Faith Calls for Moral Action

MEMORY SELECTION: “Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the Lord, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken. Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate.” —Amos 5:14,15

SELECTED SCRIPTURE: Amos 1:1; 5:6, 7, 14, 15, 21-24

AMOS was another ancient prophet who was blessed because of his willingness and desire to be used by God. His words, as recorded in our memory selection, ring loud and clear even today, many centuries after they were written. What better admonition can one give than to seek righteousness and truth and to show that those who so do would be blessed by the very God of hosts! Yes, we are to hate evil and love the good.

Amos lived about one hundred years after Elijah the prophet. He was of humble birth and, like David, a tender of sheep. But God poured his Spirit upon this man of little education and learning. He was sent forth to warn of the impending calamities that would surely come upon his people Israel unless they changed their disobedient ways.

Much of what Amos said was directed toward the separated ten-tribe kingdom of Israel. It is interesting to note, however, that he first began speaking about the troubles that were to come upon the various neighboring countries around Israel. First he proclaimed divine retribution against Damascus and then against the Philistines. Next he pointed out the nation of Tyre and then the Edomites. Later he spoke against the Ammonites and also the Moabites. The Israelites no doubt applauded the prophet’s message and were interested to learn about the troubles that were to come upon their neighbors, many of whom were indeed their enemies.

Amos then spoke of the afflictions to come upon the tribe of Judah. Perhaps by this time some among the separated ten tribes realized that his message was directed close to home. When he spoke fearlessly against the ten-tribe kingdom, many rose up in opposition and indignation.

Finally Amos prophesied concerning the fall of the reigning monarchy. Amaziah the prince, in turn, demanded that Amos leave. But Amos would not leave until he had finished the message of divine retribution against the ten-tribe kingdom of Israel—even to the point of proclamations about Amaziah’s own household.

The prophet sought to avert the calamities that were sure to come upon the Israelites. And, because their religious institutions were corrupt, they could not expect help from that area either. Although there was much religious activity, it was evil and immoral at the core. There were feasts and burnt offerings and other rituals, but Amos declared that God hated the big noisy show—which was essentially a cover-up for the sins of the people. All would surely go down in the time of trouble predicted. The only avenue of escape from the disaster that would befall them would be to turn to God and to seek his will and counsel.

But during this portion of Israel’s history the religious leaders and the men of wisdom were of the wealthy class. Luxury, ease, and self-gratification had become the order of the day, and these men did not want it to change. In view of this situation, we are impressed by the prophet’s determination to warn the Israelites that such a course in life is not pleasing to God.

The Prophet Amos regarded injustice as the basic sin of the nation. Injustice was a kind of root sin from which others had grown. We note his condemnation of injustice when he said, “But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.”—vs. 24

He singled out the court system of his day for special condemnation. Judges sat on either side of the gate leading into the city, hearing grievances and making judgments. He called upon them to “establish judgment in the gate.” Because the courts were corrupt, the nation’s life reflected this injustice. People were sold into slavery for very small debts, and the judges accepted bribes and would not give the poor a hearing.

The Lord’s people today are to learn a lesson from Amos’ courage and faithfulness as God’s mouthpiece.

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