The Carrot and the Stick

The Carrot and the Stick
Amos 6:1-8

I find the Advent readings intriguing in that they bounce back and forth between threatening disaster to come and holding out the beauty of the future when God will restore everything that has been destroyed. In the former readings, the Israelites are castigated for their indulgence, outwardly sinful behavior and indifference to the things of God. “You put off the evil day and bring near the reign of terror, You lie on beds inlaid with ivory and lounge on your couches (Couch potatoes), You dine on choice lambs and fattened calves (Hang out at the best restaurants). You strum away on your harps like David and improvise on musical instruments (Lose yourself in your music). You drink wine by the bowl full (drink to the point of intoxication) and use fine lotions (apply those expensive creams to keep the wrinkles at bay), but you do not grieve over the reign of Joseph. To make sense of this last part, one must remember how God provided for the Jews during the time of Joseph. Joseph was a remarkable leader whose wise management of resources provided food for his countrymen during a time of draught and famine. In Psalm 80:1, Judah and Israel are referred to as "Joseph." Amos is saying that "as to their own kingdom which was invaded, distressed, and broken in upon, this kingdom of which they were conservators, they were unaware of the breaches that were made upon it. They were so besotted, so indulgent of their pleasures that they never took the conditions to heart. They had such an aversion to the thing called business [work] that they were in no care or concern to get these breaches repaired. It is all one to them whether the nation sink or swim, but so that they can but lie at ease and live in pleasure. (Matthew Henry commentary) These people knew that they were on the thin edge but they were doing nothing about it except to “eat, drink, and be merry” for as long as they could. They were interested only in their own pleasure, not in preventing or preparing for any disaster to come. They are bluntly told that life as they know it will end. These “fat cats” are going to be the first to go.

Even while they are being told of the disaster and exile that is approaching, they are told that God is preparing a future for them. He describes a time that is coming when all will be peaceful—the lamb will lie down with the wolf. God never lets them totally despair. He lets them know that while this time of exile is necessary, they are still his people and in the future, the Kingdom will be restored.

One of the wonderful things about our God is that he never gives up on his desire to have a relationship with his people and he will use whatever method is needed to make that happen. Sometimes he woos us with the promise of good things and sometimes he “whacks us over the head.” Sometimes the carrot, and sometimes the stick. Sometimes, we must pay the price for our disobedience and the way out of our troubles is difficult work. It is these experiences that let us know that we never want to be in that “go our own way” again. We have learned the hard way that rebellion and disobedience do not get us where we want to be. At other times, the Lord has compassion on us and woos us to himself. He holds out the carrot in the form of blessings, forgiveness and invitations to come to the banquet. He smoothes the rough spots and gives us a helping hand. In either case he never lets us lose our hope. He says to us, “Do not despair, I am near, I will make all things new.” God’s end is not always what we expect it might be, but it is always the best given in love.

These advent readings remind us that God is near. He holds out the promise of punishment to the rebellious and disobedient, but the promise of abundant life to those who draw near to him. He woos and disciplines. What does it take to make you hear his voice?