worship and righteousness

Good morning friends,
In this morning's reading Amos addresses the wealthy women in Israel, condemning them for living luxuriously while the poor languish. Bashan was a fertile area in Israel that was famous for its well-nourished, plump cattle. And as Amos refers to, according to my study Bible the Assyrians often did lead prisoners away from conquered places with hooks through their noses.

In addition to the prophecy of doom for the people of Israel, Amos criticizes their attention to religious ritual in sarcastic terms. His point is that they do the ritual they should but in the wrong spirit because their faith doesn't influence their lives. Jesus levels a similar charge at the Pharisees much later: "Woe to you Pharisees, hypocrites, you tithe mint and cumin but have neglected the weightier matters of the law like justice. You should have done this without neglecting the other." Faith isn't just going to worship and tithing faithfully; faith is trying to live every part of our lives by God's values, especially justice for all people.

God bless,
Sam

Amos 4:1-5
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!” 2The 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. 3Through breaches in the wall you shall leave, each one straight ahead; and you shall be flung out into Harmon, says the Lord. 4Come to Bethel—and transgress; to Gilgal—and multiply transgression; bring your sacrifices every morning, your tithes every three days; 5bring a thank-offering of leavened bread, and proclaim freewill offerings, publish them; for so you love to do, O people of Israel! says the Lord God.