Scripture and Sermon Thoughts Leading to Oct 21, 2007

Amos 5 We are Called to do Justice Growing in Discipleship

The pledge of allegiance ends with these words, “Justice for All.” Rarely do we consider that when we say the words of the pledge we mean that we will make the changes necessary to allow justice for all to become a reality. We are the people, we are the ones who will make justice a reality on national scale. We must act in regard to those who have no voice, who have no place or position of power in our society.

The prophet Amos calls the people of God on the carpet. Israel was living high on the hog, things were going really well, profits were up. The military security and economic affluence which they were experiencing were taken by many Israelites as signs of the Lord’s special favor that they felt they deserved. Sound a little familiar?

Amos was given the difficult task of preaching, “harsh words in a smooth season.” Amos denounced reliance upon military might, injustice in social dealings, abhorrent immorality, and swallow, meaningless piety. His uncompromising preaching brought him into direct conflict with the authorities of his day.

I feel God leading me to consider the children without food in our midst or the elderly increasingly marginalized by a quickening pace of society. I feel God leading me to consider my response to the foreigner among us, especially the ones who cannot speak my language, but who share my feelings and have the same dreams of God, home, and family. As I grow as a disciple of Jesus, I will learn to do justice and not just speak the words without regard to my personal response. And it is in that Gathering, that Growing, and that Going out to those I can help, that I find I have moved just a little closer to home.”

Blessings, Dave Weesner

Sunday Worship
Scripture: Amos 5:14-15
Sermon Title: “Justice for All”