Beds inlaid with Ivory, luxurious couches. These seem to be the trend in upscale homes of Amos’ day. Yet, the people are condemned for their complacency and for not grieving “over the ruin of Joseph.” (Joseph is not a person but a composite name for the community.) Those with economic means do not seem to be aware of or concerned about the economic state of the rest of the community. Our communities are often divided by economic class so that those with economic means are isolated geographically from those who are “ruined”. How can we, as people of faith, bridge the divide? What does “grieving for the ruin of the community” look like? What action could you take to identify more closely with those who do not enjoy the “luxury” of a bed?
Suggested Action: Participate in our upcoming Tent City on Saturday, March 31. For details of the Chicago event, download a flyer at www.kimballavenuechurch.org/main. For the Lancaster, PA, event contact Faith Church at 717.393.5345 for details.
For Further Reflection
The most expensive home for sale in the US is “The Manor”, Aaron Spelling’s 56,000 square foot estate in southern California. Asking price $150,000,000! In 2010, one man, Igor Chernomzav, purchased two condos at the 60-story Elysian Tower, paying over $15,000,000 for the two—the most ever paid for condos in Chicago. He was unavailable for comment as to why he needed two. While the housing market for most Americans has gone bust, those Americans with wealth are still purchasing homes at pre-recession rates and at pre-recession prices. In December 2011, an 11,000 square foot home on six acres of land on Lititz Pike in Lancaster, PA, sold for $1.8 million. There are currently 33 single family homes listed in Lancaster County for more than 1 million dollars—the most expensive is $3.1 million for a 10-acre estate with 6 bedrooms and 6 baths. (source: www.zillow.com) What is your reaction to these home prices in the midst of “the ruin of Joseph”? What do you think Amos (and God) might have to say?
Tongue on Fire 