Advent, Week 2: The Plumb-Line

Today's readings: Ps 122, 145, Amos 7:1-9, Rev 1:1-8, Matt 22:23-33

When we read Old Testament prophets like Amos, God may seem pretty keen on destroying Israel. Seven or so major prophets (depending on which version of the Bible you read) and a dozen minor ones are dedicated to spreading the message of possible destruction. Since Israel actually was destroyed more than once, to us these prophets may seem to be preaching a foregone conclusion. But each of these prophets – and God – were actually focusing on a message of repentance. Today’s passage from Amos tells us God was not only willing to forgive Israel, but that they willfully ignored the opportunity for God to save them.

In Amos’ vision, God responds to Amos’ pleas for mercy by relenting not once but twice from destroying Israel, first by famine (via locust) and second by fire. Prophetic visions are like dreams: packed with symbolism. So when God appears a third time and hangs a plumb-line from the city wall, it is not a judgment on their masonry skills. God wants Amos to remind Israel there is a standard against which their lives are measured. If they don’t meet the standard – if the foundations and walls of their lives are unbalanced, crooked and ready to topple – God doesn’t need to send natural disasters to crush them. They will implode thanks to their own carelessness. And Amos has been telling us they have been “careless” in every sense of the word, neither building their own lives in accordance with God’s blueprint, nor caring for the poor and needy as God requires.

If we held God’s plumb-line up to our own lives, would our construction be straight and true, or would the work be shoddy? God doesn’t present us with a standard for the purpose of harsh judgment, but to protect us from ourselves and our own tendencies toward carelessness. Conscience is the plumb-line God has instilled in each of us. When faced with difficulty or desire, we can be very skilled at ignoring that plumb-line, but we do so at risk of eventual self-destruction. When we use a plumb-line, we need to give it time to settle before it is accurate. If we use our consciences in the same way, not making snap decisions but waiting to be pointed in the most reliable direction, our walls will be strong and true.

Comfort: God provides all the tools we need.

Challenge: When making hard decisions, wait to hear your conscience.

Prayer: God of Peace, make my path straight and true.

Evening reading: Ps 40, 67



Discussion question:
When have you found it hard to follow your conscience?