Yahweh, the God of justice

Every day we’re asking four questions about part of the Bible. Today Liz Nixon answers:

What did I like about today’s passage?

Amos is a shepherd and a fig grower from Judah and is used by God to highlight the injustices being done to the vulnerable and needy in the northern kingdom, Israel. The king allowed idol worship of other gods, which led to the neglect of and injustice against the poor.

Amos starts his prophetic words by speaking about the surrounding nations: judging them for their violence, their lack of compassion and for selling communities of people into slavery. God also judges Amos’ own land of Judah for being led stray by false gods and rejecting the law of God.

Finally, Amos addresses the nation of Israel, with God saving his most harsh judgement for them: they have sold the needy for sandals, trampled on the poor and denied justice to the oppressed. He reminds them how He brought them out of Egypt and slavery, gave them land, and raised up prophets to speak to them. God has done so much for His people, a people who were once enslaved and oppressed yet they enslave and oppress others. God judges Israel more harshly than the surrounding nations, because He had chosen them to draw all other nations to Himself: Israel was to show the compassion, love and justice of God, which would see those nations come to Him. Instead, they have turned away from Him themselves and “do not know how to do right”.

I like that God uses a humble shepherd to speak to His people. The chapters are challenging due to their talk of judgement, but I like the challenge of keeping my eyes fixed on where the restoration will come because I know this is always God’s heart and intention.

What did it show me about Father God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit?

God is a God of justice, He cares about people, particularly those who are poor, vulnerable, enslaved and oppressed. When we are in relationship with Him, He expects that His nature rubs off on us – as His people we should be as concerned about the poor and the oppressed as He is.

It’s quite clear here that God does not approve of slavery, especially when those becoming slave masters had ancestry of being slaves themselves!

What am I going to do differently as a result?

Chapter 3 v15 talks about the wealth of the people, having winter and summer houses, decorated in ivory. It reminds me that I do not want a lifetime spent building up material things for me and it challenges me to consider whether my purchases are necessary. I don’t want to be so caught up in the things the world chases after – homes, bigger homes, extensions, redecorating, new items.

Who am I going to share this with?

I have a friend who is good at reminding me what is important in life, so I’ll share with her.