Corrupt judges and corrupt politicians. We see and hear about them all the time. It can really make one angry and frustrated when their corrupt decisions affect us, and it’s especially terrible when their dishonest and unethical ways further hurt the poor, who have nowhere to turn for help. Our reading today from the prophet Amos addresses these problems, which were just as prevalent in his day as they are in ours.
Amos had grown fig trees and was also a shepherd in the southern Kingdom of Judah when the Lord called him to preach His Word to those living in the northern Kingdom of Israel. His prophetic and preaching ministry was from about 760 - 755 BC, a relatively short time, but enough for him to bring some powerful messages to the people.
One message Amos spoke forth was against those in power, whether political or legal, who twisted justice and oppressed the poor. Does God see when those who are our leaders, and should be doing right, instead are doing evil? Does He see, and does He care? The poor and oppressed, who cry out to God day and night, ask this. Also their oppressors in the law courts, government, and in business rhetorically ask this, believing the answer is no, He doesn’t see or care. Amos assures us that God does see, and He will bring judgment.
In Amos’s day, and sadly often in ours as well, the law courts were not places one could find justice (vs 7). The poor and oppressed found no relief there. The government, courts, and businesses were instead places of greed and injustice. Justice was so perverted that it was like wormwood, a bitter herb.
The Pleiades (or 7 Sisters) is a star cluster, and Orion a well known constellation (vs 8). For centuries the stars were used for navigation across land or sea. If we could trust them to safely guide us to our destination, why are we not letting the Lord God guide us through our life? We should be seeking His ways. If those who work evil don’t change their ways, God promises to bring His fury and ruin upon them (vs 9).
As history has taught us, a society is in trouble if those who seek to do right are hated and scorned (vs 10-12). Don’t we see that today? A good and righteous person is warned against going into politics or big business because they “will be eaten alive”. An honest lawyer is practically a joke. That’s not to say there aren’t good and honest attorneys, politicians, or businessmen, but as time goes on they are fewer, and they are mocked. So many would rather exploit the poor and defenseless, and they hate the truth. God does see all of this. His Word puts a lot of emphasis on how we treat the poor, and those from whom we cannot hope to gain any monetary reward. It shows our true character.
What about us? Most of us are probably not elected officials in government, attorneys, or own a big business capable of exploiting many people. How can Amos’s message apply to us? All of us are able to help the poor, needy, and oppressed around us, and there are plenty around, but we often fail to. What excuses do we give? Maybe we feel that they don’t deserve it. God, throughout the Bible, says otherwise. Maybe we feel we have our own needs, or are afraid that we will become poor like them. God doesn’t approve of that excuse, as He has promised over and over again that He will provide for our needs (Philippians 4:19). In the last two verses of our passage God instructs us twice to seek good and not evil (vs 14-15).
It is only when we seek God and His ways that we will truly find life. Only He can give us an abundant life (John 10:10). The only remedy for a sick and dying world is to seek the Lord and live. Sin can only destroy, so seek the Lord.
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