Journey with Jesus: Daily Reflections

SATURDAY, 6 JULY 2024

TEXT: Amos 5:1-9

1. Here this word which I take up against you, a lamentation, O house of Israel:

2. The virgin of Israel has fallen; She will rise no more. She lies forsaken on her land; There is no one to raise her up.

3. For thus says the Lord God: “The city that goes out by a thousand Shall have a hundred left, And that which goes out by a hundred Shall have ten left to the house of Israel.”

4. For thus says the LORD to the house of Israel: “Seek Me and live;

5. But do not seek Bethel, Nor enter Gilgal, Nor pass over to Beersheba; For Gilgal shall surely go into captivity, and Bethel shall come to nothing.

6. Seek the LORD and live, Lest He break out like fire in the house of Joseph, And devour it, With no one to quench it in Bethel-

7. You who turn justice to wormwood, And lay righteousness to rest in the earth!”

8. He made the Pleiades and Orion; He turns the shadow of death into morning and makes the day dark as night; He calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out on the face of the earth; The LORD is His name.

9. He rains ruin upon the strong, So that fury comes upon the fortress.

(New King James Version Holy Bible)

TOPIC: A CALL TO REPENTANCE

God's love for Israel constantly makes Him draw their attention every time they derail and get entangled in different atrocities. He doesn't want to destroy those that have a relationship with Him, except they choose to go their own ways.

Prophet Amos laments the deplorable condition of the people which was the result of their complacency.

Cities like Bethel, Gilgal and others witnessed great historical events, especially regarding God's dealings with some of their ancestors. God invited them to seek Him and live.

He invited them to pursue justice and righteousness so as to get the best out of their lives as they continue to live for His glory. We must understand that except we repent and turn from our wickedness, we shall be punished.

QUESTION: What are the things you are doing which you need to stop and repent?

PRAYER: Help me, dear Lord, to understand the folly in my life and turn to You for forgiveness. Help me to continue in Your ways as long as I live, in Jesus name. Amen.