Amos 8:4-7 (NRSV)
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Verse 4Hear this, you that trample on the needy, and bring to ruin the poor of the land, Verse 5saying, "When will the new moon be over so that we may sell grain; and the sabbath, so that we may offer wheat for sale? We will make the ephah small and the shekel great, and practice deceit with false balances, Verse 6buying the poor for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals, and selling the sweepings of the wheat." Verse 7The Lord has sworn by the pride of Jacob: Surely I will never forget any of their deeds.
Devotion
The prophet, Amos, speaks of judgment and says that God “will not forget any of their deeds.” At the same time, perhaps a part of the church’s obligation is to hold up, promote and encourage those businesses that not only prosper, but whose vision is to do the exact opposite of what Amos sees: "Hear this, you that lift up the needy, and bring prosperity to the poor of the land…"
Do we regularly pray for employment, for fair wages, for employers and employees working to the glory of God? Do we have support groups and networking groups in our congregation that seek to assist in employment? Do we hold up in announcements and sermons, in subtle and overt ways those practices that encourage the welfare of all?
Prayer
Gracious God, we pray that all forms of greed, arrogance and exploitation would be put away. Correct all that is amiss. Support and encourage those people who work to lift up the poor and who provide employment that gives meaning to life. We pray especially for those who are easily forgotten and whose voice is weakened by poverty. We pray that you would continue to bring hope; through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.