Amos And Social Justice Part 1Written by Rev. Saundra L. Washington
Amos was a shepherd who lived in region of Tekoa, not many miles from city of Jerusalem. He earned his living by raising sheep and taking care of sycamore trees. He was not a prophet, son of a prophet or priest. He was an ordinary man chosen by God for a specific purpose: to prophesy to Israel. God called him, shepherd’s staff in hand, and sent him forth to warn his straying people.Amos’ message was to an age of unprecedented post-war prosperity in middle of 18th century. Materialism had become order of day. Politically, kingdom was secure. Samaria, its capital, was considered impregnable. Under Jeroboam II, Israel enjoyed a remarkable cultural, social, and economic revival. It was last glorious period in history of kingdom of Israel. The hopes and expectations of people were lifted to highest heights. They looked forward with great anticipation to even greater success and declared a great “Day of Lord” when God Himself would take battlefield against their antagonists. It was also a time of fervent patriotism. Everyone seemed unanimous in conviction that God had at long last begun to fulfill His ancient promises to nation (Genesis 9:25-27). Such was climate into which, without warning, was catapulted dynamic personality of Amos. The prosperity enjoyed by Northern Kingdom was accompanied by an almost unparalleled degree of social corruption which was caused primarily by demoralizing influence of Canaanite Baal-worship which Jeroboam II developed at local shrines.
| | His Hand is Moved by FaithWritten by Daniel N. Brown
Have you experienced very many disappointments in your life? If you’re human, you have. Through repeated disappointment, we can become conditioned to expect more disappointment, therefore, displaying a lack of faith. Hebrews 11:6 says, "Without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." We can see by this verse that we cannot please God unless we walk by faith. So, how do you continue to walk by faith if you have been repeatedly disappointed? After all, why get your hopes up, right? The dictionary defines faith as trust, belief without proof, promise, and loyalty. Ask yourself these questions; Am I really trusting God? Do I know that He has my best interest in mind? Do I really believe His promises from His Word are true and they were given for me? Am I loyal to God and defend Him when devil tries to tell me that God doesn’t care about my needs and desires?
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