July 10: Resistance Stories - Amos 5:21-25 - Let justice roll….
Reflect
Amos identifies himself as a shepherd and cultivator of sycamore-fig trees. He warns of coming judgment on the people of Israel and Judah. Using dates of the kings he mentions, we know he delivered his message between 760-755 BCE. Amos calls the nation to repentance for the ways the rich take advantage of the poor, saying the judgment will take the shape of extended drought and famine.
How does this background affect...
July 10: Resistance Stories - Amos 5:21-25 - Let justice roll….
Reflect
Amos identifies himself as a shepherd and cultivator of sycamore-fig trees. He warns of coming judgment on the people of Israel and Judah. Using dates of the kings he mentions, we know he delivered his message between 760-755 BCE. Amos calls the nation to repentance for the ways the rich take advantage of the poor, saying the judgment will take the shape of extended drought and famine.
How does this background affect your understanding of his image of justice rolling down like water and righteousness like an ever flowing steam? How does this metaphor speak to you about justice and righteousness?
Connect
If Amos were alive today, what do you think his observations about life in our city/state/country might be?
Who are some people you consider to be modern-day prophets—men and women willing to challenge the powerful and speak up for the marginalized?
Act
Think about a specific issue that angers and/or confuses you (E.g. racism and discrimination, unequal treatment/opportunities/pay based on one’s identities, poverty, manipulation, war, hunger, etc.).
Then, narrow down your issue or issues using these guiding questions:
- Specifically, what makes you feel angry and/or confused about this issue?
- Think about a specific context and/or population that is directly affected.
- Reflect on how you and/or your community are affected by this issue. What is your and/or your community’s personal experience regarding this issue? What are some similarities and/or differences? (through journaling, a contemplative walk, a conversation with a friend, etc.)
Finally, research specific organizations and resources and think of tangible and direct actions that your community could engage in today that would help educate and raise awareness. Share with your community and make an action plan together.
Factoid
Biblical prophets were not fortune tellers, but were individuals who spoke on behalf of God, typically calling the nation to repentance. They spoke truth to power. Frequently they began their message with warnings, but ended with a word of hope for restoration. Sixteen prophets lend their names to books of the Bible. Amos was one of the so-called minor prophets. This designation was not a reflection on the importance of their messages, but the relative brevity of the books.
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