Instruction
Scripture: Amos 7:7-15
Amos was one of the so-called Minor Prophets. His ministry
took place shortly before Isaiah’s. Much of his prophecy confronts the sins of
the people, and many of his prophecies resonate with modern sins of society. In
this particular passage he speaks of a plumb line – a tool used to see if an
object is truly vertical – as an image to proclaim that the Israel’s life was
not plumb – truly straight – with his will. It also records a conflict Amos had
with a priest who wanted him to stop prophesying God’s judgement. This passage
confronts the reader with a warning that God’s will is absolute, and his
people’s lives are to match his will. It also shows that God’s will is resisted
in this life, even by people who appear to be his followers. However, the
existence of such false and deceptive followers does not excuse those who know
God’s will from following it. Indeed, it makes the follower more determined to
obey.
Teaching
God’s judgement is real. The Israelites learned this the
hard way because they took his grace for granted. They were God’s chosen
people, but their lives did not match up with God’s will for them. However,
even in disobedience, they assumed that God would continue to bless them and
tolerate their behavior. God’s message, delivered through Amos, was a stark
revelation, “Even you, O Israel, are subject to my judgement.”
This is a danger for God’s people today. We should not take
God’s grace for granted. Sin is not something we should treat lightly and we
should resist it and flee from it. Jesus himself underwent the punishment for
our sin, and it cost him dearly; he had to pay the ultimate price.
Jesus measured up perfectly to God’s plumb line, and because
he died for us God declares that we match up to it for Jesus’ sake. What an
amazing blessing God has given; a blessing that we cherish, and which changes
us and the way we live.
Life
Setting a plumb line is an act of judgement. God has given
us the tool to measure if we are plumb with him. It is his word, in which he
has declared his Law. How do you measure up? Can you see where your life
doesn’t match God’s will for you? Sin is the name we give for the parts of our
lives that don’t match God’s will for you. Confess it. Ask for forgiveness. Try
to live a godly life.
God’s word does not only contain his Law, however. It also
delivers the Gospel to us. The word of God is a tool that not only shows us
what it means to be plumb with God, it makes us plumb. By faith in Jesus, who
was crucified and raised for us, we are declared forgiven for our sin, and
straight with God. Rejoice!
Prayer
This prayer is written
in the theme of Thanksgiving.
Lord God, we thank you that your word is true and that it
measures our lives to see where we are out of plumb with you. We thank you that
you welcome us to confess when we are out of plumb and that you not only
forgive us, but declare us to be right with you. Thank you for your Law which
shows me how to live according to your will, as well as shows my sin and the
ways I do not live according to your word. Thank you for your Gospel which
comforts me in my sin and brings me back to you. Amen.
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