7 July 2021 – Amos 7:7-8 (NIV)
Scripture
7 This is what he showed me: The Lord was standing by a wall that had been built true to plumb, with a plumb line in his hand. 8 And the Lord asked me, “What do you see, Amos?”
“A plumb line,” I replied.
Then the Lord said, “Look, I am setting a plumb line among my people Israel; I will spare them no longer.
Reflection
A plumb line is an instrument used to ensure a structure is centered. It’s a weight suspended from a string used as a vertical reference line. For the builder, to build following the guidance of the plumb line is to ensure that everything is right, justified and centered; there is a standard to be followed.
In today’s passage we read about God’s decision to carry out judgment over the people of Israel (specifically the Northern Kingdom), who have been guilty of complacency, idolatry and of oppressing the poor. In the previous chapters it talked about God’s judgment on Israel’s neighboring nations, but then we see that God’s measure is the same for all.
God is just and merciful. His correction comes with a promise of restoration (Amos 9:11-15). We are called to be wise people, lining up our lives according to His plumb line.
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in your current situation
Prayer
In this time of isolation people need connection more than ever. Thinking through the day ahead, I ask the Lord to put particular people on my heart to call. To give me opportunities to smile and wave to those I might pass in the street. To help me love and listen to those I meet -even if it’s only online