Looks can be deceiving. About twenty years ago, we were visiting at my brother’s farm one afternoon and decided to go to a farm auction nearby. A large crowd, perhaps a hundred or more, were looking over the items of the sale. With a chuckle, I pointed out to my brother several heavy men in bib overalls and seed corn caps. They stood around laughing, hands in pockets, chewing tobacco, looking like “hayseeds.” My brother told me to be careful what I said about them, because they were some of the wealthiest people in southern Minnesota.
Yes, looks can be deceiving. The prophet Amos was a lowly farmer from the south Judah sent to prophesy to the well-dressed, wealthy folks who lived up north. Because of his appearance, he was not well received. The people of Israel had achieved things Americans can relate to: money and security, full social calendars, influential friends, and a life with plenty of leisure time. But they had neglected more important things, their relationship with God and caring for those in need. Lives that seemed full were basically empty.
One wonders how Amos would view our culture today with our ever-bigger houses, newer stadiums or more casinos. He’d wonder why we had such harmful drugs and useless toys, while ignoring churches and neighbors in need. He’d shake his head at the vile language everywhere while people get punished for petty, non-inclusive words. He’d wonder how we could think we know so much, justify any kind of marriage and argue over gender identities, while failing to educate themselves about God.
Modern people have gotten too big for our britches. We need to stop embracing foolishness and ignoring God’s Word. Perhaps it’s time for a prophet in bib overalls to remind us of God’s power and majesty.
Among other things, Amos wrote, “The Lord, the Lord almighty, He touches the earth and it melts, and all who live in it shall mourn.” (Amos 9:5) Did Amos foresee global warming?
My prayer is that God will soon send someone to smack us upside the head with a message we will take to heart. It’s happened before, but it usually comes with painful lessons.
God can send us such a prophet again with a message we will not want to hear. Meanwhile, let’s trust the Lord Jesus, accept His forgiveness and share it with others. Amos would agree with that wholeheartedly!
I pray that some future prophet will make God’s truth so plain that even the most intelligent and educated might understand and accept it.
Rev. Bob Tasler, www.bobtasler.com
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