Amos 5:6-7, 10-15 (NRSV)
Read Amos 5:6-7, 10-15 on biblegateway.com
Verse 6Seek the Lord and live, or he will break out against the house of Joseph like fire, and it will devour Bethel, with no one to quench it. Verse 7Ah, you that turn justice to wormwood, and bring righteousness to the ground! Verse 10They hate the one who reproves in the gate, and they abhor the one who speaks the truth. Verse 11Therefore because you trample on the poor and take from them levies of grain, you have built houses of hewn stone, but you shall not live in them; you have planted pleasant vineyards, but you shall not drink their wine. Verse 12For I know how many are your transgressions, and how great are your sins- you who afflict the righteous, who take a bribe, and push aside the needy in the gate. Verse 13Therefore the prudent will keep silent in such a time; for it is an evil time. Verse 14Seek good and not evil, that you may live; and so the Lord, the God of hosts, will be with you, just as you have said. Verse 15Hate evil and love good, and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the Lord, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.
Devotion
The little Peruvian town needed a gathering place, where people could come together to meet or learn or socialize. A local missionary dreamed of building a simple community center. He bought the land and recruited neighbors to help with construction. A mission team from Minnesota brought tools and money and willing hands. But on the first day of work, they discovered that beneath the rough gravel was bedrock. Only a bulldozer could break through to level the ground.
The missionary went to the local government office and explained the situation. We have the volunteers, the supplies, the funds, he said. Will the city let us use one of its Caterpillars? That depends, the bureaucrat replied. How much is it worth to you? His open hand spoke volumes.
What should the missionary have done? Stood his ground on principle? Or greased the palm of the permit officer so the project could be completed?
Sometimes in our world the ‘right thing’ isn’t so obvious. All we can do is try our best to seek the Lord’s will as we make our way.
Prayer
God of justice, give me strength, cunning and courage to stand up for what is right. Amen.