Reflection on Amos 5:18-24

Scripture
You look forward to the day the Lord comes to judge, but you are in for trouble! It won't be a time of sunshine; all will be darkness. (v. 18)

Observation
Self-righteousness is very deceptive. The people of Israel thought they were God's chosen- in fact they were. But, in spite of all their noisy worship and sacrifices, their hearts were far from the Lord.

Things were so bad that they had constructed two idols called Sakkuth and Kaiwan, one of which they called “King.” (v. 26)

Rather than the worship that comes from a divided heart or a double mind, the Lord wants faith that changes our lifestyle, bringing justice and fairness to all that we do.

Application
This passage reminds me of the debate which recently came up in Federal Parliament. each sitting day commences with a recitation of the Lord's Prayer. I am always amused by the way that after this ritual piety, the behaviour of so many politicians quickly becomes the very opposite of the values the Lord's Prayer is meant to represent- name-calling, abuse, self-promotion etc. The question of whether it is appropriate to say the prayer is debated every few years and then quickly forgotten.

I wonder what God thinks of this. Would He condemn our politicians for their hypocrisy? Would He be angry that our leaders call on Him for guidance, but we still neglect the poverty and degradation of remote aboriginal communities?

What would Jesus say to the church that promotes “excellence” in worship while allowing child abuse and domestic violence to go on in its midst?

For christians the doctrine of assurance can be a troublesome thing. I wonder how many of us will find the Day of Judgement remains a day of darkness rather than light.

Paul tells us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. In other words keep on allowing God to confront our attitudes, thoughts and behaviour This is not always a pleasant thing, but it will ensure that we really are right with God.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, you died to set us free from our sin. Forgive us for allowing your grace to us to become an excuse for complacency. Show us, Holy Spirit, the true state of our hearts, and let us truly be equipped for that great and glorious Day, when every tongue proclaims that Jesus is Lord.