A Vision of Amos, What Does God’s Silence Mean for Us?
Have you ever felt a longing for something that is so much more profound than the drudge of your daily life, a whisper of truth that cuts through the façade of our self-crafted meaning and purpose? Well our lectionary reading from the Old Testament book of Amos 8:1-12 resonates with this idea of God’s people who reject the calling and purpose that is given them, and who then operates under their own self-crafted way of being, it is a turning away from and a rejection of God’s call on them to justice and righteousness.
This passage is what’s known as the Vision of the Basket of Ripe Fruit and it highlights a judgment from God which is a spiritual famine. And what about us today, could we as God’s people also be facing a moment of spiritual famine without even realising it?
Amos was a prophet from Judah who was called to confront the Northern Kingdom of Israel during a time in which they were quite prosperous, however their prosperity was tainted by corruption, idolatry and immorality. This vision of ripe fruit wasn’t a promise of abundance, but rather a warning that they will experience a famine worse than that of food or water, it was a famine of hearing God’s word.
Can you imagine a world where you had no guidance at all. No parents, no governance, no leadership and all the comforts that come with it in times of uncertainty and fear. I don’t think we ever really appreciate the blessing of oversight, of protection and provision that we often take for granted in our lives. Today, so many understand and know the blessing of God’s Spirit guiding and comforting us, a confidence that allows Christians to face any trial without fear or anxiety, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.”
Often we read that the faith and assurance with which the early church faced horrendous persecution was a testimony that convicted many who witnessed them in their trials. It is such a blessing to sense God’s voice guiding you, and if you have truly experienced that, you might recognise how much of a loss it is to lose that connection.
As we explore this passage together, we might ask ourselves: Are we truly open to hearing God’s word, even if it challenges our deeply held convictions? Do we seek transformation of people’s hearts or do we just want affirmation of what we are currently doing as a church? This warning from Amos might help us to think about the challenge that these questions bring for us today. If you are able, please take a moment to sit and meditate on this passage with an open heart.
May God bless you in your engagement with scripture.
Josh
