Maybe for two months, there’s been a saying of the scripture that has been buzzing around my head.
Amos is a man called to speak what God tells him on a matter of dispute with his people. In one contention that God brings about He starts off with a few rhetorical questions. All these questions point to the fact that He wouldn’t act if there wasn’t a reason to do so. One of those rhetorical questions asks:
Do two walk together, unless they have agreed to meet? (Amos 3:3)
Some have taken this verse to have tremendous meaning about the importance of true and deep relationships and how we stay together. I am not inclined to dispute that interpretation. Although there is a far more simple way to read it and that’s the observation that two individuals will not walk together unless they have agreed to do so. You don’t have to be bosom buddies to observe that reality. You and the dentist won’t get to the bottom of your pain in the mouth unless you’ve agreed an appointment. Simple as that.
It stands to reason, then, that certain things can take place, because there has been a cause for it to happen. Two people will walk together because they have arranged for it to happen. The dentist will give you that tender and gentle oral care, because you and the dentist have agreed to do so on Friday afternoon at 3:30pm.
There comes a time when it’s worth looking at where you are in life and wonder – is this what we agreed on?
My brother wrote a fascinating critique of something called the social contract. I listened to it and was reminded again that there are certain things we take for granted in life and go along with an assumption that this is what we have to accept as if we agreed to it. Whether we can do something about it once we recognise things is another thing. It is still worthwhile stopping to check if this is what you signed up for – if this is what you agreed.
If it is what you agreed – then the repercussions are at least things you can accept in line with what was agreed.
What if it is not what you agreed? Can the walk still happen?
(Photo by Chris Liverani on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
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