Blind Eye?
The book of Amos….most have never read this old testament book of the Bible but let’s take a quick look at what this “great prophet” has to say!
It is funny, this “great prophet” of God, who God clearly deemed as significant enough to write the holy word of God, was just a farmer. Yep, he did not come from a “big family name”, nor a family of prophets, nor did he even consider himself a prophet. Rather, he considered himself just a farmer “who takes care of the sycamore-fig trees”. God called him from a quiet shepherds life to travel and carry a strong message of judgment to the people of Israel. While most of the prophets spoke of redemption and restoration, Amos was compelled to call out his fellow believers on their lack of christlikeness. Amos was a man that lived a “simple life” (I’ll refrain from a rabbit trail here) a life with a heart for the oppressed and the voiceless. Amos’s words were primarily directed against the “privileged people” who took no notice, nor gave any regard of love to their neighbors. His strong rebuke was to those who took advantage of others and who looked out only for themselves. Amos’s zeal for this unacceptable behavior should be something that resinates within us as genuine CHRIST FOLLOWERS!!! This prophet not only holds God’s people accountable for their ill-treatment of others, but their lack of even recognizing others as they relish in their economic success and their happy fulfilled lives!! Amos points out their loss of compassion for one another and particularly for the most downtrodden and vulnerable.
We see injustice permeate our world every day….. what do you do with that? Some Christians have turned a blind eye to this injustice in favor of “more important” work like praying, preaching, and teaching. Yep, teachers, preachers, and prayer warriors don’t get a pass on not reaching out in their EVERY DAY LIVES to meet others needs physically, mentally and emotionally!! None of us do!! Just because I am a Pastor does not mean I just study and pray and don’t purposefully watch and see who might need God today! We don’t stow ourselves away in our houses or offices separated away from the world who so desperately needs us, who so desperately needs our Father! If your too busy doing the work of the ministry (praying, teaching, preaching)….well, I will just say….you are NOT doing the work of the ministry at all!! Amos communicated God’s utter disdain for this type of hypocritical lives of His people (these were the christians)!! Never let yourself fall into the trap of prioritizing your call over service!! THEY GO HAND IN HAND….WORDS WITHOUT ACTION (SERVICE) ARE empty!! God has called Christians to be in relationship with HIM and with others. Our simple, everyday lives should permeate a reaching out into the lives within our sphere of influence and BE COMPASSIONATE, LOVING examples of our COMPASSIONATE, LOVING God!
Let’s be those Christians that SHOW a heart for the oppressed!! Your call (my call) is nothing without the faithful service of a ACTS of love and ACTS of compassion!!!
