The Third Sunday of Advent

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Amos 9:11-15

The prophecy of Amos dates from around the 8th century BCE, and in contrast to this hopeful passage, it largely consists of dire warnings for the people of Israel. It is perhaps significant that it was written during a particularly prosperous time marked by extravagant living and national expansion. 

In the lead up to our portion of scripture God makes a warning: “All the sinners of my people shall die by the sword, who say, ‘Evil shall not overtake or meet us.’” We can see this, then, as an admonishment against those living smugly and comfortably while others suffer. The whole book is marked by a concern for the oppressed and disdain for the elite (e.g. 2:6-7, 6:4). 

I’m sure we can see elements of our society in the one depicted by Amos. No matter how successful things might seem, there is always a risk that all of our comforts can disappear in an instant. Perhaps more distressingly, the comforts and power of the rich are often accomplished through the oppression of others. “For I know how many are your transgressions, and how great are your sins- you who afflict the righteous, who take a bribe, and push aside the needy in the gate” (5:12).

The Good News, as proclaimed by Amos, is that a day of restoration will come. Looking at our passage in isolation we run the risk of seeing this passage as vague words of hope and encouragement, and perhaps wishes for an easy life. However, seen in its place in Amos’ call for repentance and justice, we see that this is a call to a fairer, more humble way of living where one class is not trampled upon by another.

As we anticipate the celebration of Christmas - the breaking in of God into our world in a tangible and immediate sense - my hope is that we hear these prophecies of expectation as more than disembodied, motivational speeches. May we remember that our acknowledgement of Jesus as our Lord is a call to a new life marked by self-sacrifice and concern for the oppressed. The Good News to which we witness is (or should be) Good News for all, and not just for those who are able to meditate on it in comfort and security.

-Matthew Kieswetter