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Though our particulars may vary, we are all currently in the very same predicament. We do not know what awaits us in the days that are ahead. While this has always been and always will be the case, we have become more aware of this truth in the recent weeks. In the midst of a global pandemic and the extreme measures that have been taken to curb its impact on our health, what most of us considered “normal” life has since been upended. We are left wondering just how we should respond when the facts seem so elusive and plans are so difficult to fashion. So, in such disconcerting times as these, when such precise information and careful perception is needed, how could the musings of a sheep herder who lived more than 2,700 years ago, in a completely different culture, possibly offer any wisdom to our current situation. I am speaking of Amos, the prophet to Israel and Judah, whose brief writings are preserved in the pages of the Old Testament. His words are of greatest worth because he speaks God’s Word. Even in our current complexity of matters, the Scriptures instruct us, “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls” (Isaiah 6:16). Though the response to this current health crisis may be unprecedented, that we are facing overwhelming troubles is not. God’ Word speaks to our troubles and we would do well to hear.
In Amos’ day, the people of Israel and Judah were living in a time of waning prosperity. They had enjoyed relative economic and political success for some time. However, as they had been forewarned, their inattention toward and rebellion against God’s Word would bring His judgment. God sent several prophets, Amos among them, to turn them from their disobedience before it was too late. Their culture had become rancid with corruption and decadence, and their religious structures were ripe with hypocrisy. In addition to the sending of His prophets, God had also sent various troubles upon the nation, such as agricultural and medical crises (Amos 4:6-10). Yet, they would not turn away from their wickedness and toward the Lord. You can imagine that Amos’ message of impending judgment was less than welcome by most. There were other so-called prophets of God who, in opposition to Amos, prophesied that the nations of Israel and Judah would continue in prosperity (Amos 7:10-13). The people of God could not fathom that God would intend harm against them. Yet, they refused to acknowledge that they had brought this judgment against themselves in their brazen defiance to the Lord.
In our own day and culture, our current crisis has brought forth many “prophets.” I have heard more than one civic leader, and even religious representatives, proclaim that our current health and economic calamity will most certainly end soon. They have assured us that our nation will be stronger as a result of these disasters; our problems will create a resolve in us to overcome this and more challenges. I certainly am praying that the current health crisis will pass quickly. I am praying that the looming economic struggles predicted will be erased. I want our nation and our community to be stronger as a result. Yet, just as in Amos’ day, I fear that our culture as a whole is deaf to the call of God upon us. While these crises may soon pass, a much more ominous judgment awaits a culture that rejects Christ. “Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord GOD, “when I will send a famine on the land— not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD. They shall wander from sea to sea, and from north to east; they shall run to and fro, to seek the word of the LORD, but they shall not find it” (Amos 8:11-12).
Just as in Amos’ day, there at least three glaring stains of sin in our culture at large, and even within the church, for which if we do not repent, God’s judgment will fall swiftly.
1. Injustice—Amos 2:6-7
Israel and Judah claimed to love the Lord, but they were oppressive toward their fellow man, in particular the most vulnerable among them. The fatherless and the widows were especially susceptible to those who would overlook and mistreat them. Is it any different in our day? Rightfully so, we are dismayed by the number of deaths to the coronavirus in our nation over the past three months—nearly 50,000. Yet, in that same time frame, our nation has aborted nearly 250,000 babies, all for the sake of convenience. Can such injustice continue without incurring God’s wrath?
2. Immorality—Amos 2:7-8
The culture of Amos’ day was teeming with immorality. These verses in particular describe explicit and disgusting practices which had become all too common among the people. Even the religious leadership condoned and participated in these sins. Is it any different in our day? Our nation and community are overrun with a blatant disregard for the purity which Gods demands and invites us. Even in the church, we have condoned too long the sentiment of following one’s passions rather than following God’s precepts. Can such immorality continue without incurring God’s wrath?
3. Materialism—Amos 6:4-7
In Amos’ day, Israel and Judah enjoyed plush wealth and prosperity. These verses illustrate the types of luxuries that were the common fare for that day. The people ate abundantly and took great pleasure in the finest of entertainments. Yet, their opulent lifestyles could not mask their deep spiritual needs. Is it any different in our day? Our nation enjoys the finest entertainments and luxuries that this world can afford. However, our covetousness is a poor substitute for the righteousness that God requires. Can such materialism continue without incurring God’s wrath?
Like you, I am praying for God to change our current ominous situation. Yet, even more so, we must pray that God will change us. Unquestionably, the promise of Scripture is that God can and will heal our land…if—and only when—we repent. Amos’ word in his day applies to our own. “Seek good, and not evil, that you may live; and so the LORD, the God of hosts, will be with you, as you have said. Hate evil, and love good, and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the LORD, the God of hosts, will be gracious…” (Amos 5:14-15).
Jason