Do two walk together, unless they have agreed to meet?
Amos 3:3 (ESV)
David’s Wednesday Word:
A few days ago, Debbie asked if I would join her and our youngest grandson for a walk on our property. I immediately agreed. It was a beautiful day in Kansas! Absolutely!
If I had not agreed—if my answer had not been “Yes”—we would not have walked together.
That sounds obvious.
Amos was a shepherd. He was used to walking! God called him to speak prophetic words, and in chapter 3 he addressed the northern kingdom of Israel.
He exposed their transgressions.
Israel was part of God’s chosen people, but strength and prosperity had contributed to complacency. The nation had embraced idolatry, and God was not pleased.
Amos asked a series of questions with seemingly obvious answers. One of the most sobering was, “Does disaster come to a city, unless the LORD has done it?”
That question makes me uncomfortable.
It causes me to reflect on my own nation. More importantly, it causes me to reflect on my own life.
Has my society embraced idolatry? Have I?
I need to be careful with my answer. But when I examine my own life, I recognize that the answer can be “Yes.”
So many things can tempt me: money, achievements, family, health, comfort, control, approval, politics, possessions, entertainment, knowledge, ministry, independence, even clinging to the past.
That is a long list.
And almost everything on it can be good. But a good thing can become an idol when I give it the place that belongs to God.
Amos reminds me that idolatry matters. Turning from God has consequences, whether for individuals or societies.
I cannot begin by pointing at everyone else.
It starts with me.
I must identify and let go of my own idols. Then I can more faithfully encourage others to examine what may be competing with God in their lives.
Prayer: Dear God, thank You for Your love, even when Your correction can be difficult. When I turn good things into idols, I can move away from Your plans and purposes for me. Help me identify anything that has taken Your rightful place. I choose to trust You, let go of my idols, and rest in Your presence.
— David Beauchamp
Temporary Ministries
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