife. And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you.
God knows the value of the community being on the look out for sin in our midst. We are to make sure we have our own lives right with God, of course. But, we have an obligation to keep the community pure of sin. If not, a prophet like Amos is sent to warn us and destruction will follow.
No comments:
Post a Comment