Chapter 1

 

THE PLUMB-LINE, THE PROPHET AND THE PRONOUNCEMENTS 

THE PARALLEL SITUATION: THEN AND NOW -
8th century B.C. and 21st century A.D.

Recently there has appeared evidence of a back to morals, back to responsibilities regimen on various fronts. In Australia in the past week, we have a journalist talking of the need to return from multicultural platitudes^*1 to moral certainties, and to have a due sense of justice and participation in work, not mere allowance for alienation. Prime Minister John Howard  meanwhile, in the USA,  has said that the only future for aborigines here is to become participants in mainstream Australian life. This means that they must learn, work and share responsibility. In England, there has been a new move for Britishness to be focussed, even the thought of having a ceremony or training in what it means to belong to such a country as that. Again, another spoke in a broadcast of the need for a GLUE to hold things to together in Britain, one people, one morality, one religion, one meeting place and one quality product.

All of this is not for nothing. The vacuity that took legs to a paraglide and finding some political wind, moved wherever it went, enjoying the process before the crash, the fun of the sixties and the flirtation of the seventies, the labours of the eighties and the wild political forces of the nineties, has brought us to the amoral 21st century; but though some rejoice in being beasts, others prefer being human. Man can play the chameleon, being in the image of God, his Creator. Hence after this long mission into intermission, legging it from law and being bored with truth, there has come the desire for some kind of order, law, morality, realism, responsibility.

In Britain, then the concept is Britishness. But what is this ?

The reference to 'one religion' suggests something. Not dead is the old sense of a national Church which while not dominating, would indicate the direction of flow in all undefined areas, and much for assumption in those more defined. It might hark back to the nation which met the Spanish Armadas, and conquered an Empire, bringing no small good as well as some evil; and indeed, it suggests that its old ways are coming back into vogue.

Yet the Church of England has fallen, over more than half a century, into something far worse than a bag for differences, with a strong evangelical segment. It has reached the point of active regard for homosexual 'Christians', even Church workers, even sponsoring a communion for them, as such, in Canterbury. Thus it is in obvious collision with the prophets and Paul (cf. I Timothy 1:10, I Corinthians 5 and 6).  

Romans 16:17 shows what to do, then: AVOID them. Thus the OLD WAYS are simply not available in the old fashion. Jeremiah 20:20-27 makes an announcement concerning a parallel situation in the prophet's own day.

"The anger of the LORD shall not return, until He has executed, and till He has performed the thoughts of His heart: in the latter days you shall consider it perfectly.

"I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them,
yet they prophesied. But if they had stood in My counsel,
and had caused My people to hear My words,
then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.

"Am I a God at hand, says the LORD, and not a God afar off?
Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? says the LORD.
Do not I fill heaven and earth? says the LORD.
 

"I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying,
‘I have dreamed, I have dreamed’.

"How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies?
yes, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart;
who think to cause my people to forget My name by their dreams..."

Notice that in the later era, the false prophet business will reach its climax: that is now (cf. Answers to Questions Ch. 5, SMR Ch. 8).

What then of the speaking as if by the authority of God to mankind, what is not in the Book of the Lord ? Does not Jeremiah 23 make the distinction about those not called who ran, and between the hammer and what it breaks, the word of God and that of man, dreams and reality, God's proclamation and man's intimation!

As you see illustrated in practical terms, in Leviticus 10 and Numbers 16, for example, dissociation from rebellion and revisionism, both in heart and in company, from misspeaking in the name of the Lord, what is really a combination of slander and plagiarism, mixed with rebellion, is to be expected. It is another army with another leader, finding it convenient to invoke Christ or some pseudo-christ to fill out their emptiness, inspire their baseless thoughts, for want of better, or for sentimental attachment, in some cases, to what they have rejected, whether or not this fact has dawned on them (cf.  Light Dwells with the Lord’s Christ, Reason, Revelation and the Redeemer, SMR pp. 253ff., 257ff., 270ff., 686ff., 699ff., 380ff.).

It is no small mischief, as if a major added to, revised or 'interpreted' with inventive hand the words of his General! Small wonder the Bible multiply instructs the people of God, the Christian body, to avoid them (cf. Chapter 3 below).  

