Through history God has called people to speak words of truth and judgement to people of great power. In this Sunday’s first reading the prophet Amos is ridiculed by one of the “official” prophets of Israel. Contrary to the words of the court prophet, Amos proclaims that Israel is not treating the poor of the land the way God has called them to. This message was not well received, and Amos was banished from the holy city of Jerusalem.
Centuries later John the Baptist spoke against King Herod. The offense of Herod was well documented, but hard for Herod to hear. As a result of John speaking truth to Herod he was put in prison and ultimately put to death. These two extreme examples point out the danger of speaking the truth in a world that would rather make up its own facts.
We often feel alone when we hear official statements that are contrary to the scriptural truth we know. It can be dangerous to say that the official statements are not true, but the prophets called by God to proclaim God’s judgement still must speak. Amos had to tell Israel that it had broken the law of God by not providing for the poor of her land. John the Baptist had to proclaim that Herod had broken the law of God by taking his brother’s wife as his own.
Still today people of God need to speak truth to power. We are called by scripture to proclaim that it is God’s will that all people in need be cared for by the people of God. We are called by Scripture to proclaim that it is God’s will that those in power be held to all the standards of God’s law. All creatures are equal under the law of God.
Thanks be to God.
Pastor Bill