My mind is thinking on “justice” a lot today. In part because a close friend of mine is interviewing for a leadership position with Samaritan’s Purse this afternoon. Scott has influenced my view of God’s ongoing presence in the world. He is passionate about relieving suffering and fighting injustice, joining the God of the oppressed. He has encouraged my view that Graceland should be a compelling force for good in the world, and it will be at its best when it serves, sacrifices, and loves, caring about the things God cares about.
The other reason “justice” has been on my mind is because of the photo connected to a previous post – “Sunday Rest.” If you look close you will see the Bible opened to Amos. If you’ve never read the book of Amos then buy some Charmin tissue, fill your pants for padding, because you’re going to get spanked. I just recently read that whole book and thought “I have missed the point of following God for thirty years!” Even more, I have gone about pastoral leadership wrong. Read the book of Amos and for dramatic effect use The Message version of the Bible. It leaves little room for interpretation of the writer’s intent. For example, take Amos 5:21-24 (Message):
“I can’t stand your religious meetings.
I’m fed up with your conferences and conventions.
I want nothing to do with your religion projects,
your pretentious slogans and goals.
I’m sick of your fund-raising schemes,
your public relations and image making.
I’ve had all I can take of your noisy ego-music.
When was the last time you sang to me?
Do you know what I want?
I want justice-oceans of it.
I want fairness-rivers of it.
That’s what I want. That’s all I want.
Your “bum” sore? God is very serious about justice and impolite in his passion for the poor! Read Amos and you find yourself asking what are we supposed to do with God’s anger. Because the direct content of Amos does not fit my image of a loving God. And though I’m puzzled, I’m not fool enough to disregard the warning. The Almighty is furious and boiling about how the weak are victimized. While we may not know exactly how to respond, try reading these and other biblical judgments and coming away unconvinced about the need to respond, the need to do something!
Question for you. How do you respond to Amos? Because running to conferences, starting church projects, and raising money for image is not going to cut it with God! What do we do with Amos? I would love to hear some comments.
