Amos 6:1a, 4-7 (NRSV)
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Chapter 6Alas for those who are at ease in Zion, and for those who feel secure on Mount Samaria, the notables of the first of the nations, to whom the house of Israel resorts! Verse 4Alas for those who lie on beds of ivory, and lounge on their couches, and eat lambs from the flock, and calves from the stall; Verse 5who sing idle songs to the sound of the harp, and like David improvise on instruments of music; Verse 6who drink wine from bowls, and anoint themselves with the finest oils, but are not grieved over the ruin of Joseph! Verse 7Therefore they shall now be the first to go into exile, and the revelry of the loungers shall pass away.
Devotion
What does it mean to speak truth to power? For Amos it was called life as a prophet. Amos was a poor shepherd called to speak out against the great injustices that were taking place in Israel. As the rich sat on their ivory beds with food abundantly available, other people were dying in the streets from hunger. These dying people weren’t just any people, though. These people were Israelites. These were God’s chosen people.
This situation speaks also to our time. In a time when there is such a division of wealth both in the US and across the world, it is clear there are still many who "lie on beds of ivory" while the chosen people of God are starving not only for food but for acceptance, love, safety, shelter, etc. All are God's chosen people and we are called to speak against injustices and care for them.
Prayer
Loving God, you call us to get up off our ivory beds and tend to your chosen people. You have made us prophets to speak against injustices. Grant us the eyes to see and the courage to answer that call. Amen.