SCRIPTURE: Amos 5:1-17
OBSERVATION:
Another warning from God during a immoral, godless time in their history.
They were looking to their man-made “holy places” where they made sacrifices (Bethel, Gilgal, Beersheba), but they were not looking to their God.
They were living for evil, oppressing the righteous, trampling on the poor, denying justice, taking bribes, etc.
Another reference to big houses, which was another way of saying they were greedy, constantly building bigger and better, never satisfied, all the while ignoring God and His Law.
This is one of many times when God warns His people to think about their ways, to repent, to come to God on their knees seeking mercy and help… or else.
God wants to bless His people, but often His people take the blessings but ignore the Blesser. Ultimately this leads to the loss of blessing.
APPLICATION:
How often what we call “blessings” (good health, wealth, opportunity, etc.) become the very things that lead us to ignore and disobey God.
When we hear these kinds of warnings, do we tend to deny that they apply to us?
“Seek the Lord and live”, how do I seek the Lord, do I do so with sincerity and passion?
Do I also attend “holy places” (go to church, do devotions, etc.) as if they could help me, all the while not coming to the Lord for mercy, for strength, for direction?
PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for patiently warning and challenging me through the words of the prophts. Help me to see that You are also speaking to me, and that I need to carefully cnsider my ways. Amen.
Verse 4 reminds me of the words of the song, Seek Ye Firts the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness. The people did not put first things first, nor focus their eyes on God, but did what was right in their own eyes – thwart justice, speak falsely, go for the gold. God will visit His people as He states for He will pass through them
As Israel was called to seek the Lord, I too must seek Him diligently each and every day. Help me Lord not to seek my comfort in the pleasures of the world, but only in You. Your mercies are renewed each morning. In my Living for Jesus, help me to seek good and love what is good in Your sight. Create in my a clean heart Oh God and renew a right Spirit in me. Help me each day anew to serve You in all I say and do.
Create in me a clean heart oh God
And renew a right spirit within me
Create in me a clean heart oh God
And renew a right spirit within me
Cast me not away
From thy presence oh Lord
Take not thy Holy Spirit from me
Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation
And renew a right spirit within me