A sermon idea based on Amos 8:4-7.
Amos 8:4-7 NRSV
[4] Hear this, you that trample on the needy, and bring to ruin the poor of the land, [5] saying, “When will the new moon be over so that we may sell grain; and the sabbath, so that we may offer wheat for sale? We will make the ephah small and the shekel great, and practice deceit with false balances, [6] buying the poor for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals, and selling the sweepings of the wheat.” [7] The LORD has sworn by the pride of Jacob: Surely I will never forget any of their deeds.
Angle
The relevant topic I would be addressing, based on this text…
When we sense that God is upset with his people, we should check to see if we’ve been trampling on those in need and neglecting those for whom he died.
Anchor
Information about the text that matters to the message…
Amos’ prophecy was one of judgment. He continually asks the question of why does God want to judge his people? And he gives us one of several answers in this passage.
Because we’ve trampled on the needy.
And what does it look like to trample on the needy? Ultimately it is to exploit those in need and to continue to willingly benefit and gain at their cost.
Inequality was an issue in Amos’ day among the people of Israel just as it is in our day. And God’s word, to Amos, was that judgment would surely come upon his people for their neglect of doing anything to defend and aid those who were disadvantaged.
Our hearts should certainly be moved by the plight of those who cannot seem to get ahead no matter how hard they work. We must work for the flourishing of all people, especially those who have had to experience such hardship before.
Application
The big call-to-action in the message…
How can you involve yourself in the task of working toward greater equality in your own community? How can you come alongside and defend those who have been disadvantaged, disenfranchised, or marginalized?
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About the Cover Art: Photo by Martin Jernberg on Unsplash.
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