November 12, 2021
What does it say?
Amos lamented the fall and exile of Israel. Perhaps the Lord God Almighty would show mercy to the remnant of Joseph who sought Him, loved what was good, and hated evil.
What does it mean?
Some Jews mistakenly believed that performing ritual sacrifices would keep God from punishing them, even though they consistently did things He called evil. They said that God was among them, yet their treatment of His Law and one another did not reflect His presence. The nation would be punished and sent into exile. In spite of the coming judgment, there was hope for anyone who turned from evil and chose to do good. Amos made the choice clear: individuals could continue to seek evil and be destroyed, or seek the Lord and live.
How should I respond?
Israel’s misguided beliefs are similar to some beliefs today. Our nation supports many practices which go directly against God’s commands and scriptural principles, yet we want to claim His presence and blessing. God still holds nations accountable for their actions – a sobering thought when we see the sin around us. However, God also still honors individuals who willingly turn to Him. In what area of your life are you seeking something other than God? Do you pursue godly things regularly or only when it’s convenient? Abundant life is found in obediently seeking the Lord, daily.