Readings for today: Amos 1-5
Two conversations. Both with pastors. Both godly men leading vital and vibrant congregations. Both dear friends of mine. The first conversation took place a few weeks back at a denominational event I was part of where I asked my friend how he stays up on the news. Social media? Cable news? News apps? “I don’t do any of that”, he replied, “for the sake of my mental health.” The second conversation took place this week with a local pastor in a community just north of us. As soon as we sat down, he wanted to talk about the Supreme Court decisions that came down that morning that will impact his community. It was clear he’s plugged in and very aware of what’s happening in our culture. As I read through Amos this morning, I found myself wondering what he would say to both pastors.
We are about to begin a journey through the prophetic literature of the Old Testament. The words we read are delivered to the people of God at specific times in specific seasons to address specific issues happening in the world around them. The prophets take no prisoners. They speak God’s Word with boldness and passion and without fear of consequences. They often suffer terribly as a result. They are often supernaturally aware of what’s happening in the courts of kings and princes who govern the different tribal kingdoms around them. They see the injustices and oppression taking place. They take up the cause of the poor and powerless. They fight for the orphan and widow. They never stop calling God’s people to repentance. They are non-partisan. They are more committed to God’s Kingdom than to any human kingdom, even the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. They are not hypocrites. They don’t make excuses for “their team” while attacking those on the “other team.” They simply call good, good and evil, evil. Listen again to the words of Amos for example, “Pursue good and not evil so that you may live, and the Lord, the God of Armies, will be with you as you have claimed. Hate evil and love good; establish justice at the city gate. Perhaps the Lord, the God of Armies, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.” (Amos 5:14-15 CSB)
So back to my two friends. I think Amos would have some challenging words to the first pastor. I believe he would challenge my friend to push past his anxiety and fear and engage the culture. I believe he would challenge my friend to follow the news and pay attention to what our local, state, and national leaders are saying. I believe he would challenge my friend to get involved in public policy discussions and teach his people how to engage those discussions with boldness and passion and grace and love. I also think Amos would have some affirming words for the second pastor. I believe he would affirm his willingness to wade into difficult conversations. I believe he would affirm my friend’s willingness to speak prophetically on behalf of his people. Most of all, I believe he would challenge both pastors to remain more committed to God’s Kingdom than to any kingdom of this world. Stay true to God’s Word above any political party or platform and call out both good and evil when they see it. Of course, Amos’ words are not just for my friends. They are for all of us. May we prove faithful.
Readings for tomorrow: Amos 6-9