In the time of Amos, the nation of Israel was prospering. Under Jeroboam II they won many victories and recovered large amounts of their territory previously lost. Since things were going well, they thought everything was fine. It is often the case that when things are going well for us we assume that everything is well within us. When life cruises along nicely we tend to neglect our constant need for self-examination. Things were not fine in Israel and God sent Amos to deliver this news. They had in fact become just like the other nations around them. This is the significance of the denunciation of each of the nations (which the Israelites regarded as morally inferior to themselves) followed by a denunciation of both Judah and Israel. In other words, God was including them with everyone else. They had lost their distinctness. They were living just like everyone else. How distinct are you from those around you? Are the things that drive your life different from others? Are you driven by the same lifestyle obsession, competitiveness and ambitions as everyone else? The Israelites were caught up in the competitive rat race of the world. They used people as means to ends rather than loving people as they were called to. To achieve their ambitions, they had to push others down. As Christians we are called to live a completely different sort of life with completely different goals. Which way are you facing?
Ask God to examine your heart.
Read Amos 1 and 2
