Books of the Book Week 7: Amos and the Plumb Line
In this week’s sermon, we explored the book of Amos, a minor prophet whose message is as relevant today as it was in ancient Israel. Amos 5:24 is famously quoted in Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech: “Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.” This verse encapsulates the heart of Amos’s message—calling for justice and righteousness.
The Context of Amos
Amos was not a professional prophet; he was a shepherd from Tekoa, a small town in Judah, called by God to deliver a message to the northern kingdom of Israel. At this time, Israel was prosperous, and its people believed their wealth was a sign of God’s favor. However, Amos warned that their prosperity was built on injustice and exploitation.
The Sins of Israel
Amos’s message was initially well-received by the Israelites because he began by condemning their enemies. But soon, he turned his attention to Israel itself, highlighting their sins:
Amos 2:6-7: “They sell the innocent for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals. They trample on the heads of the poor as on the dust of the ground and deny justice to the oppressed.”
These verses reveal that their wealth was gained through the oppression of the poor and the perversion of justice. Unlike their enemies, Israel’s sins were more grievous to God because they violated the special revelation given to them through the Law of Moses.
The Plumb Line Vision
In Amos 7:1-9, God shows Amos a vision of a plumb line, a tool used to measure the straightness of a wall. This vision symbolized God’s standard of righteousness. When God measured Israel against His laws, they were found to be crooked and unjust. Unlike previous judgments, Amos could not intercede for Israel because they had violated the covenant with God.
The Responsibility of Revelation
The sermon highlighted that as believers, we are in the “given much” category. Luke 12:48 reminds us that “from everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded.” We have been entrusted with God’s Word, and it is our responsibility to live by it. Ignorance of the Word is not an excuse; we are called to study and apply it in our lives.
Conclusion
Amos’s message challenges us to examine our lives against God’s plumb line. Are we living justly and righteously? Are we using our resources to uplift others, or are we complicit in systems of oppression? As we approach the holiday season, the sermon also encouraged us to participate in the “Clean Water from Clear Water” initiative, aiming to fund wells in communities without access to clean water by Christmas.
The call to action is clear: Let us live out the justice and righteousness that Amos proclaimed, ensuring that our actions align with God’s Word. By doing so, we not only honor God but also bring His kingdom closer to earth, as it is in heaven.