Amos and I do not hang out much. I read through my Bible at least once a year usually, so I am familiar with Amos. It is just that the book is so heavy. God begins by declaring judgment against Israel’s neighbors. He says, “I will not relent from punishing” and lists Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, the Ammonites, and Moab. Then God adds “I will not relent from punishing” Judah and Israel.
God also gives his reasons for punishing His own people (Judah & Israel) as social and spiritual corruption which has led to apostasy.
By the time I get to the part that exhorts God’s people to seek Him that they might live, I am exhausted. More so now as I find described in Amos much of what is happening in this present age.
The LORD, however, is a gracious God. He reminds His people that mercy is available if they turn back to Him in repentance.
“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. Perhaps the Lord God Almighty will have mercy on the remnant….” [Amos 5:14-15 HCSB]
Repentance, of course, is always marked by a changed behavior. It is not merely asking for forgiveness (although that is a necessary component), it is also making a 180-degree turnaround in our actions. A change in attitude and actions is evidence that our repentance is sincere.
So, beloved, what should God find in us … He is quite clear … we are to love good and hate evil, we are to maintain justice for all people. Perhaps then, the LORD God Almighty will have mercy on our land.
Amen & Amen.
