The lectionary Old Testament text this week is Amos 7: 7-17. We in the church tend to neglect the ancient prophets--especially the ones we call "Minor Prophets." These writers are called minor prophets because their writings are shorter than the major prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah & Ezekiel), not because their message is any less important. Prophets make us take a larger vision of how God wants us to live together. There is a personal message, but for the most part these prophets are speaking to the nation of Israel--especially to leaders. It is in these writings that we discover how God wants people in power to act and legislate. We can learn what kind of leaders God wants us to choose. It is a minor prophet, so you can read the book of Amos in 30 minutes. It contains some of the most vivid images of judgment in the whole Bible. As you read, think about parallels with our times. You might also think about the relationship of the church and the state. Why was Amos, a farmer (layperson) in Judah (the southern kingdom of the now divided kingdom of Israel), sent to Israel (the northern kingdom) to proclaim a word of judgement from God? From Amos we might discover how to be objective in our understanding of what God wants from us as individuals and as a nation.