In the opening chapters of Amos, the prophet (who was a shepherd), proclaims oracles against the nations. In those oracles, the charge against each nation is that they have been inhumane to their enemies and neighbors. They are charged with failing to exercise mercy, being too heavy handed by showing no restraint in punishing those who have done them wrong, and even for disemboweling pregnant women. Once again, God pronounces judgment against them for their complete absence of the basic human attributes of justice.
Even for the world, there are basic moral principles that God expects people to live up to.
Then, much to the surprise of the prophet’s audience, the prophet turns to announce judgment against Israel. The charge against Israel, however, is that they have failed to obey—not the general laws of human nature—but God’s specific rules for them.
In sum, through Amos, God reminds Israel that they are held to a higher standard than the world. They are his chosen people, set a part for his holy purposes in bringing about redemption in a fallen world, and they, therefore, will be held accountable to a more strict set of standards than the world.
While there are some things that are perfectly fine for the world (no offense to God), it does not mean that they are fine for God’s people. God’s people go ABOVE AND BEYOND what’s expected of the world. God’s people make the sacrifice to be an unmistakably brighter light in the world.
As Paul says, all things are lawful, but not all things are helpful (1 Cor. 6:12). Are we willing, as the people of God called to partner with Him to rescue the world, to make the sacrifice to live to a higher standard for the sake of the world’s rescue?
Sacrificing what’s acceptable in order to sharpen the witness to God’s saving power is worth it.
