Day 271

Seek God and Live

Read: Amos 5-9

Woe to those who have an attitude of spiritual complacency, living in luxury as do so many of us but not deeply concerned about the sad condition of the church and the nation. “Woe to those who lie upon beds of ivory . . . sing idle songs . . . drink wine in bowls . . . but are not grieved over the ruin of Joseph!” (6:4-6). Amos calls for social justice. “You trample upon the poor” (5:11), “you . . . who take a bribe, and turn aside the needy in the gate” (5:12).

The evangelistic call is to turn from such a way of life and turn to God. “For thus says the Lord to the house of Israel: ‘Seek me and live’” (5:4). “Seek the Lord and live” (5:6). What does it mean to seek God? Certainly it means coming to him and asking for forgiveness, but it also means living according to his righteous demands: “Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (5:24). Are we complacently living in luxury while we are indifferent to the injustices rampant in society? Then this prophecy is especially addressed to us.

There is hope for the future. In the end the Lord and his righteousness will prevail. “The days are coming . . . when the plowman shall overtake the reaper . . . I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel” (9:13-14). The New Testament teaches that the church is the new Israel. Its future is bright.

PRAYER
Father, give us a deep concern about injustice. Work mightily in areas where we feel so helpless. In Jesus’ name. Amen.