Although Israel is guilty of
social injustices, the LORD will be gracious to her if she seeks the LORD and
loves good.
Like the man in this week’s
Gospel lesson, Amos urges Israel to seek life by seeking the LORD, hating evil,
loving good, and establishing justice. Because of their sins, the people are
faced with death resulting from the Lord approaching judgment. The sins are
social. The wealthy oppress the poor, afflict the righteous, and accept bribes.
Amos calls for repentance, a turning from doing evil and turning to the LORD in
terms of seeking him. Them it may be that the LORD will be gracious to forgive
and grant them life.
If the people turn from
their evil ways and seek Go and good, “it
may be that the Lord…will be gracious…” IT sounds as though Amos is holding
out a provisional hope of forgiveness and reconciliation with God. Surely God
is ready at all times to forgive. He does not hold back his grace to see if his
people will repent. On the human side there is a condition. God stand ready to
forgive, but he cannot forgive until his people want and accept his mercy by
repentance and faith. [1]
A prayer for grace to love and serve God: O God, through the grace of Your Holy Spirit You
pour the gifts of love into the hearts of Your faithful people. Grant Your
servants health both of mind and body that they may love You with their whole
heart and with their whole strength perform those things that are pleasing to
You; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.[2] -06 October 2021
[1] Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B, John Brokhoff © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH
[2] A prayer for grace to love and serve God, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St, Louis
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