Scripture: Amos 2:6-7 

Meditation: The Old Testament prophets are full of the stories of various nations / societies, as well as God’s chosen people, taking advantage of or ignoring the needs of the poor, oppressed, and marginalized. This theme occurs over and over throughout these books, as we will see in these next three passages. The conclusion from these books is clear: God desires justice and mercy. He longs for all of His creation to be treated justly and for nations and societies to uphold justice.  

In this short passage, we see two examples of oppression: treating people like property who can be sold and traded casually, and trampling on — or overlooking — the poor. For this to happen, the oppressor is acting in privilege, seeking the material (silver, sandals) over the welfare of a human being. There is an economy or a system that enables him to exercise privilege, while another person is oppressed.  

While Amos is warning against these actions, it is not just individuals he is calling out. He is warning Israel — a nation and society. God sees systems and widespread practices of injustice and calls the nation to repent and change its ways. This is true throughout the books of the prophets. God desires just systems and societies, not just personal righteousness.   

Where do you see yourself in this passage, if at all? As privileged? As oppressed? What is your desire for society and our nation based on this passage?  

Pray: Lord help me see our society through your eyes. Where there is injustice, give me courage to call it out. Where I need to repent, give me courage to do so, and cover me with your immeasurable grace.