Some would add to Christ with fateful pseudo-authority contrary in entirety to Matthew 23:8, as if interpreting Dickens by Stalin, and either make up a ‘christ’ to fit, or are their own messiahs, or mess-mates of the same, using the name of Christ like a fraudulent signature on a false cheque. In one way or another, for this entire genre, God must fit man, and when they are not battering truth in outright belligerence to the very concept, or making history the pawn of imagination, then they are simply deeming truth itself to be irrelevant, as they meaninglessly and nevertheless tell it ‘like it is’, intoxicated with effervescent irrationality.

Some of these surge without stopping into inventive experientialism or even religiously oriented existentialism fashioning invisible connections with artful prose, to what their themes and thoughts abhor. That is as 'a dream' as God derisively puts it - for when He speaks, He indicates, it is like a lion roaring and when He sends, it is His people, all of one, for One, by One.

It is one God, one message, one truth, never altering its principles, always focussing on redemption from the very earliest creation, disposing its means in complementary and uncomplimentary presentation as from a faithful physician. It is all one in the end: keep to the Book  ^*2 (Isaiah 34:16),  or ask to be forsaken!

It is not just inclination but action that is needed; for if you are ashamed of the practical realities of the Lord, why should you not be classed with those who mouth their mischief! (Luke 9:26) ?

Notice that in the later era, the false prophet business will reach its climax: that is now (cf. Answers to Questions Ch. 5, SMR Ch. 8). We even have some trying to establish 'orthodoxy' by appealing from an experiential emphasis to Rome as criterion!

The perversity in turning from the eternal laws of God has become so vast and vulgar, in State and in Churches in no small degree, that you are now having this reaction towards SOME sort or other of morality, responsibility, some rule, something whatever it may be, to which people can look, which will bind them and allow for orderly and peaceable productivity on the one hand, and direction of flow or even some pseudo-faith, some subjective equilibrium, on the other.

  In Israel of old, this meant nature worship - and organic evolution is simply a modern, fallacious example of this attempt to make the book of life write itself. Likewise, fads and fables were more organised in false religions, then as it is now, and surrounded with lust. Moreover, just as religious fronts are now often allied with this secular sect, so arrogant and dictatorial in the schools and colleges and universities, so we have a situation just like that of Israel of old. Then they burnt children in the idolatrous fires, and now the cults of man are no less appalling in their movement towards ideological genocide of youth.

The modern moral moments in society continue to move to and fro; but the calamity continues.

Let us then see what Amos in Amos 4, was told about this; and then looking to Amos 7, see something of the end of it all. Thus is history made useful by the word of God, which it is our business to study and to apply.  

 

THE CHARGE - Amos 4:1-10

Amos 4 provides this. They were a people prone to "oppress the poor," and to "crush the needy", with women inviting their husbands to drinking sessions. Religiously they were no less arrogantly adventurous.

“Come to Bethel and transgress!" they would exhort each other. That is, let us go to the well-known sites of the past and with superb religious zeal, twist even religious ceremonies to purposes of panache. They were all talk and no walk. They would overdo the commandments of form, and underdo those of reality and love and sincerity. They were religious swanks, ethical frauds and God had already chastened them with too little rain, uncertain distribution of it, sacrificial wars and disease; but they did not listen.

These afflictions, God says in Amos 4, after so many critiques earlier, are from the Lord, who not only forms mountains, the Creator, but "declares to man what His thought is" - a fact that is most manifest in this book from first to last. Indeed, it revolves about this fact, here made into a self-characterisation by God Himself. HE creates on the one hand and He speaks, on the other; and what He has made, man, does well to listen for to man HE DECLARES WHAT HIS THOUGHT IS! As we proceed through the book, we find what man does, in reply!

The modern moral moments in society continue to move to and fro; but the calamity continues.

Note in passing that in Chapter 4, God has told them of a sequence of steps by which He had sought to warn them: you see this in Amos 4:8-10. THIS warns us to beware of things that hurt, upset, seem contrary, and to estimate them not too readily as mere humour or annoying trials in triplicate, but to be ready to ponder before the Lord whether these things are in fact cautions, warnings, to move us to what is right which we may be neglecting!

