Amos 4, 1 Thessalonians 1

Amos 4

Two things stand out to me this morning. The first: “Hear this word, you cows of Bashan on Mount Samaria, you women who oppress the poor and crush the needy and say to your husbands, "Bring us some drinks!"

The cows of Bashan were known as the fattest, laziest, most privileged cows. They were high dollar because of their tender meat. All they did was stand around and enjoy the “Fruit of the land”. God’s was likening them to these cows. Worthless, taking in with nothing to offer while alive.

His indictment: “you oppress the poor and crush the needy”.

Verse six brings the second thing to mind: "I gave you empty stomachs in every city and lack of bread in every town, yet you have not returned to me," declares the LORD.

We need to remember that in any moment, in any shortage of provision, any shortage of vision or leading, if we find ourselves in any type of need whether spiritual, emotional, or physical, we must return to the Lord.

This is a humble reminder that when we are in need, the Lord may be withholding from us for a reason. What do we need to learn? Have we found ourselves in a season of distance from our Lord? Are we being selfish? Have we because self-sufficient? Has pride slipped into our lives and taken a position of authority it should not have?

God, may we return to you each morning. Give us this day our daily bread. May we always remember your provisional love.

1 Thessalonians 1

In verse 5, Paul reminds them, “You know how we lived among you for your sake.”

In this I’m reminded of the importance of community. There is a significant role that relationship plays in the body of Christ. Not only were we created to live in community, but we were also created to flourish in community with one another in authenticity.

As leaders, this is a challenge. So often we feel the need to be fearless leaders who have no crack in our armor. Or at least I do. If we are not careful, that desire to appear without blemish (all for credibility sake) will eventually keep us isolated from those who need our authenticity. We need to be, stay, and value being among the people. May we never leave people in our wake for the sake of the cause. There will be days of leading from ahead, pushing from behind, and struggling from within.