I Know You Are, but What Am I?

When Amos arrived in Bethel to deliver his message from the Lord to Israel, I imagine the initial response of God's people may have been, "It's about time!"  Amos was one of a handful of prophets who pronounced judgment on Israel's enemies.  In this case, the surrounding nations of Syria, Philistia, Phoeneica, Edom, Ammon and Moab were all on God's naughty list.  Each had perpetrated various assaults and abuses on the Jewish nation and now Amos declared that God's retribution was on the way and could not be turned aside.

But Israel's gloating over her neighbors' condemnation was surely short-lived as Amos' message continued, following exactly the same pattern of censure against the sister kingdoms of Judah and  Israel.  The difference was that the Jews had not simply broken "natural law" or violated "human rights" but had "despised the law of the Lord" (2:4).  Their privileged position as God's chosen people did not exempt them from God's wrath.  Much to the contrary, it held them to a higher standard of accountability and led to a greater degree of culpability.

In reflecting on what implications these first two chapters of Amos might have for my life, I've been reminded of my own, sometimes out-of-whack, sense of justice.  I must admit that I'm often quick to condemn the attitudes and actions of those I consider "unbelievers" or "pagans."  I find myself thinking, "Why does God let them get away with that?" or, "Just you wait… you'll get yours!"

As He did with the heathen nations in Amos' day, God will judge the sins of "the world."  But that's His business, not mine.  In fact, my heart should be broken over that judgment and go out in compassion to those who need to repent and be spared from condemnation.  Moreover, pointing fingers at others doesn't do anything except prevent me from focusing on my own accountability before God.

So as I spend the month in Amos, I'll try to bear in mind the words of Peter: "It is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?  And if it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?  So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good."