God Pause for Monday, 11/3/2014
/Luther Seminary God Pause
Monday, 11/3/2014 Reading: Amos 5:18-24
Thank God for mirrors! How many times have I been halfway out the door only to remember that I hadn't combed my hair? Unfortunately, mirrors can only help us see that which is visible; they don't show us what's in our hearts--our attitudes, motives and good intentions. When we are not honest, how easy it is to give voice to our understanding of a situation while soon realizing full well that this is not what's going to happen.
In the Old Testament times, the prophets functioned as spiritual mirrors. Amos helps the people see themselves as God sees them, as they truly are. They think they've got everything put together in good order--life is good, worship is fine and all is well. Rather than noisy songs that don't ring true, Amos reveals what God wants to see in the people: let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream (v24).
Gracious God, help me to see myself as you do. By the power of your Holy Spirit check the desires of my heart, my attitude of worship and guide my efforts to live upright and just. Amen.>
Keith Anderson Pastor, First Lutheran Church Ketchikan, Ala. Master of Divinity, 1989
Amos 5:18-24 (NRSV)
18 Alas for you who desire the day of the Lord! Why do you want the day of the Lord? It is darkness, not light; 19 as if someone fled from a lion, and was met by a bear; or went into the house and rested a hand against the wall, and was bitten by a snake. 20 Is not the day of the Lord darkness, not light, and gloom with no brightness in it? 21 I hate, I despise your festivals, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. 22 Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals I will not look upon. 23 Take away from me the noise of your songs; I will not listen to the melody of your harps. 24 But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.
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