Newsabout the assassination of Charlie Kirk recently have fostered numerousresponses of anger, confusion, and surprisingly even celebration by those whowould reveal the evil in their own hearts. Whether or not one agrees withsomeone’s opinions and expressions, murder should never be a response andcertainly should never be celebrated. The Prophet Amos spoke to the people ofIsrael in vivid visions and warnings, perhaps nowhere less than Amos 8. TheProphet begins the chapter by referencing visions of summer fruit (v. 2).[1] Through the prophet, Godcharges Israel with social injustice, commercial dishonesty, and indifferenceto holy days. Here, a sharp warning is given to God’s people regardinginjustice, for God is just so anything that does not exhibit his own heart isevil.

---

[1]The Hebrew words for “summer fruit” and “end” are similar and skillfullybrought together (v. 2) for effect (i.e., the end has come for Israel).