RBWords

     Amos is one of the most colorful of the "minor prophets!"  His ministry took place in what is called the "Northern Kingdom" - the part of the former kingdom of Solomon that divided off after Solomon's death, creating "Israel" and "Judah" as two separate religio-political kingdoms.  The "Northern Kingdom" (also to be known as "Samaria") would fall to the Assyrians in 722-21 BCE.  (Judah's turn would come later at the hands of the Babylonians around 587 BCE.)  In exile, faithful disciples would remember the prophecies of Amos and others who warned them about internal corruption of their commitment to the covenant and rampant injustice in the land.

     The words quoted above from today's passage from the Book of Amos reflect the reaction of the official religious leadership at a major shrine in Bethel.  Clearly Amos had struck a raw nerve.  Prophets have a way of doing that!  I am reminded of the "patriotic" bumper-sticker that I have seen once in awhile that says, "Love it or leave it."  Amos was not about to "love" what he was seeing in the land.  His language is really vivid as he denounces the injustice in wealthy lifestyles and corrupt business and temple practices!  (You can look ahead to the passage on Friday!)  Prophets are not called to "win friends" but to "influence people."  The Old Testament is filled with hostile reaction to their preaching.  Only Jonah can make any real claim to success!  

     It may offend some good folks to think that various movements in our own land have been prophetic in nature since they seem to disrupt traffic and business and occasionally become violent.  The civil rights movement and the Vietnam War protests come to mind!  Before we dismiss these "rabble-rousers" and "protesters" we should be careful to remember folks like Amos who later on could claim, "You can't say you weren't warned!"  AMEN