“But let justice
roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” –Amos 5:24. “Woe to
you who desire the day of the Lord! Why
would you have the day of the Lord? It
is darkness, and not light; as if a man fled from a lion, and a bear met him,
or went into the house and leaned his hand against the wall, and a serpent bit
him. Is not the day of the Lord
darkness, and not light, and gloom with no brightness in it?” Amos 5:18-20.
The theme of Amos is the universal
justice of God. Whether the nation is
called Israel or Judah, or by any other name that the nations are known by,
God’s justice will ultimately triumph. Whether
the time is when Amos prophesied or now, the cry is timely—and universal—let justice roll down like waters, and
righteousness like an ever-flowing stream”(5:24). But, unfortunately, the people were going
their own ways and ignoring God’s ultimatum for justice and righteousness. Both Israel and Judah were experiencing a
period of prosperity. Religious
practices were observed but the people’s hearts were not sincere before
God. The moral fiber of the people had
eroded. Making money and seeking
pleasure were more important than worshiping God “in spirit and in truth.” The
rich exploited the poor. The courts and
judicial system were corrupt. Injustice
abounded, “for it is an evil time”
(5:13). Amos pronounced a series of
woes on the people who practiced a lifestyle of injustice and
unrighteousness. And all the woes had
their judgment. An example he used was
the plumbline (7:7-9) and the
measurement was not true, the building of the nation and its people were precariously
leaning and destruction was immanent.
What does this say to us in our time?
In the midst of the pronouncement of
woes and the call for justice and righteousness, Amos introduces a theme that
is important in prophecy. It is the
coming ‘day of the Lord’ or sure
judgment. In Amos 5:18-20 is the
earliest known use of the prophetic expression, ‘the day of the Lord.’ In
Amos’ prophecy, it refers to the darkness of judgment that will be at the hands
of the Assyrians as they overcome the northern kingdom of Israel. By way of information, we note in seven other
prophetic references in the Old Testament the use of this term for impending
judgment. Joel (1:15; 2:1, 11, 31; 3:14)
foretells a locust invasion on the crops, judgment of Israel and the nations,
and final vindication of God’s people.
Ezekiel (13:5; 30:3) reveals that false prophets have not told Israel of
‘the day of the Lord,’ but it will be
a time of doom. Jeremiah (46:10) sees
the judgment of the Lord God of hosts as a devouring sword in the vengeance of
Egypt. Isaiah (13:6, 9) refers to the
judgment of Babylon and sees it as a time of terror and wrath. Malachi (4:5; 3:17) refers to the Lord
himself coming who is the “messenger of
the covenant” and will bring justice, purify worship and gather those who
are truly His. Zephaniah (1:7, 14)
predicts judgment upon Judah but gives hope for those who humble themselves and
take refuge in the Lord. Obadiah (15)
sees coming judgment upon Edom and other nations but foresees salvation for
God’s people.
False beliefs existed in Amos’ day about
‘the day of the Lord.’ Amos wanted the people to understand that
it would be a day of despair and mourning, a day of darkness, and a day of doom
and judgment. But some hope exists on
the horizon. A remnant would be spared
and this remnant whom he calls ‘the booth
of David’ (9:11) would not again be ‘uprooted
out of the land (9:15) which the Lord will give them. If only a remnant will repent and turn to
God, then He will save them. But this
remnant needs to hear God’s Word (Amos 5:1-3), seek the Lord (5:3-4) and seek
goodness (5:7-15). Are we
listening? Are we praying and seeking
God? Are we despising evil and seeking
justice and righteousness? The answers
to these questions are very personal and should penetrate to the very heart of
our manner of life. Furthermore, our
answers should produce action. Where do
we stand?
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