The Pulpit Commentary — Amos — Section 47

Ver. 8.-0ommunion and concord inseparable. "Do two walk together unless they have 8,,"l'eed?" The special reference of this general question is not apparent. But the scope of the context suggests two points on either or both of which it would throw light. The one is the prophet's claim to be speaking the truth, the other is the people's claim to be doing the right. Between his words and their works there was utter incompatibility. Those must be wrong if these were right, and vice versa. And the axiom quoted supplies a decisive test. Amos walked with God-there could be no denying that; took his side and sought his glory amidst prevailing defection and dis- obedience. Must it not be argued from this that he was at one with God, and so in all his utterances spoke agreeably to his will? Israel, on the other hand, had clearly not agreed with God, for they were red-banded in rebellion against him. Was not the inference from this resistless that they could not walk with him, here by faith or here- after by sight? Consider here- I. THE wALKING WITH GoD THAT IS THE IDEAL OF HUMAN LIFE. " Enoch walked with God." That is a short biography. But there is more in it, more important in its character and more adequately expressed than in many an octavo volume. " 'l'hey shall walk with me in white" is a summary of the joy and glory of redeemed spirits on high. And life below is ideal in proportion as it approximates the life above. To walk with God implies: 1. Thczt we wal,k with the same purpose as God. The raison d'etre of things is God's glory first (Rom. xi. 36; Col. i. 16), the good of his people next (2 Cor. iv. 15; Rom. viii. 28), then the happiness of the race (1 Tim. iv. 10; Gal. vi. 10), and ultimately the well-being of the planet as a whole (Ps. x.x:xvi. 6; Rom. viii. 20, 21). The attainment of the8e objects in this order is God's purpose as revealed in Scripture. With this purpose it is the design and nature of religion to make man at one. By creating him in God's image he is endowed with a spiritual nature which exalts God (1 Cor. x. 31), loves the brethren (1 John iii. 4), consults the interests of others (Phil. ii. 4), and regards the life even of the beasts (Prov. ii. 10). In proportion as the godly endorse and homologate the Divine purpose thus are they in the image of Christ (John xii 28; xiii. 1, etc.) and do they walk with God. 2. That we wallc like God. "The Christian," says Joseph Cook, "is a man who has changed eyes with God." Subtle affinities have arisen involving a marvellous unity of thought and aim. The end of onr walking is God's end, and naturally his way becomes out way. "The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him." In Christ, "the Image of the invisible God,'' it became an open secret to all who believe. He has left "us an example," and there are oo relations in life to which it does not apply. We" follow his steps," and by consequence walk like God, being " imitators of him as dear children." 3. That we walk in company with God. The ungodly are fur from God, and of set purpose keep their distance. But faith brings near and keeps near his side. The bumble, contrite heart, which is the home of faith, is also the temple of God (Isa. !vii. 15). The love by which faith works is his welcome and feast (Rev. iii. 20). The believer lives in God's presence. He walks by faith, holding on as it were by the Divine hand. It is the promise and the thought of God's presence with him that makes the journey light (Isa. xliii 2), whilst the reality of it is the guarantee of safety and ease. God with us, we have unfailing provision, unerring guidance, and an invincible escort. No marvel if they who thus travel "go from strength to strength." II. THE AGREEMENT WITH GoD THAT I8 THE CONDITION OF WALKING WITH BIM, Walking with God is not an occasional act, but a. habit of life, and must arise out of an established relation. 1. The parties must both be willing. Men are na_turally at enmity with God, and so averse to his company. 'l'hey know not and deme not to know his ways, and the expression of this feeling is the "Depart from us I" in which they decline the establishment of spiritual relations (Job xxi. 14). The operation of grace, however, is one "to will and to do of God's good pleasure," and the result of it is "a. willing people in the day of God's power." They choose God (Josh. xxiv. 15), OH, IIL 1-16,] THE BOOK OF A.MOS. 41