Empathy for the Wicked - Israel

2019-06-17

Empathy for the Wicked - Israel This Bible teaching from Founded In Truth Fellowship, delivered by Matthew Vander Els, concludes a series titled "Empathy for the Wicked" by focusing on Israel as one of the most frequently mentioned "villains" in the Bible. The series has previously explored figures like Cain, Jezebel, Herod, Judas, Saul, and Samson, with the aim of understanding that even these seemingly untouchable characters have relatable human flaws. The speaker emphasizes that the stories of these...

This Bible teaching from Founded In Truth Fellowship, delivered by Matthew Vander Els, concludes a series titled "Empathy for the Wicked" by focusing on Israel as one of the most frequently mentioned "villains" in the Bible. The series has previously explored figures like Cain, Jezebel, Herod, Judas, Saul, and Samson, with the aim of understanding that even these seemingly untouchable characters have relatable human flaws. The speaker emphasizes that the stories of these biblical villains, including Israel, are not based on fantastical figures but on people much like ourselves.

The teaching centers on the book of Amos, a short but impactful book with nine chapters, described as possibly the most applicable and brutal message in the Bible for our generation. The historical backdrop is the divided kingdom of Israel, where the twelve tribes had split into the southern kingdom of Judah and the northern kingdom of Israel (also known as Ephraim) after the reign of Jeroboam, son of King Solomon. During the time of Amos, both kingdoms, though once united, had begun to stray from God, with Israel particularly guilty of mixing their worship of Yahweh, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, with foreign gods and pagan practices.

Amos, a shepherd and fig farmer from Judea, was called by God to deliver a harsh message to the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The speaker vividly imagines Amos's arrival in Bethel, a seemingly prosperous and joyous city with a prominent golden calf, an idol instituted by Jeroboam to prevent people from going to the temple in Jerusalem. Despite the outward appearance of worship and celebration, Amos quickly observes stark social injustices. He sees the poor being forced to worship outside the temple grounds and foreign slaves being treated as mere commodities, held in corrals until their Israelite owners finished their religious observances.

Filled with the Spirit, Amos boldly proclaims God's judgment against Israel. He accuses them of numerous sins, including selling the innocent for silver, the needy for a pair of sandals, trampling the heads of the poor, denying justice to the oppressed, and engaging in immoral and idolatrous practices. The speaker highlights that God held Israel to a higher standard because He had chosen them out of all the families of the earth, bringing them out of slavery in Egypt. However, instead of being a light to the nations and a breaker of chains, Israel had become an oppressor themselves.

The people of Israel, confident in their wealth and military strength, initially mocked Amos's warnings of being overrun and plundered. They believed their religious rituals and adherence to certain aspects of the Torah guaranteed God's blessings. They questioned Amos's authority and dedication, clinging to their outward displays of worship. However, Amos declares that God despises their religious festivals, assemblies, burnt offerings, grain offerings, fellowship offerings, and worship songs because their hearts are far from Him and their actions contradict their claims of devotion.

The speaker emphasizes the powerful imagery of the "cows of Bashan" on Mount Samaria, women who oppress the poor and crush the needy while demanding more luxuries. This is presented as a metaphor for all of Israel, who were enjoying God's blessings without fulfilling His mission to show love, mercy, and justice to the world. Their walk with God had become a mere checklist to cover their shame and ignore the idols they had placed in their lives. They thought they were doing great, which is the irony highlighted throughout the scriptures.

The teaching draws a parallel to Yeshua's words in Matthew 7:21-23, where He states that not everyone who calls Him "Lord, Lord" will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of His Father. Many will claim to have prophesied, driven out demons, and performed miracles in His name, but He will declare, "I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers." This underscores that knowing about Yeshua, His love, and His forgiveness is not enough; the crucial aspect is whether Yeshua knows us, which is contingent on genuine obedience and a transformed life. Lawlessness, in this context, is not about failing to keep minor religious laws but refusing to do what we are called to do, standing by while opportunities for ministry are missed and needs are ignored.

Despite the harsh condemnation throughout most of the book of Amos, the speaker points out a significant shift in the final paragraph of chapter 9. After foretelling destruction and exile, Amos speaks of God's faithfulness and restoration. God promises to restore David's fallen shelter, rebuild its ruins, and raise up a new, divinely mandated kingdom under a new king, who the speaker identifies as Yeshua. This restored Israel will reach into all nations, ending the exile from God, transforming hearts, and renewing humanity.

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Application for Everyday Life

Examine your own heart: Just like the Israelites, we can fall into the trap of outward religious practices without genuine inward transformation. Regularly assess your motives and whether your actions align with your faith.
Be a doer, not just a hearer: Faith without action is dead. Look for opportunities to actively show God's love, mercy, and justice in your daily life. Don't just check off religious duties; engage in meaningful service.
Beware of hypocrisy: It's easy to criticize others while ignoring our own shortcomings. Be honest about your sins and work towards genuine repentance and change.
Don't prioritize comfort over calling: The "good life" can become an idol that distracts us from God's mission for our lives. Be willing to step out of your comfort zone to serve God and others.
Focus on God knowing you: The ultimate goal is not just knowing about God but having a personal relationship where He knows you. This requires genuine obedience and a life that reflects His character.
Empathize with the "villains": Recognizing that biblical "villains" like Israel had relatable human flaws can foster empathy and self-reflection. Their stories serve as warnings for us today.
Embrace hope and restoration: Even after judgment, God offers hope and restoration. If you feel broken, remember that Yeshua can restore you and equip you for His purpose.
Be a minister of reconciliation: As followers of Yeshua, we are called to show the world what it looks like when God reconciles people to Himself. Act as ambassadors of His love and grace.
Avoid creating modern-day "golden calves": Identify any idols in your life – anything that takes priority over God – and remove them. This could be material possessions, comfort, status, or even self-righteousness disguised as devotion.
Take advantage of community and prayer: Engage with your faith community and don't hesitate to seek prayer and support when needed. Allow others to stand with you in your walk with God.