Proper 27 | Year A | Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25; Psalm 78:1-7; Amos 5:18-24 | Christopher Miner
This quote, of course, is a famous line from The Princess Bride. If you don't recognize this reference, stop reading and go watch The Princess Bride. The whole thing. Seriously. Do it right now - it's an hour and a half long and this can wait.
Actually, even if you've seen it you have my blessing to go watch it again. It's worth it.
You're back? Glad to see you - isn't that a great movie? And now you know the reference for the title!
Inigo says this line to Vizzinni when he keeps using the word 'inconceivable'. I'm pretty sure Vezzinni was actually using the word correctly, but now whenever someone misuses a word this runs through my head. And the concept fits a theme running through the Old Testament readings this week. (That's called a segue in the business. Slick, huh?)
In the Joshua passage we see the famous 'choose this day' line you'll find on many a sign in certain stores that sell home decorations (hint: it rhymes with Snobby Bobby). What's interesting is that Joshua asks the Israelites if they will serve God, they say yes, and he essentially says "No you won't!" But they insist they will serve God and Joshua gives in, saying they are 'witnesses against themselves' (Joshua 24:22) if they follow other gods and do not keep his commands.
Psalm 78 follows, which takes the form of God speaking directly to Israel, telling them to pass on his commands, laws, decrees, and stories to the next generation, and they to the next generation. Why? "[S]o that they should set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments." Essentially this is a reminder to keep the covenant they made with Joshua and to pass it on to their children and grandchildren.
Then we get to Amos, which offers a progress report on how Israel is doing with their Godly covenant. Short version: not well.
I hate, I despise your festivals, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies.
Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept
them; and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals I will not look upon.
Take away from me the noise of your songs; I will not listen to the melody of your harps.
But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.
Amos 5:21-24
The people of Israel had pledged to serve God and follow his ways. They were instructed to pass these instructions down to their children so they would not forget what God had done for them. And often they did pass things down, but if you read through the stories it seems what was passed down were the specific details of how to sacrifice animals, and when to celebrate certain festivals, and what songs to sing. But what they didn't pass down was an understanding of who God had called them to be - a people of justice (in the sense of making things right with others and the world) and righteousness (or 'covenant faithfulness', being true to the God who had redeemed them with compassion and love, and living in the same way). Amos, in a way, is telling Israel, "You keep using words like justice, righteousness, and covenant. I do not think they mean what you think they mean. Actually, I know they don't mean what you think they mean!"
We in the church are in danger of missing these things just as much as the people of Israel. We pass along songs and rituals, theological ideas and church polity instructions, but do we pass along what (or better, who) they are meant to serve? Do we pass along that those things, good and important as the are, aren't what God is after if that's all we have? Do we accidentally/on purpose miss the times when Jesus demonstrates radical love to enemies, traitors, criminals and outcasts? Do we miss the ways Jesus and the apostles challenged the social order of their time by creating a new way of living together based on faith in God's provision, love of people as God's images, and sacrificial hospitality?
Holy Spirit, give us ears to hear when you tell us, "I do not think that means what you think it means."
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