87 JUST NOT GOOD ENOUGH F O O T ================================

• H O L D

READING

87 JUST NOT GOOD ENOUGH!

PRAY Change my life through the reading of your word, Lord.

READ Amos 2:6-3:2.

THINK What does this section tell us about God? What kinds of things are on his agenda for his people? —————————————————————- FOCUS From beginning to end, the Bible makes clear that not only INDIVIDUALS but also NATIONS must answer to God for their behaviour. In the first section (1:3-2:5) Amos has denounced the sins committed by the nations around the northern kingdom of Israel. By the time he got to the part of his speech in today’s reading, his listeners would have been feeling pretty smug. After all, THEY were civilised human beings! But Amos had some shocks for them. He told them that they had grown callous and greedy. Honest men were sold into slavery for trifling debts (6) and the poor were down trodden (7). Rich men kept clothing they had taken as security, even though the law specifically stated that such garments should be returned before sunset (8; Exodus 22:26). And added to this they had allowed the practice of prostitution at their shrines of worship (7). But it was note for this that God had led the people of Israel. Amos’ audience didn’t care to hear the truth (12). They were guilty as individuals and as a nation. There is such a thing as NATIONAL RESPONSIBILITY, and also NATIONAL GUILT. And, of course, every reader of these notes is a member of some nation or other. .What is your nation doing? Is it a model of justice and fair play in the world? What are you doing to help your nation steer the right course? —————————————————————- PRAY Ask God to help you review your own attitudes to other people. Ask him also for his help as you seek forgiveness, renewed relationships, healing or new understanding. Is there some role in the community God is calling you to accept as a Christian?