I find it quite interesting that these books of the prophets are almost always dealing with the turmoil's of exile. Most of their warnings, at least from what I am absorbing seems to end in some sort of exile or displacement. Can you imagine what it would be like to be uprooted from family, friends and familiarity? To be put out on the road to a place of unknown cultural, climate and economic surroundings or availabilities? I also cannot imagine how dangerous the actual travel would have been through the wilderness, darkness, cold of the night and the heat and pillagers of the day. As a foreigner the local laws would not protect one and having been separated from family and friends the plight must have been utterly terrifying.
I cannot imagine that the people of the time felt very cordial when referring to these prophets? These stories very seldom referred to the personal experiences of these prophets, but they go into great detail about what was happening to everybody else? Did they experience exile? Were they torn from their home and families? Or at the very least did people whom they loved and cared get caught up in these daily trials and tribulations?
Amos seems to be prophesying about God's judgments, and I at one point do vaguely remember him complaining that it was not his choice to travel from so far from his home to preach, but it was God's will. Amos's message is one of repentance, but also of unity. Yahweh loves all the nations and unity under God is paramount. I find this interesting, I know that Dr. Lester pointed out that very rarely are the prophets prophesying about the future, but the message is the same. Our God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow and one thing is for sure, we today are just as "stiff necked" as the people of those days and we need to heed and listen to the same message as the prophets of not only the eighth century but of all time. Their message and mission is as vital and substantial to us today as it was throughout the history of the ancient world.
Amos and most prophets never directly mention the commandments, but the message is clear that these people are a sinful nation (same as today) in relationship to the law. I would like to point out for the sake of possibly argument itself that the message is always the same, because humankind never really seems to change. The big difference in the message of the eighth century versus today is that they were given the law to follow, but in today's society we have come to understand that the law was not given so we have to follow a bunch of rules, but the law is actually there to remind us how much we are in need of a Savior! Food for thought?
God Bless,
Deacon Jim
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4 comments:
Every time I read one of those prophets stories in the scripture, I wonder how people in modern times would react to such strong and strange claims. I'm a believer of "things happen for reasons" and "God is watching you no matter what", so if something bad happens to someone I know, I tend to think s/he maybe ignored God's sign or lost fear for God. Humans never change, you're right. We struggle with the same things over and over...that's why we need prayers and ask remembrance in God's kingdom.
hakodategallery,
Thank you for your response. I personally believe that when bad things happen to good people God is not the direct cause. I think like you there is something in our lives that is not aligned with God's will or we are in some state of sin, however, I also firmly believe that if God allows it to happen He will make good come from it despite what the situation looks or feels like at the time.
God Bless,
Deacon Jim
Great post. Obviously, prophets were not the most popular people in their communities. It must have been difficult to follow the job they believed God gave them when everything around them was falling apart. Also, how annoyed would a regular joe in the community be that some guy was telling them how they were doing everything wrong in life? Neither would be a position I would envy.
Also, this raises the question--how does all this apply to US? As you stated, we DO live in sinful world--one of hate, violence etc. Who are the prophets speaking/spreading God's word in our society now? Are we listening?
Slynn 703,
You and I my friend, we listen by seeking to understand the Word and we lead by living it.
God Bless,
Deacon Jim
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