Amos 8:1-12
Amos sure is a barrel of laughs - or is that a basket of laughs.
The imagery painted in this section of Amos is remarkably contrast. The chapter begins with a vision of a basket of Summer fruit. The basket would have been filled with seasonal delicacies such as grapes, olives, dates, figs, and pomegranates. Add some mango and pineapple and we have the makings of a great fruit salad.
However, the image of sweet, refreshing fruit is not what Amos' vision is meant to relay. God is showing Amos that the harvest has already happened and those who were worthy have already been taken. God once again reminds Amos that for those who remain, there will be no more pass overs, no longer will God protect the people of Israel from the results of their decisions.
This time, however, God goes a step further and says not only will God stand by and watch the people of Israel suffer but that God's guidance will also be taken away. God, by removing God's word, is in a sense making a complete withdrawal from the people of Israel.
Those of us in a relationship might understand this better as being given the silent treatment. Trust me, there is nothing worse than the silent treatment. There is just some kind of soulful disruption that happens when your partner is in the house, but neither participates in the daily activities or says a word about anything. It's like they are there, but they're not.
Sometimes these silent times can last an hour, sometimes they can last a day, and sometimes they can last a whole lot longer. How long it lasts is really up to you. Once you figure out what you did wrong (believe me it can be more than one thing) and admit to your wrong-doing with a sincere apology, the silence begins to lessen until all are living with harmony in the same house. This is Amos' ultimate message: know what you're doing wrong, admit it, and God will return.
Until then I hope you like the quiet.
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