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July 11th

The bible reading today is in the first 5 chapters of Amos.

“For thus says the Lord to the house of Israel: “ “Seek me and live” ...really live...The same thing Jesus was saying in Mark 1:15 and Matthew 6:33

“Jesus saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; (it’s right in front of you...the kingdom is Me...because I'm the king) repent and believe the gospel.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭1:15‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“And...” seek first the kingdom of God (Me) and my righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:33‬ ‭ESV‬‬

So God has always appealed to His chosen ones to seek and desire Him and His ways. Not just through Amos in Old Testament times, not just Jesus to his first disciples, but always...even to this generation of Christ-followers, as a good parent appeals to the child of his and her love. Especially when the child is desiring wrong things.

God is always appealing to His treasured ones...His believing ones...”Seek Me...desire Me...and really/ truly / live!

God told the house of Israel...the people of His promise...His people of faith...Seek me...desire me...” but do not seek Bethel, and do not enter into Gilgal or cross over to Beersheba; for Gilgal shall surely go into exile, and Bethel shall come to nothing.”

‭‭Amos‬ ‭5:4-5‬ ‭

The Righteous Loving God was warning his kids of a judgment to come. An exile that would bring their lives to “nothing”. O if they would just seek Him again, and truly live wherever they might wind up!

Or said another way...Beloved, quit going to the places where the calves of Jereboam and the idols of Ahab’s foreign wives are set up for worship. You’re setting yourselves up for a costly lesson at your own expense. Do not continue to be double-minded in your devotions. You cannot worship Me and idols.

That’s what Jesus meant when he told his disciples to seek him first. Not first in time, not first in order, but first and “only!” Otherwise, you're not worshipping the God of your salvation at all.

Amos could be described as the Angry Prophet. In the first two chapters, he unloads on 6 evil nations. He doesnt mince words. He doesn't sugar coat a thing. Just the truth. Logical truth that judged the nations guilty and deserving of destruction.

The prophets had visited and lived among them and told them the truth about God’s kingdom. The preachers called the nations to repentance and faith toward God. But for the most part, instead of believing God, they tortured and murdered God’s messengers.

Reminds me of how every one of Christ’s apostles, sent to the nations by Jesuss preached the gospel of God’s kingdom in Christ. And each one was killed/martyred for the faith by unbelievers.

No pity today...but...Do you remember an emotional (written) appeal from Peter to the churches in Cilicia in 1 Peter 4:16,17...

“Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name, Christian. “

“For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God”; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?”

Peter was saying...Don't be surprised church, when times of judgment/discipline touches you. Our Master went through it and not for his own sins but for ours. He was touched terribly by God’s judgment on sin, and the servants are no greater than their master. So let us not be shocked when the judgment of God begins at the doorsteps of His house...you and me...for his honor and glory and our purification and sanctification on our way to heaven’s glorification.

Wow...now that will preach. By the way...chapter 9 makes all the other Amos reading worth it.

So good to belong to Jesus and walk with Him, and have believing family and friends to join me on that amazing grace walk.

Have a good day