The Lord Roars (Amos 1:2)

 


Monday, July 15, 2024


Psalm 37:1-17

Amos 1:1-10

Galatians 5:1-15


The Lord Roars (Amos 1:2)


I don’t know about you, but I’m starting to get a bit suspect of the continual claim that “things are getting worse”. Is there really an increase in global war? Is there really an increase in poverty? Is our society really deteriorating? Or has humanity always been this way? Apparently archaeologists find graffiti in ancient ruins in Greece and Rome, complaining about the next generation, who don’t listen to their elders, who follow novel trends, and even wear their togas inappropriately! Perhaps things aren’t getting worse, but we just notice things more as we get older.


But it is hard to shake off this feeling that the kingdom of heaven may not be growing as inexorably as the Bible promises. That feeling that there used to be some “golden age” of Christendom, and we are living in the decline of that golden age.


Reflecting on this is the purpose of our reflections between now and Advent. The readings in the Lectionary take us through a period of ancient history that straddle either side of one of the most disruptive events of that era: the Babylonian exile. We will read the warnings of the prophets to the people to amend their ways, the punishment that was brought about because they ignored those warnings, and then the forgiveness they received. There will be a collapse of a kingdom, followed by a period that seems like all hope is lost, and then whispers of a resurrection of that kingdom. Those whispers will become reality, and the people will return to their homeland, to rebuild what was lost. And, as they rebuild, they will be threatened on all sides: in one hand they will carry the trowel, and in the other, the sword. Yet in spite of all this, the Lord will remain by their side, and they will succeed.


In our current era, we have both. We are being warned to amend our ways before we lose God’s favour, and we are being encouraged to build the new kingdom, the kingdom of heaven. A kingdom is more than a flag and a song, however – a kingdom is made up of people. What kind of people live in the kingdom of heaven? What kind of grass-roots, neighbourhood-level social interactions happen in this kingdom? You are a citizen of this kingdom, with obligations as well as rights. What are your obligations? What are your rights?


Lord, I thank you for calling me into faith and trust in the never-failing love of your kingdom. Be the gentle ruler that you have promised to be, and give me wisdom to fulfil my obligations, and courage to exercise my rights.

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