August 11, 2024 - Amos 1-6

Always, there’s the temptation to “go along to get along,” to “go with the flow,” “to run with the crowd,” “to test the currents,” etc. (Oh my, we have many maxims about it.  Must really be a problem.)  In Israel, in Amos’ day, the culture’s pressure was so great, and felt even by God’s servants, that he charged the people:  “But you made the Nazirites drink wine, and commanded the prophets, saying, ‘”You shall not prophesy’” (2:12).  Pressure to do this or to say or not to say that!

The whole of Israelite culture and religion was in terrible decay.  The Lord’s evaluation of the situation:  “’They do not know how to do right,’ declares the Lord” (3:10).  God struck them with famine, yet they did not return to him (4:6).  God withheld the rain, yet they did not return to him (4:8).  God struck their crops down, yet they did not return to him (4:9).  God struck down the young men with sickness and in war, yet they did not return to him (4:10).  God overthrew their cities, yet they did not return to him (4:11).  How hardened and stubborn Israel was!  Yet, in the midst of all this, the Lord says:  “Seek me and live” (5:4,6,14,15).

As bad as Israel's condition is (or any other nation’s!), if she will only turn and seek God, she will live.  Over and over again in the Bible story, against the dark backdrop of human sin, the brightness of God's patience and mercy shines unbelievably brightly.  To one generation after another, to nation after nation, to people everywhere, he says:  “Seek me and live!”

O soul, are you weary and troubled?

No light in the darkness you see?

There’s light for a look at the Savior,

And life more abundant and free.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

 In the light of His glory and grace.   -- Helen Howarth Lemmel (1922)