 

THE CHASTISEMENT - Amos 7:1-6

We should observe now in Amos 7:1-6. that the question of actual punishment, as distinct from so many warnings arises. Amos sees three visions and intercedes for Israel. The first was that of devastating swarms of locusts at work in the crop. Amos cried, "O Lord God, forgive, I pray. Oh that Jacob might stand, for he is small." (Jacob stands simply for his descendants, Israel). God relents in the vision, and declares that this, then, would not happen.

In the next vision,  you see fire devouring Israel's territory. Again the prophet intercedes. "O Lord God, cease, I pray! Oh that Jacob may stand, for he is small." Again the Lord relents. Notice how the prophet calls attention to varied features in his cry of prayer, and realise that such prayer is integumental to the operation of a church. It is not just for then: it is for NOW! (see SMR Ch. 8, Answers to Questions Ch. 5).

In the third vision, there is seen the Lord Himself with a plumb-line in His hand. This is the now old-fashioned, simple use of gravity on string with lead attached. It shows what is upright, and what is not, by contrast with itself. What do you see ? the Lord asks of the prophet. He replies, A plumb-line. "Behold," the Lord responds, "I am setting a plumb line in the midst of My people, Israel."  

 

THE  CERTAINTY - Amos 7:7-9

What then ? It is this. There is to be no more palaver or intercession. They are crooked and having had long years to repent, their unrighteousness is useless for building. They must be broken down now!

While Amos was prophesying in Israel to the North, in the commencement of his prophecy we find reference to Judah also. In fact, in due course Israel was destroyed so that it ceased to be a nation, and only the South, a section that used to be part of it, remained. Even this later on, was taken away in exile by Babylon, to be returned 70 years later as Jeremiah had foretold (Jeremiah 25) by the archeologically famous King Cyrus, whose action in this way is attested by the equally famous Cyrus cylinder, which spells out his orders for their return, after his empire had defeated that of the Babylonians.

God always does precisely what He says; and it is well therefore, while the time for intercession remains for anyone,  to seek Him starkly. In the case of Moses as in Exodus 32:31ff. and 33:12ff., you may recall that that prophet interceded successfully for the continuation of Israel, through staggering divine mercy. THAT was on the occasion of their actually having a golden calf made, as if to desire the past things, like a dog returning to its vomit!

They continued, until they refused to enter the promised land when it was right in front of them, with miracles mounting like high hills in all their way from Egypt. 40  years in the desert was the result for that, and God brought in their CHILDREN. However, today is the day, and we need to act in all our affairs with godliness and holiness, now, not passing over our generation, but acting! (II Corinthians 6:1ff.).

 

NO PROPHET BECOMES A SECULAR SERVANT   
NO WORD OF GOD BECOMES VOID  - Amos 7:12-16

What however of Amos ? He had done quite enough to outrage the king. Luther had the same sort of problem with the Holy Roman Empire's head, Charles V, who could not prove him wrong, but instead, after 100 days from the time of the meeting, gave every rogue, murderer, thief and villain authority to assault, slay Luther, if he were still in the Empire. Luther was kidnapped by a kindly prince and instead proceeded with a now famous translation of the Bible into German.

In Amos’ day,  the priest in Israel, Amaziah told the King that Jeremiah "has conspired against you." He added this, "The land is not able to bear all his words." "Go seer!" he cried, "flee to the land of Judah." But Amos has a vision, a call and an authority from God. Despite the confusion of some, authority is not gained from man but from God Himself in His work! "Never again prophesy at Bethel." This is the place of the king! Amaziah cried. Begone!

Amos, in reply declared, "I was no prophet, nor was I a son of a prophet, but I was a sheep-breeder ... Then the Lord took me as I followed the flock, and the Lord said to me, ‘Go,  prophesy to My people Israel.’ " Listen, said Amos, to what the Lord now has to tell you. YOU are telling me "Do not prophesy against Israel. and stop dribbling against the house of Israel." At that, Amos foretold that Amaziah's own wife would become a harlot in the city, his sons would be slain by the sword, the land would be divided by conquerors and Israel would be led away captive.  As Peter and John, the apostles put it when confronted in their own New Testament times, in responding to the scolding, fulminating priests: "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, judge for yourselves."

Back of Amos was the Lord; and back of Peter and John was the resurrection, on time, in power, the State, a mere human institution,  being quite incapable of keeping its 'man', the 'Son of man' in its sight, even after He died!

