Seek and Find

O. T. #2119  "Seek and Find"

Jan 31, 2022

Amos 5

LET IT GLOW

Are you bending under a burden? Do you feel like you are about to fall? Is your faith wavering? Then read on, friend.

Look still in Psalm 145:18-19, where we of God's gracious provisions. Not only does He help the oppressed and provides food for all (verses 14-15), but He also hears those who:

• call out to Him with integrity; (verse 18)
• fear Him; (verse 19)
• love Him. (verse 20)

If God is to act on our behalf, He expects those things from us. If we have integrity in our life, God will act on our behalf. He will also deliver us and guard us, since we love Him.

Turn to God for help. He is ready to lift you up and bear your burden. (Life Application Study Bible)

Do we walk upright, doing what is right? Do we respect God and love Him with all our heart? Then soul, why are you down under your burdens? (Speaking to me.)

When the time is right, I the LORD, will make it happen.     (Isaiah 60:22,NLT)

 

LET IT GROW

With that confidence, let's dive into the third sin that Amos pointed out to Israel, obstinacy, lamentation was coming because of their irresponsibility living in luxury and then their hypocrisy with idolatry. Their sin of moral and ethical decay was going to result in God's judgment.

Israel was told to begin lamentation (funeral dirge, which was a song or hymn of grief). Only about one tenth of Israel would survive the attack by Assyria. Amos tells them to hear the Words of the Lord.

God tells them three times to seek (follow, ask, inquire, search) the LORD (Jehovah, Self Existent or Eternal).

The only hope Israel had was to seek Jehovah and truly repent. Otherwise, His judgment was coming like fire. God is the omnipotent Creator of the stars, night, and controls the sea. (verse 8)

The LORD is His name.

He is the God of Creation-El Elyon (Ely-OWN). Therefore, He can do with it whatever He desires.

What is the solution for Israel?

Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of Hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken. (verse 14)

When there is true repentance, then good is chosen in life and not evil. If only Israel had heeded the words of the prophet Amos! But they would not.

How about you dear one? Are you hearing what God is saying? Have you wailed over your sins lately? Have you interceded for loved ones who need to repent and turn from their sinful ways?

 

LET IT GO

                     ... of worldly things, bank accounts, jobs for our dependence. Trust God.

                     ... of self worth and pride, coming to Jesus. Then live with integrity and love.

We owe our very life and salvation to You, Sweet Jesus.

Have mercy on our souls and our sinful nation.

We seek Your will, Your way.

Seek and ye shall find.