ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
November 6, 2020
Scripture: Amos 21:20-24
I hate, I despise your festivals, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals I will not look upon. Take away from me the noise of your songs; I will not listen to the melody of your harps. But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.
Thought for the Day: Does God really hate our festivals and gatherings? I don’t know if God necessarily “hates” in the way we think of the word, but when a religious festival or holy gathering is used for unrighteous purposes, I tend to think it frustrates God. Of course, the Prophet Amos was seeing things that raised within him some righteous indignation. In this passage, the Prophet is spitting mad, and he doesn’t want anyone to misunderstand what he thinks. Prophets speak their minds without much concern for their audience, and that is the reason that pastors are not prophets. Oh sure, a pastor can preach a prophetic message, but the pastor has other responsibilities. We need both. Prophets tell us how it should be, and pastors come alongside folks and walk with them as they try to get to that place the prophet described. We all have different roles, and I am thankful for the Prophets who have made me feel uncomfortable at times. They’ve told me the truth even when I wasn’t asking for it.
Prayer: Let me hear what needs to be heard, O Lord. A little discomfort might be necessary if I am to see where I am not aligning with you. While at the same time, give me a few folks who reinforce your love and walk with me as I try to do better. Amen.
