Seek God and Live

DAY 249
6-9-10
AMOS 1-5


Good Morning!

The word of the Lord comes to Amos and God gives his judgments against the evil nations that surround Israel. I can just picture the arrogant and sinful Israelites giving their “amen’s” as they hear Amos’ words…and then they hear that Israel and Judah are included the condemnation too!

Just like in Joel, God sent plagues, wars, and calamities upon them to wake them up; and they ignore what they know is true about God and about their sin. “I sent plagues among you…yet you have not returned to me” (4:10). They continued hypocritical worship and God rejected it…and them. “I hate, I despise your religious feasts; I cannot stand your assemblies. Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them.” (5:21-22)

God’s call to his sinful and wayward children has always been the same. Repent, change, and come back. “Seek me and live…Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is. Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts.” (5:4 & 14-15)

God’s grace is never deserved and it is never unconditional. We must repent. His love, however, is completely unconditional – he loves us no matter what. That’s why God has shown himself to be so patient with us.

Thank God for his love. Thank God for his grace when we repent.

Barry