Plumb Line

In Amos 7:7-9, Amos talks about God setting a plumb line in the midst of Israel. A plumb line shows how straight a thing is. How true to plan. Israel has fallen short and Amos is charged with calling the nation to repentance. His call is a call to transformation. It is God’s call of love to His people. While the language is harsh, the message is clear. God loves His people and wants them to walk with Him. Amos is a living messenger, sent to show God’s love to Israel. Amos’ message still rings with clarity in our world today. How we treat people says a lot about how we live in relationship with God. Just as God forgives us, holds us accountable for our actions, shows us love and mercy, and is persistent in His pursuit of a relationship with us, we ought to treat those around us in the same way. We should look at the world around us through the eyes of God. People live in sinful situations. They need to be called to account. But there is a place for repentance and forgiveness. In the same way that God calls us to repent, He provides forgiveness, grace, and mercy. While we are called to see the sin in the world, we call the world from sin and into the presence of God, going beyond pronouncing judgment to actively encouraging people to follow Jesus.