Final Midweek Bible Study during Lent
St Matthew with St Chad Church, Windmill Lane, Smethwick
Thursday, 10.45am on 21st March 2024
Today’s reading from the Bible, Amos 2v21-24: I hate, and despise your religious festivals; your assemblies are a stench to me. Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them. Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream! New International Version – UK
A comment for today: God called Amos and gave him this message to take to the northern Kingdom of Israel in about the 8th century BC. Amos did not count himself as a prophet but did take the message. In the reading we hear that God is really upset by the behaviour of his chosen people for they were misusing their power and wealth by taking advantage of the helpless, oppressing the poor and misusing women. The reading, like the whole book of Amos, tells us about God’s passion for justice and God’s anger with injustice. It also tells us about the importance of social justice and worship that is acceptable to God.
Taking time to ponder
Read and re-read the Bible reading then ask yourself the following questions:
Do you think that there things that God wants us to stop doing as his Church?
Do you think that there things that God wants us to start doing as his Church?
If so, who will you tell? Now offer what you have thought about to God and then say the pray that follows.
Closing Prayer: Dear God, we come before you today with open hearts and minds, seeking your guidance and wisdom. We thank you for your justice and mercy and pray that we do your will by seeking justice and righteousness in all that we do. We pray for the oppressed and marginalized, bring them comfort and hope. We pray for the wealthy and powerful, may they use their resources to help those in need. We pray for our leaders, that they will govern with wisdom and compassion. Help us Lord to be faithful to you, even when it is difficult. Give us courage to stand up for what is right. Amen