1 Hear this word, you cows of Bashan who are on Mount Samaria, who oppress the poor, who crush the needy, who say to their husbands, "Bring something to drink!" 2 The Lord GOD has sworn by his holiness: The time is surely coming upon you, when they shall take you away with hooks,
even the last of you with fishhooks. 3 Through breaches in the wall you shall leave, each one straight ahead; and you shall be flung out into Harmon, says the LORD.
(Occupy Wallstreet Protesters)
Thoughts: This is a condemnation of the women of Israel. Amos speaks derogatively of them- calling them cows. This was not a compliment, as the cow was seen as big, clumsy and uncaring. In our day women's drinking is readily accepted, and we see it daily on TV. But in those days, leading women did not overindulge in drinking. They were apathetic to the poor. They focused only on their own needs and overindulgence. Perhaps the protests on Wallstreet are wake up calls to the very rich to care about the needy and the jobless. Both the Teaparty and Occupy Wallstreet are trying to send a message. If the gap is too wide between the rich and the poor, then the poor will rise up. But the Lord cares for the poor when others ignore them. Scripture reminds us that we did not get everything we have simply by our own strength- by ourselves. God gives us life, time, talents, brain/braun, doors open, so that we are blessed when we are successful. To ignore the poor, congratulating ourselves, is also to ignore what God has done for those who have much. We are called to be generous to those in need- ideally not because we are forced to do so.
Prayer: Help me, O Lord to be generous, considerate, kind- much more than I would be if I were alone- apart from you.
even the last of you with fishhooks. 3 Through breaches in the wall you shall leave, each one straight ahead; and you shall be flung out into Harmon, says the LORD.
(Occupy Wallstreet Protesters)Thoughts: This is a condemnation of the women of Israel. Amos speaks derogatively of them- calling them cows. This was not a compliment, as the cow was seen as big, clumsy and uncaring. In our day women's drinking is readily accepted, and we see it daily on TV. But in those days, leading women did not overindulge in drinking. They were apathetic to the poor. They focused only on their own needs and overindulgence. Perhaps the protests on Wallstreet are wake up calls to the very rich to care about the needy and the jobless. Both the Teaparty and Occupy Wallstreet are trying to send a message. If the gap is too wide between the rich and the poor, then the poor will rise up. But the Lord cares for the poor when others ignore them. Scripture reminds us that we did not get everything we have simply by our own strength- by ourselves. God gives us life, time, talents, brain/braun, doors open, so that we are blessed when we are successful. To ignore the poor, congratulating ourselves, is also to ignore what God has done for those who have much. We are called to be generous to those in need- ideally not because we are forced to do so.
Prayer: Help me, O Lord to be generous, considerate, kind- much more than I would be if I were alone- apart from you.
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