Today, in our reading, God continues His rebuke of Israel. He points to their pride, how they lay on beds of ivory and show no concern for the needs around them. They have even begun to use His call for justice as a tool to harm others. They are seeking more and more and more. They are focused on more wealth, more stuff, and more ways to inflate their pride instead of what God calls them to, more love of Him and more love of their neighbors. We, especially those of us who are middle class, face the same temptation, seeking to gain more instead of love more.

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Good morning, everyone! It feels great to be back with you after a few days off last week. Unfortunately, it wasn’t for leisurely reasons but due to some weather-related complications. The chaos of the past few days, including a funeral and power outages, kept me away, but I’m grateful to resume our journey through Amos together. Today, in Rooted in Christ, we’ll be diving into Amos chapter 6.

Last week, we explored God’s expectations for His people, as highlighted in Amos 5:24: “Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” Today, we’ll see how the people measure up to these expectations as we delve into chapter 6.

The chapter opens with a rebuke directed towards those who are complacent and secure in their positions, particularly in Zion and Mount Samaria. God challenges them to compare themselves with other kingdoms, questioning their belief in their superiority. He laments their disregard for the impending judgment and their embrace of a culture of violence.

Verses 4-7 offer a critique of their pride and indifference to the suffering of others. Despite their abundance and comfort, they remain unconcerned about the plight of their fellow countrymen. God condemns their luxurious lifestyles while turning a blind eye to the ruin of Joseph, symbolizing the downtrodden.

The passage continues with a declaration of judgment against their prideful strongholds and the impending destruction of their cities. God highlights the perversion of justice and righteousness, which have been corrupted by their pursuit of self-interest and exploitation of the vulnerable.

The chapter concludes with a warning of the consequences of their actions, as God pledges to raise up a nation to oppress them from Lebo-Hamath to the Arabah Valley.

Through these verses, God exposes the root of their downfall: pride and self-sufficiency. Despite their wealth and power, they have turned away from justice and righteousness, embracing a lifestyle of excess and indifference to the needs of others.

This passage serves as a poignant reminder for us today. In our pursuit of success and comfort, we must guard against the dangers of pride and selfishness. Our affluence should not blind us to the suffering around us or lead us to prioritize our own interests above those of others.

As we navigate the complexities of life, let us remember the words of the prophets and strive to live lives characterized by justice, righteousness, and compassion. May we resist the temptation to prioritize material gain over love for God and our neighbors.

Thank you for joining me today, and I look forward to exploring more of Amos with you tomorrow as we examine the Plum Line. Until then, have a blessed day!