Scripture Study for

Amos denounces the unscrupulous merchants for their false piety, their avarice, their dishonest business practices, and their exploitation of the poor and defenseless. The judgment of God is passed on these unrighteous individuals in the form of an irrevocable oath. Amos prophesied to the northern kingdom,  referred to here as Jacob. As this oracle shows, the people of privilege frequently took advantage of the vulnerable poor. God swears an oath against such pride,  showing that the evil perpetrated by it will not be forgotten; it will be avenged.  This is truly an oracle of judgment. 

The major point of Paul’s instruction to Timothy seems to be the all-inclusive scope of Christian prayer. Twice Paul states that prayers should be offered for all people. Special attention is given to civic leaders. Thus, Christianity was not fundamentally inimical toward those who wielded worldly power. Besides, if all power comes from God, as Christians believed, then rightful leaders govern by  God’s authority, and this authority should be respected. Paul is urging prayer for the conversion of these leaders. If they are converted, they will recognize and accept the teachings of the gospel, and all will be able to live tranquil lives.

Jesus tells a story of a manager who rewrote the debts of his employer in order to ensure a financial future for himself as he faced dismissal. The story has raised many questions, because Jesus seems to commend unscrupulous behavior.  Actually, Jesus uses this particular incident to make a religious point. He states that the children of this age (children of the world) have more practical wisdom than do children of light. The real point of the story is found in the last verse.  Though shrewd in the ways of the world, the steward chose to serve his own financial needs rather than the economic interests of his employer. Rather than choose to serve the master of the household (God), he chose his own personal interests (mammon).