Amos 7

                                                                                            

                              AMOS:  PROPHET OF JUSTICE and RIGHTEOUSNESS

                                                                       AMOS 7                      

What is a plumb line?  What is it used for?  Read Amos 7.  There are three visions in this chapter.  What are they?  What are the consequences of each of the visions?  Vs. 7-9 is a vision of a Plumb line. What do you learn about the plumb line?  Today we may also use a level or laser for the same purpose.  

A plumb line is a “A cord from which a metal weight is suspended pointing directly to earth’s center of gravity; used to determine the vertical from a given point.”  (Dictionary, Arlex) In other words, it is a device used to ensure the straightness of a wall.  A wall that is not straight will eventually collapse.  God said:  I will test my people with this plumb line.  I will no longer ignore all their sins.  How do you determine whether something is in plumb with God’s Will?

The “Center of Gravity” ensures the plumb line is perfectly vertical and the measurement is trustworthy.  So too it is with God’s Word/Law:  giving us a foundation and measure that it trustworthy.   When followed we are plumb with the Heart of Jesus.  Visiting the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas we learned how Astronauts have to “adjust“ to the lack of gravity.  At first it is “fun,” then energy is used looking for something to hold on to.  It impacts how food is prepared and eaten and how to get rid of waste.   There is a deterioration of the bones.  NASA is preparing to send people to Mars.  Before then, there will be a need of finding a solution for osteoporosis.  I am sure there are many of you hoping that will be soon.                                                                                                        

Are we grasping for solutions other than God’s Laws as illustrated by gravity? Are we like Israel, leaving God’s Law and turning to other gods?

Notice Amos’s prayer to God on behalf of Israel, v. 2 & 5.  What did God do?  Do we intercede for our nation, family, and friends?  V. 10-17 illustrates how people may react when we talk about God’s plumb line.             

Pray:  Prayer is a powerful privilege.  Let us pray for our Nation, its leaders in all levels of Government, Business and Education that they would follow God’s Plumb Line.  Pray for your family and friends that they may know and follow God’s Word.  (Read Psalm 119:1-9)