RE Verse reading–Amos 4:1-5, 5:1-24 (day five) “Therefore the prudent man keeps quiet in such times, for the times are evil” (5:13) One of the worst effects of Israel’s moral decline was the pressure it put on good people to be silent. With corrupt courts ( vs 12) and public opinion working against them, prudent people were choosing to “not rock the boat”. There is a touch of scorn in Amos’ description of “the prudent”. Theirs was a freedom he did not have. The person who is over-careful of his skin or reputation will hold his tongue. Becoming accustomed to corruption, he will lose the courage to challenge or rebuke. The brave man, the one who learns his thoughts from the Lord and judges all things by an eternal standard will not. No matter the outcome. “The Lord has spoken! Who can but prophesy?” Amos says in explanation of his boldness. (3:8) An “evil time” is no excuse. May the Lord make us as faithful.
I totally agree there is a time to speak out. The store I posted about previously actually moved the inappropriate magazine away from the checkout stands and to the magazine section in response to my request, but often we are called to something higher… as the Lord leads, of course.
Christians can get so upset/shocked when they see evil in the world. However, they often fail to see their part in that evil. I was sampling a book on prayer today from a former Chaplain during Civil War times. He said, “When the church fails to pray, God’s cause decays and evil of every kind prevails.” The thing about lost people is that they are lost. It is who they are… for now, anyway. Why are we always so shocked when they act evil?
The way I see it is that when we see evil we should not get mad… but get glad (or maybe Thankful would be a better word.) “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Phil 4:6. “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chron 7:14. Cry out for the salvation of our lost world/nation!!…that is the only thing that is really going to change things. ….”but you do not grieve over the ruin of Joseph.” Amos 6:6
Obviously, I am not saying that there is not a time to act… I am just saying that I hope the Lord helps me to always remember that the time to pray is first.