000 Allen FMT (i-xxii) - The Presbyterian Leader

shelter to some so that we may have more than we need, but in dealing out
curse and death to others, we eventually bring it upon ourselves.
Further, Amos points out that the Israelites regard themselves as above
criticism: “They hate the one who reproves in the gate, and they abhor
the one who speaks the truth” (v. 10). The prophetic principle is that anyone
or anything can and must be criticized; to put oneself above criticism
is tantamount to idolatry. But the Israelites feel free to “trample on the
poor” on whose grain they impose heavy taxes (v. 11). They pervert justice
through bribery “and push aside the needy in the gate” (v. 12). The
gate was a square between the inner and outer walls of the city where court
was held, but instead of doing justice, says Amos, the Israelites “afflict the
righteous . . . take a bribe, and push aside the needy in the gate” (5:12).
Returning to the choice between “life and death, blessings and curses”
(Deut. 30:19), Amos exhorts his listeners: “Seek good and not evil, that
you may live; and so the LORD, the God of hosts, will be with you . . .
establish justice in the gate; it may be that the LORD ... will be gracious
to the remnant of Joseph” (vv. 14–15).
This reading is aptly paired with Mark’s story of the “rich young ruler.”
Set in a time of widespread destitution, it is a story about the conflict
between wealth and the kingdom of God: “It is easier for a camel to go
through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom
of God” (Mark 10:25). This story is also about the conditions of life
and well-being.
Proper 24 [29]/Year B
Job 38:1–7, (34–41)+ (Semicontinuous)
For comments on this passage, please see Proper 7/Year B.
Isaiah 53:4–12* (Paired)
For comments on this passage, please see Good Friday/Year A.
Proper 25 [30]/Year B
Job 42:1–6, 10–17+ (Semicontinuous)
Proper 25 [30]/Year B 195
Job 42:1–6 is Job’s reply to God’s speeches in 38:1–40:2 and 40:6–41:34.
Job asserts that God “can do all things” (42:2), and takes God’s words as