INNOCENCE FOR SALE

I decided to read a book from the Old Testament recently; I chose Amos at random because it was short and I don’t recall reading it before. As I opened it up, I thought ‘ah it’s one of those books in the Bible!’ Lots of Amorites and Amelekites and somebody-ites that God is upset with. 

I hate to say it but these are the kind of chapters I would usually skim read. As I read however, I discovered something beautiful - all the people that God was upset with were people who were not being fair or just, they were mistreating the poor to advance themselves and gain wealth and possessions. The verse that stood out to me the most was Amos 2:6,

“They sell the innocent for silver, and the needy for a pair of sandals.” 

Sound like a familiar story? That got me in the guts!

There are things happening in the world that we already know about (or say we don’t because we choose not to look into them) such as our abuse of the planet, the sweatshops and slave labour that make our clothes, the unfair and often unhealthy way our food is farmed and all the people whose backs are trodden on for the sake of our comfort. How we respond and participate in these things, whether we cause them or contribute to them, really matters. 

I think ‘social justice’ or ‘world issues’ is considered a small side dish in what it means to serve and follow God, but I am learning that it is the starter, main course and the dessert. In all of history and since the beginning of time God has cared for the poor and marginalised and has been deeply burdened by those who mistreat, abuse or kill others. As I am changing and living my daily life more aware of these things, I am finding I meet Jesus everywhere. As I read Amos, the gospels and countless other books with fresh eyes I am astonished that I could have missed this as it is the constant cry of God from beginning to end. 

Walking through the shops can feel like you’re in a strobe light show – all these bargain prices jumping out at you– workout pants - $4, kids pjs - $6, plaid shirts, tank tops, jeans – all so cheap. It’s like being a kid in a candy shop, so much for so little that you can just indulge and get whatever you like because - ‘it’s so cheap!’ 

But how much does it really cost?

Amos 2 continues, “They trample on the heads of the poor as on the dust of the ground and deny justice to the oppressed.” The documentary, The True Cost, shares the story of Shima Akhter, a young, single mother trying to make a life for her and her daughter whilst working in the garment industry. Without a living wage or access to childcare, she is forced to work away from her daughter, seeing her only twice a year. In a distressing interview, Shima cries, “I don’t want anyone wearing anything that is produced with our blood.”

As I read Amos, I hear Shima’s words echo through history.