Tuesday, July 12, 2022

 

Tuesday, July 12, 2022


Psalm 33

Amos 1.11-2:5

Galatians 5.16-26


If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.


Our friend Amos, the redneck truth-teller, is calling out the wealthy elite for another crime today: the crime of anger. The nation of Edom has attacked a neighbouring country with a perpetual anger and eternal wrath. Ammon, in their own jingoistic fervour, somehow worked themselves into such a state that they commit the horrific crime recorded in verse 13. Moab was so angry at the king of Edom they weren't happy with just killing him, but had to burn his bones down to lime. In this context, God's judgements are indeed just: exile and destruction for those who would do the same to their fellow humans.


Paul is in hearty agreement: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. In building a human kingdom by human means, which is what was happening in front of Amos' eyes, these people were walking down the path to their own destruction. By contrast, Paul says, we who live by the Spirit should keep both eyes open for the fruits of that Spirit. Note well these fruits: they are attitudes, frames of mind, that do not rely on external circumstances, but rather can be expressed in any situation of life, difficult or easy. When we get angry, the “flesh” would just lead us into more anger. Let us instead listen to the Spirit dwelling within us, who would much rather use such situations as an opportunity to bear fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.


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