One of the sins that Prophet Amos condemns is the violation of a Covenant of Brotherhood. (Amos 1:9) Covenant in the Bible means a partnership sealed by blood, and violation of any party will result in the punishment of death. This covenant is the opposite of having the attitude of Cain – Am I my brother’s keeper. (Genesis 4:9) In many cultures, such bonds are exhibited by tying a thread. Christian brotherhood does not hang in the thread but is sealed by the Blood of Jesus Christ.
The essence of the covenant
The Covenant of Brotherhood is the sacred commitment to the Lord and one another, like that of their own siblings. It includes caring, sharing, encouragement, affirmation, loyalty, mutual support, commitment to others’ progress, well-being, timely help, and promoting unity.
The Local church
The gathering of saints cleansed by the Lord Jesus Christ regularly, every week. The local assembly is the expression of the Body of Christ. All believers are a part or cell of the Body. As the body is One, so is the Church one. All who take communion affirm this truth of the universal global church. God is the Father, and all believers are brothers and sisters, bound by the covenant of brotherhood. Considering some members as superior is an insult to the Lord. Treating any member without dignity and honour in the name of race, colour, nationality, caste, or any other, is dishonouring the Lord. Paul exhorts: “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honour.” (Romans 12:10)
Nations
God gave Edom, the descendants of Esau, also an inheritance; Israel cannot try to possess that land. (Deuteronomy 2:5) God has given boundaries for each nation, and they should not be greedy for land and violate the covenant of brotherhood. Israel and Tyre made a covenant of brotherhood when Solomon was the king. However, Tyre engaged in the slave trade of selling slaves of other northern tribes after they fell to Assyria. Hence, Amos rebukes Tyre, warning of God’s judgment.
Do I faithfully keep all the covenants, including my marriage covenant?