Old Testament reading: Amos 6-7
“Woe to you who are at ease in Zion!” The prophet condemns both nations for their lack of concern for spiritual matters. The people of Israel and Judah were on religious auto-pilot. They did not consider their idleness or the coming judgment of God (vv 3-8). In this text is an interesting condemnation of those who “invent for yourselves musical instruments like David.” Adam Clarke unashamedly points to this text as proof that David was not authorized by God to introduce instrumental music into the temple worship. Moses certainly never authorized such into the worship of Israel. I have often asked of those who point to David in defense of their use in worship, “Can you name another place in the Bible where a good thing is used as a condemning example?” I have yet to receive a reply or defense. In Amos 7:7-8 we find the famous plumb line. A plumb line is a string with a weight attached to one end. It is held from a roof or elevated position to measure or ensure verticality in building a wall. Gravity doesn’t lie; the plumb line is always true. God’s plumb line is His word. All words or deeds must be measured against it (cf Col 3:17).
New Testament reading: Colossians
I don’t know about you, but too many times I get caught up in aggravation or a mild pity party if I allow myself to think about a perceived lack of recognition for any service rendered to the church or community. Paul has the remedy for such in Colossians 3:23-34, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance, for you serve the Lord Christ.” I’ve gotta remember whom I’m serving. If a lack of notoriety is a problem for me, I am likely serving the wrong person. Jesus warned against such in Matthew 6:1-4. However, I don’t have to sound a trumpet to make my deeds known to other. I can “toot my own horn” by nonchalantly mentioning my deeds in casual conversation or somehow insert such into some story I’m telling. The Hebrews writer reminds us that God is not unrighteous to forget any work and labor of love that we show toward his name. So let us be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the Lord’s work, for our labor in the Lord is not in vain.
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