I will bring about the restoration of my people Israel;
they shall rebuild and inhabit their ruined cities,
Plant vineyards and drink the wine,
set out gardens and eat the fruits.
I will plant them upon their own ground;
never again shall they be plucked
From the land I have given them,
say I, the Lord, your God. (Amos 9:14-15)
God’s people waited a long time for the fulfillment of a number of prophecies. Many of them centered around the hope, as stated in the reading from Amos this morning, that they would, once again, be a people who had a land to call their own.
Remember, these were a people who, for many generations, were without a land. They had found themselves in slavery, toiling under the rule of Egypt.
When they were released from Egypt, they wandered for a long time in desert lands, being assailed by many tribes and nations.
Their future looked bleak.
They had no place to call their own.
But, God promised them a place and it was that place for which they longed.
We all know what it is like to have a place of our own. There are certain places we go that practically call out to us, “Home!” When we arrive at those destinations, we feel a sense of peace, security, and rootedness.
We can only be truly rooted, though, in the Lord. If we try to find or make a place on our own, we will fail.
Of all the things and places that call to you, is the Lord God the center of that place?
FAITH ACTION: Look around your own home. Is there a crucifix placed prominently so that you may reflect upon the redemption wrought for you by Jesus? Is there religious art? Are there religious books, including a Bible, that are not only available but actually used?