Livingly, the word of God has been sent via Moses and many prophets, via the nation of Israel as in Romans 9, and it has been embodied in incarnation in Jesus Christ, deity, the express image of His person, who was raised in the power of God in His foretold breach of that judgment on Himself (Hosea 13:!4). That written word is now sent via both Testaments, the one the preparation and the other the consummation. Jesus Christ is presented to all, through the Old and the New, through the power of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19-20, Ephesians 3:16) through whom both were written (cf. I Peter 1:11-12, I Cor. 2:9ff.), whether they will hear or not!

Man ? he fails and fades like the Summer grass, says I Peter; but the word of the Lord endures for ever. Keep therefore to it, fear nothing and no one but God, and that with a clean fear; and live in Him who being eternal, provides eternity as the home for His people (John 11:25). This, it is not in vague poetry, but in living reality, His people equipped as He was. His body, even before He was glorified was a new one that COULD walk  in the old paths. It was one able to eat, to be touched, to speak and to teach, and to remember vividly earthly detail, though He was pointing to a new heavens and a new earth, where He with the Father would assume power over the living and the dead. Death itself a mere relic, its power broken, covered by Calvary for those who are His (Heb. 2).

If you want the comfort of the Lord, His presence and power, grace and devotion, faithfulness and the lilt of His love, then consider first Amos. He was unpopular ? Yes, but so are some cricketers with each other, and so are some politicians, some justly, some unjustly because th ey seek what the people do not realise is for their good.

Unpopularity can be borne: it is far better than being unpopular with your own conscience, and above all, with your God. Amos was told to scat, undignified, derisive. Sure, but what does it matter if you are not accorded dignity ? If in an assembly of rats, you were told you were not a rat, would you feel humiliated ? Besides, that we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, so why be concerned if some court being judged with the very same level of harshness which they autonomously proclaim about others!

Again, notice how Amos did not SEEK greatness, IF you can call it greatness to be a spokesman for the Lord, either in the writing or in the application of the word of God. It is fine to serve God in ANY capacity, so long as you do so with Him as your spiritual friend. Better bring paints to Raphael or Titian, or Turner, than dominate a pavement artistry. He KNEW what he was FOR and he DID it! That is a glorious state of affairs when and if you love the One who made you. There is comfort in that. What! you want more than being cherished, used, directed, enabled, in peace amid war, in power amid puny princes, loving amidst hate, seeking good amongst evil, souls to be delivered for ever among the lost ? You are satisifed ? Then be comforted, for look at Matthew 5, BLESSED are you when persecuted and delivere up to all manner of slander, for Christ's sake. It is hard to dig a hole without dirt being around you, and where a spade is required, so is energy and application. Is this a bad thing ? Would you sit in kings' palaces, sopping up wine and intrigue!

 

Love not this world, and its glamour, its power and its politics: it goes (Matthew 24:35). Neither fear it nor savour it. Rejoice in the King, in His creation, in His salvation, living by faith in Him: touch no vain thing and find His will so that, joy overflowing, you may with honour acquit yourself of the privilege of knowing God, and living for ever in His saving presence (Romans 12:1-2).

Would you rather be attacked for being a hated light that shows truth or amidst the odious revulsions of deluded souls ? Truth is its own reward, BECAUSE God is love, because Christ IS the truth, because with the Way and the Life, He is author and we are recipients. A life written into being by that hand, be it that of Amos or the once atrociously violent persecutor of Christians, Saul, who became the apostle Paul, has the beauty of the personal presence of the Writer!

In Amos 9:13ff., you see the end of the matter. The people of Abraham, after all, come back to their land, to their heritage, to their God, to His grace, after all their wonderings. It is well in the end, when faith intervenes, and God is found, for love is stronger than death, and the love of God is master over all of history, through its follies to its terminus, which for His people, is Himself where individuality and personality, spirituality and godliness, peace and wonder remain as at the first, but now, face to face (Revelation 22).

Be comforted, then, you who seek Him, for He is there to be found (Isaiah 55), and by repentance and faith (Luke 13, Romans 3:23ff., 5:1ff.), He is as clear as a citadel in the city, the lofty rock eminent behind the city, the mirroring surface of the ocean in its calm.