Monday, August 01, 2005

Being grieved by the affliction of Joseph. As descendents of the family of Joseph, Jews knew his story. Reckoned for dead by his father, sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused and imprisoned by the Egyption ruler. Never lashing out, always the suffering servant as a shadow of Christ - The suffering servant! Who are these Jews addressed by Amos? They live luxurious lives having no memory of the price Joseph paid for their ultimate freedom from bondage. Why don't they consider the suffering that one man, Joseph, endured for their freedom?

Amos' message should remind us of the afflictions of our suffering servant, Jesus.

Amos 6:3 Ye that put far away the evil day, and cause the seat of violence to come near; Amos 6:4 That lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall; Amos 6:5 That chant to the sound of the viol, and invent to themselves instruments of music, like David; Amos 6:6 That drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph.