07/11/2018 FRUIT, JUICE & JUSTICE
AMOS 8:1-2 Thus the Lord God showed me: behold, a basket of summer fruit. And he said, “Amos, what do you see?” And I said, “A basket of summer fruit.” [Revised Standard translation] Then the Lord said, “This fruit represents my people Israel—ripe for punishment. I will not defer their punishment again. [Living Bible Translation]
Summary
The book of Amos is a book about prophetic justice and judgment. Amos was a prophet---a spokesperson for GOD, predicting and foretelling GOD’s plan for the people, including GOD’s plan to judge and punish the Israelites for their sin. The Israelites had disobeyed God. They had broken their covenant with GOD by repeatedly worshipping idols. The wealthy elite were becoming rich at the expense of the poor, stealing even their “smallest crumbs” with taxes, fines and unjust interest rates. There was rampant corruption and social injustice everywhere, even in the courts. Individual pride, the lust for power and self-interest were more important to the people than GOD or righteousness.
In chapters 7and 8 of the book of Amos, (i.e., The Book of Visions), Amos describes a series of visions from GOD. In the first two vision narratives (the 7th chapter) Amos seems to persuade GOD not to carry out the punishment on Israel. However, in the 8th chapter, GOD gives Amos a third vision. GOD shows Amos a basket of summer ripe fruit. In the hot Middle East sun, this type of ripe summer fruit would not have lasted long. The fruit would turn soft and brown and decay, spawn mold, rot and then smell. Eventually, it would have to be “dealt with.”
Through this vision, GOD lets Amos know that, like ripe rotting fruit, Israel’s sin and social injustices had gone unchecked long enough. The stench of Israel’s sin was too great. It had to be “dealt with.” GOD would not defer HIS punishment any longer. The time was “ripe” for GOD’s judgment and justice.
Fruit v. Fruit Juice
Many food guidelines recommend 2-4 servings of fruit per day. Fruit is rich in vitamins and nutrients and daily consumption of fruit is generally considered necessary for a good health. [Note: If you have a medical condition, your doctor may have other dietary recommendations or restrictions.] However, just as there is a difference between eating molding ripe fruit and eating recently picked “fresh fruit.” There is also a vast difference between eating a piece of fruit (with fiber) and drinking fruit juice and fruit drinks.
For those who are trying to reduce their sugar intake, eating a piece of fruit and drinking a glass of water is a much healthier alternative and a better choice (especially for weight control) than drinking fruit juice.
Fruit juice consumption should be particularly monitored in infants and children.